Backyard Fire Pits: A Glowing Recommendation

Creating a cozy outdoor entertaining area in your backyard can be as simple as making a few landscaping changes. Outdoor paving tiles in warm, natural colors can be arranged to form a rustic patio seating area. Shrubs and small trees can provide a measure of privacy and solitude even in the heart of the city. Consider also the warmth and utility a backyard fire pit can add to your backyard. A beautiful source of light and warmth, fire pits add a lovely glow to your outdoor gatherings, and can be used to cook food just as in a campfire or on a barbecue.

Metal fire pits are among the most commonly available, and can be purchased in a number of different forms. The simplest are large metal rings, usually with decorative shapes cut from the sides, designed to sit in a sandpit. While these are usually least expensive, many city ordinances do not allow open fires of this sort. Check your local laws before investing in a fire pit of this sort. Sturdy fire pits are available that stand on three or four metal legs; these can be very simply designed, or highly ornate, depending on your taste and budget. Make sure you choose a location for your fire pit that can withstand heat; most manufacturers recommend that you position your fire pit over a circle of sand or rock to ensure your safety. Most cities allow these raised fire pits since they are similar in construction and utility to barbecue grills, though far more decorative. In fact, some metal fire pits come equipped with a grill, making outdoors cooking easy and fun. If you purchase a copper fire pit, you’ll want to protect its delicate finish from any drippings by using a spatter shield or aluminum foil to prevent spills and stains.

A chimenea is a special kind of fire pit that incorporates a chimney in its design. Traditionally made of clay or terra cotta, chimeneas originated in Mexico as a combination of space heater and cooking center. Families would gather around the chimenea for warmth and to share a communal meal. The great advantage of the chimenea over other sorts of fire pits is its ability to funnel smoke up and away from the ground; however, heat is also directed upward, so the chimenea provides less heat than other types of fire pits. While the original clay designs do not stand up very well to rain, hail, or extreme temperatures, cast iron and aluminum designs are available. Chimeneas range in design from simple, rustic designs to ornate screened models with copper accents. While some are purely decorative, others include a grid or grill for cooking or barbecuing. Since both traditional metal fire pits and chimeneas use wood as fuel, you can select wood chips that give off a pleasing scent, further adding to your enjoyment of the fire.

Gas fire pits, like gas grills, require tanks of natural gas or propane to power their flames. Unlike gas grills, however, gas fire pits cannot be used for cooking in most cases. A few models, however, are specifically designed to offer the same safety features as standard gas grills. Gas fire pits lack the warm appeal of wood smoke, but for those with allergies, this can be a positive factor.

Regardless of which type you prefer, fire pits make a lovely addition to almost any backyard, giving it a warm, cozy atmosphere and providing a conversation piece for any gathering. Whether you enjoy cooking outdoors, or just relaxing in the soft glow of the firelight, there’s a fire pit that is right for you and your backyard.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas Realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Cedar Park real estate and Austin real estate can be found on the net.