An outdoor fire pit is a natural or artificial fire enclosure for cooking, improving the ambiance for a special occasion or generating warmth on cold, winter evenings. The pit offers a modern home the feel of a rustic camp ground, complete with a hole in the ground, surrounded by a ring of rocks. The fire pits add quality to vacation homes and sites for camping in the woods. However, the proverbial 'playing with fire' could get literal, if certain precautions are not in place.
Outdoor fireplaces are a great way to fulfill your desire for a cozy and inviting fire in your backyard. The designs available blend well with patio furniture and outdoor lighting. The fire pit serves as a focal point for conversation and barbecue turn outs. They promote an atmosphere for getting together and creating great memories. The warmth and visual light signal camaraderie. It looks great in the gardens, courtyard and patios.
Steps to Ensure Fire Pit Safety
Install Border rings
Invest in a fire pit that has a ring. There are a number of manufacturers of that offer a variety of these rings. There are designed options with silhouettes of animals and trees to add quality to the campsite, and even regular steel mesh and glass. Depending upon the use that pit is put to, the ring can be selected. For example, if trying out scrumptious barbecue recipes outdoors is the idea then the mesh made from stainless steel or designed extensions are a good bargain. The rings help create the campfire ambiance and come in a variety of sizes.
Choose Wide-base designs
When choosing a fireplace, it is important that you first consider the common use that the pit will be put to, the number of people you think will use the facility and the area where the fireplace would be commonly used. It is safer to go in for the widest base design available in the size-category you are looking at. The pits come in a wide range of materials and sizes. They are placed off the ground, if not permanently placed at ground level, and help you to get real value by optimizing the outdoor space. The wide base offers more heat and additional cooking space. It also a helpful step taken for child safety when your guests are children.
Use Smoke vents
The smoke vents are usually sold along with the fire pits. The front opening of the vent functions like a chimney for the smoke to be re-directed. Smoke vents are made from a variety of materials, including clay, copper and cast iron. They are a big help when you are entertaining more than your usual guest capacity and when there are children at the barbecue. The vents enable everyone to enjoy the crackling sound, warmth and cozy ambiance, without being inconvenienced by the smoke and cinders.
Appropriate Location
It does well to choose the position for the fireplace with the help of a professional or someone who has being using one for years. The pit should ideally be positioned several feet away from any flammable area of the home, for electrical safety. You need to ensure that the structure is away from access point to the main indoor living area, electrical appliances, plants and trees and overhangs. Other things to look out for include dry grass, hay and stacks of open firewood. Proper and planned positioning would also facilitate a central location for encouraged conversation and interaction.
Choice of 'fuel'
Another tip when choosing to install a fire pit is to carefully decide on the fuel to be used. The level of flames and amount of heat generated are greatly impacted by the fuel within. The propane and pressure treated wood options are there, but in the latter, prevention is better than cure. The emitted fumes are toxic. Fat-wood, a natural product of highly combustible pine resin makes great fuel. Hard woods such as oak not only produce less smoke, but are also safe with children around.
