Tips And Ideas For A Portable Backyard Fire Pit
After what feels like a long summer, fall has FINALLY arrived! It is time to start thinking about being outside more. What outdoor setting is more accessible than your own yard? It is the best space for a quick weekend get together with family or friends during this time of year. A well-crafted yard can also provide a quick evening escape after a long weekday. This time of year, especially, a well put together outdoor space can create a warm, welcome, and comforting atmosphere. Adding a portable outdoor fire pit can be the perfect upgrade that will broadcast a cozy, inviting feel that both you and your guests will enjoy. To begin the journey, check out these helpful tips and ideas for a portable backyard fire pit.
An Investment In Fun And Relaxation
More than likely, the decision to include an outdoor fire pit in your outdoor plan was the easy part. Humankind has had an affinity for fire that stretches back far into the pre-history of our species. Throughout time, fire has given us light at night when there was no other source. It has given us warmth when there were no other options. It gave us a feeling of safety and security in a dark and scary world. No wonder humans are still so in love with the idea of a cozy fire to gather around. Enjoying a good fire has become ingrained in our social DNA.
There are benefits to including a fire pit amenity in your landscaping. The trend of fire pits has been on an upward move over the last couple of years and that that trend will only increase. A built-in outdoor fire pit can increase the overall value of your home, but the cost may be a bit prohibitive. Luckily, the increasing affordability and availability of portable fire pits has only expanded. Reasons to seriously consider adding one to your outdoor repertoire include:
- An added layer of ambiance to your landscaping design.
- They create a focal point and gathering spot.
- Your formerly spring/summer outdoor space is now available year-round.
- With the right design, they can double as an outdoor cooking space.
- They encourage us to spend more time outdoors which has proven health benefits.
An Investment In Fun And Relaxation
More than likely, the decision to include an outdoor firepit in your outdoor plan was the easy part. Humankind has had an affinity for fire that stretches back far into the pre-history of our species. Throughout time, fire has given us light at night when there was no other source. It has given us warmth when there were no other options. It gave us a feeling of safety and security in a dark and scary world. No wonder humans are still so in love with the idea of a cozy fire to gather around. Enjoying a good fire has become ingrained in our social DNA.
There are benefits to including a fire pit amenity in your landscaping. The trend of fire pits has been on an upward move over the last couple of years and that that trend will only increase. A built-in outdoor fire pit can increase the overall value of your home, but the cost may be a bit prohibitive. Luckily, the increasing affordability and availability of portable fire pits has only expanded. Reasons to seriously consider adding one to your outdoor repertoire include:
- An added layer of ambiance to your landscaping design.
- They create a focal point and gathering spot.
- Your formerly spring/summer outdoor space is now available year-round.
- With the right design, they can double as an outdoor cooking space.
- They encourage us to spend more time outdoors which has proven health benefits.
Permanent vs. Portable
While this post is primarily about portable fire pits, there are permanent options out there. Any fire pit decisions should be based on safety, yard size, dwelling type, and your own personal habits. Do you have a small yard? You may want to consider crafting a permanent place for your fire pit to both create a focal point and, since you will not be moving it once installed, increase the overall safety. A permanent placement is also best for options like fire rings that have no bottom. This type needs to be resting on fireproof and heat resistant material, such as dirt, to avoid setting the yard ablaze.
Fire bowls, tabletop fire pits, and gas fire pits are among the best choices for portability. These would allow for moving the fire pit based on the needs of the moment. Planning a large gathering? Move it into a corner to create both a focal point and a small conversation area away from the main event. Planning an intimate family dinner? The pit may work best closer to the house to avoid traversing a cold yard and potentially killing the mood. When using a portable fire pit, always make sure to be aware of the surroundings. Always make sure that flammable materials are situated far enough away to not pose a threat. Nothing would kill the mood faster than starting an unintended fire.
Permanent vs. Portable
While this post is primarily about portable fire pits, there are permanent options out there. Any fire pit decisions should be based on safety, yard size, dwelling type, and your own personal habits. Do you have a small yard? You may want to consider crafting a permanent place for your fire pit to both create a focal point and, since you will not be moving it once installed, increase the overall safety. A permanent placement is also best for options like fire rings that have no bottom. This type needs to be resting on fireproof and heat resistant material, such as dirt, to avoid setting the yard ablaze.
Fire bowls, tabletop fire pits, and gas fire pits are among the best choices for portability. These would allow for moving the fire pit based on the needs of the moment. Planning a large gathering? Move it into a corner to create both a focal point and a small conversation area away from the main event. Planning an intimate family dinner? The pit may work best closer to the house to avoid traversing a cold yard and potentially killing the mood. When using a portable fire pit, always make sure to be aware of the surroundings. Always make sure that flammable materials are situated far enough away to not pose a threat. Nothing would kill the mood faster than starting an unintended fire.
Fuel Type: Gas vs. Wood
There are two general choices when it comes to how you will fuel your fire pit: Gas or wood. Both have advantages and disadvantages so this decision will be mostly up to personal choice. While wood burning fires may make you feel warm and fuzzy, starting them takes time which might be rough on a weekday evening. Wood fires do provide an abundance of light and heat but that also comes with an abundance of smoke that flows whichever way the wind blows. Also, keep in mind that when finished you will need to take the extra time to completely extinguish it before leaving it behind for the night.
Gas fire pits have two main options: propane and natural gas. For permanent installations, natural gas would be the best choice. This is especially true if for gas outdoor kitchen appliances. For portable fire pits the fuel of choice is propane gas. The overall design of the fire pit will be the determining factor when it comes to the amount of light and heat it puts out. Natural gas tends to burn cleaner than propane and, as a result, will put out less light and potentially less heat. Aside from portability, a gas fire pits starts instantly with extraordinarily little fuss. This lends itself well for a quick, relaxing glass of something soothing after a long Tuesday at work. When done, extinguishing the fire can be as simple as shutting off and securing the gas.
Fuel Type: Gas vs. Wood
There are two general choices when it comes to how you will fuel your fire pit: Gas or wood. Both have advantages and disadvantages so this decision will be mostly up to personal choice. While wood burning fires may make you feel warm and fuzzy, starting them takes time which might be rough on a weekday evening. Wood fires do provide an abundance of light and heat but that also comes with an abundance of smoke that flows whichever way the wind blows. Also, keep in mind that when finished you will need to take the extra time to completely extinguish it before leaving it behind for the night.
Gas fire pits have two main options: propane and natural gas. For permanent installations, natural gas would be the best choice. This is especially true if for gas outdoor kitchen appliances. For portable fire pits the fuel of choice is propane gas. The overall design of the fire pit will be the determining factor when it comes to the amount of light and heat it puts out. Natural gas tends to burn cleaner than propane and, as a result, will put out less light and potentially less heat. Aside from portability, a gas fire pits starts instantly with extraordinarily little fuss. This lends itself well for a quick, relaxing glass of something soothing after a long Tuesday at work. When done, extinguishing the fire can be as simple as shutting off and securing the gas.
Only You Can Prevent Backyard Fire Pit Accidents!
There are basic, common-sense safety factors to consider if you want to keep the fire pit fun from coming to a sudden and screeching halt.
- Location: This vital to the safety of your fire pit set up. Maximize the distance from flammable materials while still fitting into the overall design. Keep anything that may catch fire in mind while considering placement.
- Containment: When choosing a fire pit, remember that it is supposed to completely hold the fire. Pick out a design that will prevent any accidental release of lighted fuel or sparks.
- Preparedness: Have a plan of action ahead of time in case something goes amiss. Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible nearby. Position the garden hose strategically just in case. Have a fire blanket and/or bucket of sand handy. It is far better to be prepared and safe rather than wishing differently later.
- Extinguish: Before heading in make sure the fire has been fully extinguished! For gas fire pits, close and secure the gas valve. For wood burning pits, douse the fire with water, spread the ashes around, then douse it again to be sure.
- Legalities: Investigate what kinds of fire pits are legal in your area and any restrictions on their placement. Local authorities can have safety ordinances in place. Also, check with your HOA if you live in a community that has one.
Only You Can Prevent Backyard Fire Pit Accidents!
There are basic, common-sense safety factors to consider if you want to keep the fire pit fun from coming to a sudden and screeching halt.
- Location: This vital to the safety of your fire pit set up. Maximize the distance from flammable materials while still fitting into the overall design. Keep anything that may catch fire in mind while considering placement.
- Containment: When choosing a fire pit, remember that it is supposed to completely hold the fire. Pick out a design that will prevent any accidental release of lighted fuel or sparks.
- Preparedness: Have a plan of action ahead of time in case something goes amiss. Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible nearby. Position the garden hose strategically just in case. Have a fire blanket and/or bucket of sand handy. It is far better to be prepared and safe rather than wishing differently later.
- Extinguish: Before heading in make sure the fire has been fully extinguished! For gas fire pits, close and secure the gas valve. For wood burning pits, douse the fire with water, spread the ashes around, then douse it again to be sure.
- Legalities: Investigate what kinds of fire pits are legal in your area and any restrictions on their placement. Local authorities can have safety ordinances in place. Also, check with your HOA if you live in a community that has one.
Just A Couple More Points…
Make sure to leave yourself room to grow. Outside of the obvious safety concerns, stay conscious of the comfort of those who will be using the new cozy space. Make sure there is an effortless way to and from the fire pit area and there is enough room to maneuver around the seating area. This is one place you do not want anyone to have an accident in.
Educate yourself on how to safely build a fire. If you are using a gas fire pit, learn where the emergency shut offs are and how to safely work the ignition. If you are using a wood fire pit then start with light, dry tinder and kindling or a starter log instead of using chemicals like lighter fluids. It may be a slower start, but remember, a slower start is far more controllable than a fast ignition that could quickly get out of hand! In addition, NEVER use construction lumber in your wood burning fire pit. Construction lumber, of any sort, uses chemical resins, adhesives, and other substances that can release harmful fumes when burned.
Just A Couple More Points…
Make sure to leave yourself room to grow. Outside of the obvious safety concerns, stay conscious of the comfort of those who will be using the new cozy space. Make sure there is an effortless way to and from the fire pit area and there is enough room to maneuver around the seating area. This is one place you do not want anyone to have an accident in.
Educate yourself on how to safely build a fire. If you are using a gas fire pit, learn where the emergency shut offs are and how to safely work the ignition. If you are using a wood fire pit then start with light, dry tinder and kindling or a starter log instead of using chemicals like lighter fluids. It may be a slower start, but remember, a slower start is far more controllable than a fast ignition that could quickly get out of hand! In addition, NEVER use construction lumber in your wood burning fire pit. Construction lumber, of any sort, uses chemical resins, adhesives, and other substances that can release harmful fumes when burned.
Wood Burning Fire Pits And Bowls
Gather around, folks! Listen to the crackle. Break out the marshmallows. Anyone got a guitar handy? Nothing says warm and cozy like a good wood fire. There are a lot of options and styles to choose from. Get into the spirit this fall and stock up on the firewood! Here are a few tips and ideas for a wood burning portable backyard fire pit.
Gas Burning Fire Pits
Simple. Clean. Elegant. A gas fire pit can offer a whole range of portability and flexibility. Enhance your outdoor seating and conversation area by incorporating a fire pit table. Create a stunning focal point that will keep your outdoor space useable for longer in the year. There are even a few small, tabletop versions that can kick the ambiance of your next outdoor dinner party up a few notches. Scroll through and look at these tips and ideas for a gas burning portable backyard fire pit.
Fire Pit Accessories
From necessity to ambiance, the right fire pit needs the right accessories to make it work. Being safe and practical absolutely does not mean you have to be boring. Give roasting anything from hot dogs to smores a personalized touch. Give your space a blast of color with the right rock for your gas burning centerpiece. Protect your investment when it’s not in use with style. These are just a few of the plethora of accessories to make your fire pit space yours. The sky is the limit on accessories. Check out these tips and ideas for portable backyard fire pit accessories!
Fight Back Against The Outdoor Chill This Fall
Fall is here. Winter is coming. Now you are all set up with a brand-new fire pit to help chase the cold weather blues away. There are many benefits for including a fire pit in your outdoor space that range from overall health to financial. The main goal, however, is just for you and your guests to be able to kick back and relax! If building out a permanent fire pit is either out of your price rage or just undesirable, then you’re in luck! There are a wide range of options out there to fit your specific need and style and these tips and ideas for a portable backyard fire pit will help you sort them out.
Whether wood burning or gas, your new fire pit is sure to make your yard a smash this fall and winter, not to mention providing you some much needed after work solace to help keep your mind in the right place. If you follow a basic fire safety plan, a portable outdoor fire pit can be just the addition you were looking for. This year, use these ideas for a portable backyard fire pit and get out there and enjoy your yard!
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