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

We all know that fire pits are great for the colder months - the warmth they provide means you can use your outdoor space almost all year round. However, I am interested to know what people think about fire pits in the summer months. Do you loath the space your fire pit takes up in summer and wish it was a drinks cooler instead. Or do do even hide your fire pit away in the shed until the weather cools down again? Or, are you a die-hard fire-gazer and light the fire on summer evenings to give your space ambiance and keep the bugs away. Is gas, ethanol or timber better for a summer fire pit?

I have an outdoor recycled red brick fire pit. I would like to build capping on the top. I was thinking bluestone pavers as capping?Will bluestone crack with the heat.