How to Choose Fire Pit for Your Outdoor Living Space

It’s always a great idea when you are planning on adding a fire pit to your outdoor living space. You will get an exhilarating exterior area that everyone will surely love to enjoy. A fire pit is an addition that will enhance the beauty and comfort of your house in an instance.

Of course, you will find tons of options when you look for a fire pit. They are made of various materials, designed in various styles, and offered at various prices which can be quite overwhelming to find the right one.

how to choose fire pit
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To help you out, we have compiled some steps that will guide you to find the best fire pit that suits your needs and tastes. You have to make sure that you choose the one which doesn’t only look attractive but also durable and reliable at the same time.

(Reas also: A Complete Guide on How to Choose Patio Slabs)

Let’s just keep scrolling to check out our guide on How to Choose Fire Pit below!

How to Choose Fire Pit

how to choose fire pit 1
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Check Local Regulation

Before you hunt for some new fire pits, make sure that you get in touch with the local authorities and city building codes to find out the regulations in regards to fire pit installation and burning woods. For you who live in an apartment complex or condo, you might also want to contact your building association.

These regulations are made in the name of safety for sure. The most known regulation is that you need to install the fire pit about 10 feet away from the fences and buildings. In some countries, the local fire officials might need to inspect your exterior area.

Pick a Design

A firepit is not only an addition to the feature of your house, but it’s also part of the decor. That’s why you need to choose the one which looks as attractive as possible. You have to make sure that the sizes, shapes, and designs flow beautifully with the overall look of the home.

To narrow down your choice, you can start looking for a fire pit that matches the existing decorating style of your outdoor living space. See whether the color, pattern, shapes, and material can create a harmonious nuance all around.

Choose a Size

Refer to your available budget and space to determine which size of the fire pit suits you well. You can find the ones from small portable design to a large big built-in design. Commonly, you will find fire pits from 24 to 32 inches in diameter when you come to nearby stores while the built-in ones are mostly found from 36 to 58 inches.

Besides the diameter, the height of the firepit is also another important consideration. It will determine the warmth that you will feel when you sit close to the fire pit. The height of the fire pit commonly ranges between low-ground fire bowls to higher designs.

Determine the Installation

As you may have been aware, there are two types of fire pit installation which are portable and built-in. If you want to go with more flexibility. you should go with the portable ones that you can move here and there easily. For you who live in a permanent residence, it’s not a bad idea to go with the built-in fire pit.

Portable fire pits are typically available at cheaper prices which also makes it a good option for you who have a limited budget.

Select the Material

There are some popular materials when it comes to a fire pit which include metal, concrete, stone, or some mixture of materials. To determine which material you should go to is to take a look at your budget and the nuance of your outdoor space.

Further, you also need to do a little research to find out the plus and minus points of each material. For instance, concrete is quite durable but it may stain overtimes from soot and metal is sturdy but can get really hot which needs extra care in using it.

Refer to Your Budget

You can find abundant options of fire pits at various prices. The price is mainly determined by the design and material.

You can consider choosing a fire pit which is made of stacked brick or stone design in a ring style can be a good option. This kind of fire pit is commonly offered at around $100.

Portable fire pits made if powder-coated metal, concrete, or stone can be varied starting from $300 – $2,000. If you have an extra budget, you can go with custom and built-in fire pits which can start from $1,000.

Learn the Fuel Type

There are three popular fuel types which are natural gas, wood, and propane. Each one of the options has ups and downs which may or may not suit you. Propane and natural gas are considered more modern fuel options. You can get a smoke-free, easy to maintain, and more convenient (easy to operate) fire pit.

The wood-burning fire pits are more suitable for you who love classic stuff and the smell of nature. However, they are not really environmentally friendly since they create the kind of concerning polluting smoke.

Check the Permitting

Actually, if you choose a standard-size fire pit you don’t need any permits. This step is only applicable generally for fire pits that are designed in extra-large dimensions (more than 4 feet in diameter).

You may also need a permit when you go with natural gas fire pit since you need to extend the gas line. Again, in some countries, the local fire officials may need to come to your house to ensure that the site is fire-safe.

That being said, always reach out to the local authorities and city building codes before you install your fire pit.

Set the Location

In choosing the right spot to install your fire pit, consider the space available, fuel type, and how you want to use the fire pit. You need to make sure that the fire pit sits in a proper position which relates to the composition of the decor and safety.

Further, you also need to contact the building regulations since they will determine whether the location is allowed or not allowed.

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