Fire pits are a wonderful way to bring warmth, light, and atmosphere to your garden, but it’s easy to be bamboozled by the range of choice available. Here are some tips to help you make a sound decision.
Location and safety
The location of your fire pit is the first decision to make. You’ll need a solid, level, heat-proof surface like a patio or cleared ground. You can put fire pits on decking, but you will need a fire pit mat that’s large enough to protect the wood from sparks and falling embers. You also need to avoid placing a fire pit near any overhanging branches and allow for plenty of room around the pit, so no one gets too close. A mesh cover provides an extra layer of safety and is advisable if you have younger children.
Shape and style
If you’re considering a moveable single unit fire pit, low kettle drum shapes are very stable, produce a convivial focal point for a seating area and are extremely affordable. Taller chiminea style burners are ideal for standing around and work well in corner settings where the limited direction of heat is an advantage. If you have a larger space, a metal trough-shaped fire pit makes a bold statement and has the added advantage of potentially accommodating an upper grill, so you can also cook over the flames.
For anyone thinking of a built-in fire pit, make sure any kit you buy contains everything you need and allow yourself the time it takes to build a safe, stable, and attractive structure. Factor in covers too; empty fire pits soon fill with water and leaves, and can be a challenge to keep clean and free of rust.
Some of the most straightforward options are gas fire pits, which are more expensive but more controllable, and fire pit tables incorporating a smaller fire pit section in the middle of a dining table or drinks platform – these are especially suitable for smaller outdoor spaces.
Fuels and storage
Fire pits burn seasoned wood, kiln-dried logs, smokeless fuel, or specialised gel fuel. Check your local council website for information about permitted fuels in your area, and do consider your neighbours too! Fire pits are made of metal, so even those that have weatherproof coatings will still need covering or storing indoors when not in use to avoid rusting.
Checklist for buying
Once you’ve decided on style and size, the first thing to check is stability. The legs or plinth needs to be robust and the pit itself needs to be thick enough to withstand regular use. Stainless steel and copper are lightweight materials for portability, but cast iron is more durable, although much heavier.
So, the broad advice when choosing a fire pit would be to think about safety first, practicality and versatility second, with aesthetics and style as your final consideration. If you need any further help with choosing a fire pit, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
