Why Buy a Fire Pit

There are many reasons to buy a fire pit. They are good for entertaining, both for big and small gatherings, a fire pit being one of the few outdoor features which can be used year-round. Similar to a barbeque, you can also use fire pits for cooking. Not only that, fire pits are also good for warmth on a chilly night while looking up at the stars, at the same time adding to the ambience of the outdoors.

What about Fireplaces?

Fireplaces are better for smaller, more formal gatherings due to their one-sided nature. As there is a limited amount of people who can comfortably stand in front of a fireplace, it is much safer for small children, unlike fire pits where the open flames are accessible on all sides. One of the major drawbacks of a fireplace however is their size and the fact that they do not move well. Firepits are quite mobile (dependent on the one you choose), and don’t take up so much space that they block the view.

Wood vs Natural Gas vs Propane

There are three main ways to power your fire pit:

• Wood: While wood is often the cheaper alternative, it is more of a fire hazard as it creates sparks, not to mention all the smoke pollution it puts out.
• Natural gas: This is typically the more common option selected as it burns clean and doesn’t create sparks, but it is also more expensive to install as you will need to run a gas line from your house to power your fire pit.
• Propane: Propane is very similar to natural gas as it also burns clean, but the major drawback of it is the propane tank needed to power your fire pit. Either you haul it back and forth to refill when it's empty, or you scramble to somehow hide the not so pretty looking tank.

Fire Pit Safety

Despite how pretty they are, fire pits are still fire hazards and fire safety must always be considered before installing one. Here are some safety tips:

• Never, EVER leave a fire pit unattended.
• A fire pit must NOT be installed under trees, branches, plants, or anything else that can catch fire.
• Always make sure you can put out the fire pit quickly, whether through a nearby water hose or a bucket of water.
• The flames in the fire pit itself should not exceed one meter in height and width.
• For wood-burning fire pits, a mesh screen guard called a ‘spark guard’ must be installed to help reduce the spread of sparks and flames.

Done the right way, a fire pit is a worthwhile investment, one which could enrich your life for many years to come.

Interested in a fire pit of your own? Contact Mr. Lawnmower today and make your landscaping dreams a reality!