Dare I say that fire pits are a current trend? I personally cannot see the point in them as their use is minimal i.e. winter when it is often too cold to be outside even with the fire pit. Some cook over them, but people I know who have them now don't use them. Like all fads, they die out.

hi Neryl and others, I love fire pits and we have a special area in the yard with stone seating around it. we love it and it is great for the kids and when they have friends over. we often burn these funny hexagonal 'logs' which are made from recycled something (I cant remember whether its paper or woodchips). we got them from Bunnings but I can't find them on bunnings website right now. they are called ecologs or something like that. they are slow burning and good. we have the chappala sun god fire pit from bunnings and it has been good. the metal parts do rust tho. the good thing about it is the screen lid which I feel is a bit safer. but the lid does get hot so you need an oven mitt or similar to lift it to roast marshmallows or add more wood or anything. downside is it has no drainage hole so fills with rainwater. good luck

The area appears well-lit, although the fixtures do not appear in the photo. Perhaps some post lights behind the benches and get rid of the overhead carnival lights. Put a table top over the pit during the normal times, so the kids can kneel on the cushions all around and have a game board or activity/project area. When they get to be teenage, you can mount some screens in front of the area, so they can be hidden from your view, yet still at home, under your protection, and near the refrigerator.

Love the Tinman fabulous!!