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Building Components
How Do I... Choose a Fire Pit?
For warmth and a cosy ambience outdoors, nothing beats a fire pit – here's how to select the right design
In this practical series, we ask industry professionals to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Melissa King, horticulturist, garden writer and TV presenter, gives the lowdown on choosing the right style of fire pit for your alfresco area.
Are they suitable for all outdoor spaces?
Careful consideration should go into the placement of a fire pit, as radiant heat can damage surrounding surfaces and objects. It’s important to:
Careful consideration should go into the placement of a fire pit, as radiant heat can damage surrounding surfaces and objects. It’s important to:
- Have at least two metres of clearance above and around a fire pit.
- Avoid placing a fire pit directly on combustibles such as a grass or wooden decking as it can burn or scorch.
- Ideally, place it on a soil or gravel surface.
Image: Glow
What are the main things to consider when adding a fire pit?
What are the main things to consider when adding a fire pit?
- Which style and material will work in you outdoor space?
- How much space do you have available? Fire pits vary in size.
- Do you have room to add in seating around the fire pit so that family and guests can sit comfortably – and again, ensure there’s two metres of clearance from any furniture?
- Have easy access to a hose or water nearby in case of accidents.
- Check local regulations to make sure there are no fire bans in your area.
- If you live in an apartment block or unit, check the fine print on your strata agreement regarding fire pits.
Image: Glow
Which styles are trending?
Freestanding designs are popular right now. It’s easy to see the appeal – they’re quick and easy to set up, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, don’t take up much space and can be moved around with ease. Some, such as Glow’s new Tambo Fire Bowl (shown) even incorporate a log-storage compartment, saving you space.
Freestanding fire pits come in a variety of materials. For a rustic look, consider oxidised steel – which has an aged, rusted appearance – or clay. Or for a contemporary look, consider steel with a matt-black finish and a glass-reinforced base.
Which styles are trending?
Freestanding designs are popular right now. It’s easy to see the appeal – they’re quick and easy to set up, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, don’t take up much space and can be moved around with ease. Some, such as Glow’s new Tambo Fire Bowl (shown) even incorporate a log-storage compartment, saving you space.
Freestanding fire pits come in a variety of materials. For a rustic look, consider oxidised steel – which has an aged, rusted appearance – or clay. Or for a contemporary look, consider steel with a matt-black finish and a glass-reinforced base.
What should I expect to pay?
Prices vary, but you’ll find many designs between $49 and $369.
Prices vary, but you’ll find many designs between $49 and $369.
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Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a gardener or landscape contractor near you
There’s lots to love about fire pits – they’re great for warmth and ambience and can extend the amount of time you can enjoy your outdoor area. Plus, they’re great for parties – think friends and family gathered around the flickering flames to tell stories and toast marshmallows.
You can add extra ambience and a wonderful scent to your outdoor space by burning eucalyptus or fruit-tree logs. Alternatively, toss in a few cinnamon sticks for spicy warmth or dried oranges for a citrusy twist. Or turn your fire pit into a natural insect repellent by burning sage or rosemary.