Outdoor Patio Heating: Fire Pits, Rings and
Freestanding Fireplaces
Whether you call it a fire pit, fire ring, fire bowl, portable fireplace
or bonfire, it is a great outdoor gathering place for friends and family
on cool evenings. We are talking about the kind fire everyone can sit
around and enjoy just like a campfire. This classic fire is a source
of warmth and a great social centerpiece. Whether you are thinking of
building a fire ring or purchasing a portable model, they are a great
way to provide warmth on chilly nights and have a charm that portable
propane heaters just can't match. Circle the chairs and warm yourself
up.
Portable fireplaces abound, available even in some grocery stores. Portable
units range from simple models that resemble a BBQ grill
to elaborate models with ornate designs. Some are wheeled making them
easy to move or even take along on a camping trip, while larger models
stretch the definition of "portable". The key is that they do not require
the commitment or expense of a built in fire pit.
Portables can be wood-burning or gas fired, few are both. You must decide
which suits your needs best. Wood-burning models require more effort.
You must maintain a store of wood and feed the fire periodically. A wood
fire takes more time to start and creates annoying smoke. On the other
hand, wood fires have a look, aroma and sound that gas doesn't duplicate.
Gas fired models typically have ceramic logs, some of which can be difficult
to distinguish from real wood. Some even include material that creates
a very realistic "glowing embers" effect. The gas logs heat up and radiate
additional heat in addition to the heat from the flames. Gas fired units
are more convenient because they are easy to start, require less maintenance
and are virtually non-polluting. The primary downsides include smaller,
less realistic fires and the necessity of refilling propane tanks (unless
you plumb for a permanent gas line). One thing to consider is that some
communities have banned wood-burning fireplaces. While the regulations
may or may not specifically include these portable units, the intent
is clear and the law could change to include them in the future.
Permanent fire pits are typically built from masonry or rock. Most designs
create a ring roughly 18" tall, a comfortable height for seating when
a fire is not burning. The diameter will depend on how large a fire is
desired and how many people will be seated around it. A ring 5 feet in
diameter is comfortable size for a couple or up to about 10 people.
One advantage to a permanent unit is that it can be integrated
into your yard's design by choosing construction materials that match
those used elsewhere in your landscape.
A fire pit can be designed to be wood-burning, gas fired or both. With
planning, you can even design it to convert to a fountain for warmer
seasons. By designing for a dual-fuel fire pit, you gain versatility
and protect yourself against the potential for bans on wood burning.
If you build one, be sure to install heat-resistant fire brick as a liner;
other materials can crack or shatter when exposed to great heat.
Whether a portable or permanent fireplace, make certain that is it used
well away from combustible materials and structures. Do not use under
overhanging branches and keep patio umbrellas well away. Check with your
building department before beginning construction of a fire ring in your
yard.
Learn more about the options
in outdoor heating in these articles listed below.
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Freestanding Fires and Fire Pits
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