Light Up the Night: The Essential Guide to Fire Pits
Stay on trend and heat up your outdoors with a stylish alternative to a fireplace
Aussie landscaping design has seen a surge in the popularity of fire pits in recent years. They are an ideal source of warmth and light, and they provide a focal point for socialising, eating and relaxing outdoors. No matter how limited or generous your budget and space are, there’s sure to be a model that will increase the visual appeal and overall enjoyment of your backyard. These tips will help you choose one to suit your needs…
DESIGNS
Freestanding. Renters or those who wish to be able to rearrange the layout of their outdoor room would appreciate a portable, freestanding fire pit. Their 360-degree access offers a campfire feel, making them ideal for group gatherings, plus they’re easy to clean. This handsome model is cheekily named the Brad Pit and it’s by Robert Plumb.
Freestanding. Renters or those who wish to be able to rearrange the layout of their outdoor room would appreciate a portable, freestanding fire pit. Their 360-degree access offers a campfire feel, making them ideal for group gatherings, plus they’re easy to clean. This handsome model is cheekily named the Brad Pit and it’s by Robert Plumb.
Tabletop. A fire table is a beautiful variation that does double duty as a source of warmth and a surface for al fresco dining. These tables usually feature a wide rim for safety. Models at the height of a coffee table or a dining table are available or you could order a bespoke design to suit the colour scheme and dimensions of your area.
Concrete. Fire bowls made with concrete bring a smooth look to a yard and can be designed to burn wood or gas. Sizes vary considerably and they are a nice medium between a pit and a fireplace. The bowl can also be filled with fire-retardant decorative fillers, such as stones, if desired.
Take a tour of this property here
Take a tour of this property here
DIY. A fire pit can be made at home for a fun and affordable project, then it’s simply a matter of landscaping the surrounds and installing or setting up seating to give the space a grounded and welcoming feel.
Find out how this stacked stone model was constructed here
Find out how this stacked stone model was constructed here
LOCATION
Open areas. The position of a fire pit should be chosen carefully for safety and enjoyment. For many designs you will need a large open space where flames and embers will not reach structures, branches or any other flammable materials. Consider the prevailing wind direction and ease of access to other socialising areas such as a spa and outdoor kitchen.
Open areas. The position of a fire pit should be chosen carefully for safety and enjoyment. For many designs you will need a large open space where flames and embers will not reach structures, branches or any other flammable materials. Consider the prevailing wind direction and ease of access to other socialising areas such as a spa and outdoor kitchen.
Small spaces. Choose a fire pit with a style and beauty that fits your surroundings. A small, light-coloured bowl design like this Halva Hemi one can be a neat and space-saving alternative to a traditional fireplace or an outdoor heater on a modest patio.
View more beautiful patio designs
View more beautiful patio designs
Waterside. In an interesting and ironic landscaping development, fire features can be combined water features. A design incorporating both elements offers the best of both worlds with its balancing act of vibrant heat and smooth fluidity. Here, a bespoke bronze model powered by natural gas artfully complements a copper water basin that spills water into an LED-lit rill.
QUESTION TIME
Should I burn wood? Wood is the most popular fuel because of the warmth and bonfire atmosphere it provides as it crackles and glows. Keep in mind that smoke may irritate your eyes, though, and burning embers can get blown out of the pit, so choose a protected area if you are set on a wood-burning model. Woodburners are ideal for cooking, or for toasting marshmallows, but also remember that the ashes will need to be removed and discarded frequently. This yard cleverly turns a convenient wood storage area into a well-lit design feature with the use of a warm white LED light strip placed under the benches.
Should I burn wood? Wood is the most popular fuel because of the warmth and bonfire atmosphere it provides as it crackles and glows. Keep in mind that smoke may irritate your eyes, though, and burning embers can get blown out of the pit, so choose a protected area if you are set on a wood-burning model. Woodburners are ideal for cooking, or for toasting marshmallows, but also remember that the ashes will need to be removed and discarded frequently. This yard cleverly turns a convenient wood storage area into a well-lit design feature with the use of a warm white LED light strip placed under the benches.
What size do I need?
The size of your fire pit is something to consider based on your intended use and guests. A small one won’t give off enough heat for more than a few people yet a design that’s too large could deter conversation because people will have to raise their voice to speak across it.
The size of your fire pit is something to consider based on your intended use and guests. A small one won’t give off enough heat for more than a few people yet a design that’s too large could deter conversation because people will have to raise their voice to speak across it.
How much do they cost?
The cost of a pit can vary considerably, with portable options available at garden supply shops for a reasonably modest outlay, while customised designer ones can cost several thousand dollars. Even if you build one with found materials around your home, bear in mind that a fire pit will have running costs associated with its ongoing use of fuel.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…
Fire pits – are they must-have, lust-have, or plain unnecessary? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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The cost of a pit can vary considerably, with portable options available at garden supply shops for a reasonably modest outlay, while customised designer ones can cost several thousand dollars. Even if you build one with found materials around your home, bear in mind that a fire pit will have running costs associated with its ongoing use of fuel.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…
Fire pits – are they must-have, lust-have, or plain unnecessary? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
MORE
Inside Out: 20 Outdoor Entertaining Zones to Inspire You
Take It Outside: 20 Amazing Outdoor Kitchens
Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You’ve Always Wanted
Fire pits can be fuelled by gel, natural gas, pellets, propane or wood, and their construction can include glass, metal, mesh, stone, concrete, brick, copper or tile. Shapes can be hexagonal, L-shaped, triangular, octagonal, pentagonal, round, square or rectangular. Likewise, their weight can vary from several kilos to tonnes, depending on their size and the materials used.