There’s nothing like a fire pit to warm up your outdoor living area in winter. It keeps you warm and is ideal for the kids (and adults!) to roast marshmallows over. It also creates a magical ambience for winter evenings in the backyard with family and mates.
Outdoor fire pits really are the perfect addition to your backyard or patio. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a pit for your outdoor area.
Location
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a fire pit is where you will place it. You want it to be at the centre of your outdoor space and a safe distance from plants and other flammable materials. You also want to choose a pit that is the right size for your space. The EcoSmart Fire Pod Bow Pit is great for both large and small areas. You can easily use it on a balcony too as it’s very low maintenance and doesn’t produce ash.
Surface
The space for your fire pit should be a solid, level surface. The area around your pit should ideally be a 2-metre clear radius. This will allow people to move around safely and easily when the fire is lit. The Tuscan 72cm Cast Iron Fire Pit is especially good for large outdoor areas. The pit has a deep bowl design that allows for a generous fire and effective heat distribution even in large surface areas.
Style
Fire pits come in all sorts of styles including bowls, tabletop, free-standing, portable, built-in, grills, and prefabricated. There are also different shapes, colours and designs to choose from. Think about where you plan to place your pit and you will be able to find a fire pit to suit the style. The stylish and eccentric-looking EcoSmart Fire Stix Ethanol Fireplace is a great choice for semi-covered alfresco settings.
Safety
Always keep safety in mind when choosing an outdoor firepit - especially if you have kids and/or pets. Consider pits with fire screens that help stop large flames and embers from escaping the fire pit. The EcoSmart Fire Ghost Fireplace is a great safety choice. The framed glass body gives it a strong modern feel while keeping the flames and embers in.
Regulations
Lastly, be aware of local rules and regulations about using or installing an outdoor fireplace. Look up your local council website to find regulations relevant to your area. Some of the main areas of concern that regulations seek to address are:
- Distance between your fire pit and the nearest vegetation and building structure.
- Smoke from your fireplace shouldn’t annoy and/or harm your neighbours.
- Type of fuel to be used to light up your fire pit.
Make sure to get and install a firepit that will meet most regulations such as the small and portable EcoSmart Fire Ghost Ethanol Pit.
Keep these tips in mind when you go shopping for your new outdoor fire pit this winter. Go on and add some warmth and ambience to your outdoor space with a fire pit that suits your style, space and personality while sticking to the regulations.