Outdoor Fire Pit

Having an outdoor fire pit is increasingly popular among homeowners. The ability to sit and relax by a crackling fire in the middle of summer brings back memories of camp for many. Whether you are interested in an outdoor gas fire pit or a traditional wood burning variety, this can add the equivalent of another room to your home.

There are many types and styles to consider. Whether you choose to build your own, have one built, or purchase a portable outdoor fire pit, the decisions you make should be based on:

• Budget
• Desire
• Location
• Planned use
• Local ordinances and zoning laws
• Ability and experience with building projects
  

Once you have taken these things into consideration you can begin to make plans for your fire pit.

Wood Fire Pits

Do you have ready access to wood? If so a wood burning fire pit may be the logical choice. This will create an old fashioned crackling fire that not only adds ambiance to your nighttime landscape but also soothes your senses with the sights, sounds, aromas, and warmth of a real wood fire. Cooking hotdogs on a stick or toasting marshmallows is just better when the smoke from burning wood adds flavor. If you live in a wooded area and you have twigs, trimmings, and deadwood then a wood burning fire pit is a safe, easy, and efficient way to get rid of the surplus.

On the down side a wood burning fire has some challenges to overcome:

• It can be difficult to get started.
• It is banned in some communities.
• If you don't have access to your own wood then the wood for it can become rather expensive.
• Location must be chosen carefully or underground roots could become a fire hazard.

Natural Gas Fire Pits

If you have gas lines to your home you may want to choose the convenience of natural gas. There are several benefits to a natural gas fire pit.

• No cleanup
• Fire is easy to start, often uses a remote
• No sparks and other hazards to surrounding landscape
• No smoke

However, a gas fire pit has some negatives about it as well. It has to be connected to your home's natural gas lines. Generally this will need to be done by your plumber so it is not a do it yourself sort of project. Depending on where the lines are in relation to where you want your fire pit located, the cost can be quite high for running the lines.

Some people miss the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of the burning wood.

Propane Fire Pits

If you don't have natural gas to your home you still might be able to have the convenience of gas with a propane outdoor fire pit. Working on the same principle as your gas grill, the propane fire pit attaches to a propane tank. The propane tank supplies the fuel for the fire. Because the fire pit uses a propane tank which is moveable, this is a great choice for people who would like to be able to move their fire pit, or take it camping.

Portable Fire Pits

Both propane and wood fire pits come in portable styles. These fire rings are designed so that they can be easily relocated, and are great for people who like to camp.

Some people like do it yourself projects. If you are one of them then you may want to consider building a fire pit yourself.

You can get free plans for outdoor fire pits in many places:

• A quick trip to the library should yield several resources for fire pit plans.
• Local home improvement stores often have clinics and demonstrations on how to build various items. Check with your store to see if this is an option for you.
• A quick search on Google or Yahoo will bring up hundreds of sites with free outdoor fire pit plans.

Relaxing around an outdoor patio fire pit is a relaxing way to end your day with a cool drink and quiet talk with friends. It is not usually a high cost project and almost anyone can afford some sort of fire pit to enjoy.