Outdoor Fire Pits: The Secret Ingredient for a Cosy and Welcoming Backyard

Outdoor Fire Pits: The Secret Ingredient for a Cosy and Welcoming Backyard

. 4 min read

Since the beginning of time, man has found the appeal of an open flame mesmerizing. Fire is, and always has been a necessity for life to heat, protect, cook, and smelt. It also acts as a warm focal point for social events – dancing around holiday bonfires, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, or socializing with others in front of a roaring fire.

Many people include outdoor fire pits in their backyard as a way to bring the magic of an open flame to their outdoor gatherings. This element does a fantastic job at improving your home’s curb appeal and cozying up your outdoor area.

What Are the Advantages of Having an Outdoor Fire Pit?

If you enjoy relaxing in your outdoor space, there’s an easy way to improve your experience. Choose one of the stylish fire pits Australia-wide to spice up your outdoors. Owning a fire pit has many perks:

  • Provides entertainment: Many people adorn their patios with plants, fairy lights, candles, lanterns, and other accessories. An even better way to improve your outdoor leisure time is by adding an open flame. Any family gathering is made better just by the simple task of adding wood to keep the fire going. Watching and maintaining the fire is a pleasant activity that brings people together.
  • Promotes cuddling: Your romantic evenings with your sweetheart will be ten times better by the warm fire. Invite them over for hot cocoa and the two of you will be snuggled up in no time.
  • Adds ambiance: Similar to candles and bistro lights, a fire pit's radiance creates a cosy ambient in your outdoor space. Those that assemble around its flames feel closer to one another because of it.
  • Makes a multi-season space out of your patio: A fire pit will keep you toasty on chilly evenings. Place seats nearby and get a couple of blankets in case somebody feels cold. After that, gather your loved ones around the cosy area you just made. In the summer, you can use it to toast marshmallows and entertain your family and guests.
  • It works as a cooking tool: This is an enjoyable way of cooking that you can also get your kids involved in. Try roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, or skewering meat and veggies. Everyone will want to attend your fun family gatherings around the fire pit. On the other hand, if you love experimenting with food and cooking outside, consider getting an alfresco kitchen.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fire Pit?

Fire pits come in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional rust-finish fire bowls to contemporary fire pit tables, so you can easily select one that matches your outdoor aesthetic. They include a sturdy steel fire bowl and heavy-duty construction to increase the safety of your family and your outdoor space.

Fire Bowl vs Fire Pit Table

These outdoor elements come in many designs, however, two of the most popular options are the fire bowl and the fire pit table. Bowls have a wide range of shapes, materials, and fuel types. They might be empty containers for burning wood or they could include smooth pebbles or bits of glass that conceal a burner. Fire bowls become less portable if they need a gas hook-up, but they may still be transported to the location where you need them. They're a fantastic alternative for small areas, and their simplistic form complements just about any décor.

Firepit tables are one of the latest trends in contemporary outdoor fire furniture. These multifunctional appliances have an aperture with a burner that is encircled by a flat countertop. The hole might be square, oblong, or even a lengthy channel that runs down the center of the table. Glass windscreens are frequently used to shield the flame and any objects placed on the surface. Tabletop fire pits come in a variety of heights, from modest coffee tables to dining and bar versions that create unforgettable outdoor experiences. These captivating centerpieces create a warm and soothing ambient when placed in the middle of a seating layout.

Fire Pit Material

The fire pits Australia outdoor furniture stores sell are available in a broad range of materials:

  • Steel: This is a sturdy and heavy material. It’s available in a variety of finishes and it’s easy to maintain.
  • Cast iron: This is a strong and cost-efficient material that maintains heat quite well and heats up quickly.
  • Aluminum: Aluminium is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and needs little maintenance to endure for years. This is a suitable material option for portable fire pits due to its low weight.
  • Concrete: This mixture of cement, sand, and gravel may be moulded in a variety of forms and functions as a natural insulator. As a result, when you ignite it, concrete and cinder block fire pits stay chilly. Poured concrete's smooth surface goes well with modern décor, and the material is frequently used for fire tables. Although it’s sturdy, you need to seal and clean it from time to time to keep it in shape.

Fire Pit Fuel

Not every fire is the same. The type of fuel used to create a flame has an impact on both the amount of heat released and how people nearby are affected. While some fuels are simple to use, others are more complicated:

  • Wood: Nothing compares to relaxing by a fire with burning wood. The glowing flames, crackling sound, and scent of wood create an inviting ambiance. It’s also an affordable and easily accessible fuel option. However, smoke can easily seep into your eyes and leave a stench on your clothes. You have less control over the flame and embers, which, if not properly cared for and put out, may pose a fire hazard.
  • Gas: Outdoor gas fireplaces have more restrictions than those that utilise other fuels since they need to be connected to a tank. However, gas is less costly, ignites more rapidly, and has an adjustable flame without any smoke or leftover debris that you need to clean up. Gas has a particular smell that some people with sensitive noses may find unpleasant.
  • Ethanol: This "green" fuel is quickly rising to the top of the list of options for posh outdoor areas in both business and residential settings. Ethanol fireplaces are more enticing than ventless gas fireplaces since they are smokeless, almost odorless, and self-contained. This effective long-burning fuel generates a lovely orange flame and burns efficiently. However, it doesn't provide as much heat as other fuels and you can’t cook with it.

Where Should I Place My Outdoor Fire Pit?

When assembling your fire pit, your last and most important consideration is safety. When positioning this décor/utility piece, make sure it has enough room around it. Place it at least three meters away from any outdoor furniture you have and any other structures, such as trees and your home’s exterior walls. Positioning it at a distance will ensure that the structures and plants won't become too hot.



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Courtney Rehman

Part of the expertEasy editorial team, Courtney is from South Africa.

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