Like many Aussies, you probably enjoy spending your summer evenings in your backyard soaking up the sunset and drinking a glass of sweet Riesling wine. But what you probably don’t like is when the sun goes beyond the horizon and the temperature drops to a point that you have to go inside.
Don’t let the low temperatures prevent you from enjoying your outdoor space anymore. Your outside space can be used all year with the addition of an outdoor firepit.
A firepit is a versatile addition that can add warmth and a lot more to your outdoor space. Here are some great reasons why you should consider installing one.
Warmth and Lighting
Perhaps the main reason to install such an element in your yard is to add warmth. It’s the ideal place to gather with family and friends during the fall and winter months when it’s too cold to spend time outside comfortably.
On a chilly evening, imagine sitting around the fire with your family or throwing a nice party where your guests can stay warm while socialising. Because firepits generate full 360-degree heat, everyone can enjoy the warmth regardless of where you or your guests sit.
These outdoor features not only provide warmth but also bring additional light. When you have one installed on your deck, patio or pergola, you’ll find that no landscaping lighting can match the ambience generated by flickering flames.
Options to Suit All Tastes and Budgets
From casual to elaborate, traditional to modern, nowadays there is a variety of firepit styles available to choose from. If you have a modern home, a cast-iron fireplace pit can be a good option. If you’re a fan of the classic, traditional look, then go for a concrete or stone material. No matter your style or budget, you should be able to find a model that suits your needs.
It Can be Used as a Focal Point
A beautiful hearth surrounded by the right outdoor furniture can easily become your backyard focal point. Especially if your outdoor space is flat and boring, this seating area will draw attention.
You can use your pit not only to toast s’mores but also to cook kebabs, hot dogs, or foil-wrapped packages of meat or vegetables. For that, all you have to do is add a removable grill rack over the top.
Help Keep Mosquitoes and Other Insects Away
It’s important to note that you won’t get this benefit if you chose a gas pit because it doesn’t produce any smoke. But a wood-burning pit, on the other hand, will help keep those annoying insects away The wood smoke generated by the pit helps to deter these pests from approaching too closely, letting you spend your nights outside without being bothered by irritating insects.
How to Choose a Firepit?
When it comes to fire pits, there isn’t one size fits all. Knowing your available options can help you decide which one best suits your lifestyle.
Style
Basic metal fire bowls to sophisticated, multi-level and multipurpose systems that are combination fire pits and beverage refrigerators are all available. Other options include square versions that look like low tables and have space for a drink or dish.
Fuel Type
Wood firepits have several advantages, like providing greater heat and giving your backyard a more natural, cozy feel. They may also be utilised for a variety of purposes, providing you with additional options in terms of how you use them.
You should bear in mind, however, that they require more thorough cleaning and that you will need to buy and store firewood in order to use them. Still, many individuals, prefer the sight and feel that these fire pits provide.
If you don’t want to deal with filthy wood, outdoor gas fire pits are a cleaner option. Their simplicity to ignite and extinguish makes them a preferable alternative for individuals who don’t want to deal with the hassle of lighting a fire. For safe operation, however, you’ll need to contact an expert to install a gas line.
Material
Everything from the weight and mobility of the hearth to how effective it can emit heat is affected by the materials used to make it. You want one that is robust, easy to maintain, and if possible moveable, but most importantly, one that complements the style and ambience of your yard design.
When it comes to dispersing heat, metal fire pits are famous for their durability and excellent construction. On the other hand, concrete and stone are even more durable materials. Pits made of glass or polyresin are incredibly beautiful and make for unique accent fire elements for the patio or porch.
Size
Everything from design style to the material used can impact the size of a firepit. As a rule of thumb, choosing the right one for your space includes accessing how you plan to use it.
For example, if you want a pit that can be quickly moved out of the way, a smaller fire pit may be appropriate. A larger one, on the other hand, may be acceptable if you want something permanent that can securely handle a large number of people.
As for what size fire pit is best, it will depend on a variety of factors, being safety the most important one. The outdoor area planned for the pit should be large enough to accommodate it, any furniture, and enough walking room to enable safe mobility, while also being far enough away from structures, buildings, trees, and other combustible items. Look for firepits with lower sides to assist the fire in throwing heat more effectively.
Firepit Safety
Ensuring safety begins by choosing the right site. Under an overhang of a structure or beneath trees are two places where this outdoor element should not be placed.
It’s also critical to keep trash and other flammable items out of the vicinity of the pit. Keep in mind that stray sparks can cause the fire to go out and ignite nearby dry leaves, woods, and other material, resulting in a fire.
If your pit has a screen, it’s best to put it up whenever you use the appliance. It’s also a good idea to keep a pail of sand or a garden hose on hand in case of stray sparks from a wood fire.
You should burn woods that have been seasoned for at least six months. Good options include oak and hickory, as they produce fewer cracks and sparks. Never use construction materials because they release toxic chemicals into the air.