Important Considerations When Buying a Firepit
A firepit is an invaluable addition to your backyard, patio, or porch that keeps you warm and cozy during chilly days. It’s the perfect area for you to host friends and family or simply relax after a long day.
A firepit also increases your yard’s aesthetics, giving it a beautiful glow and warm ambiance. However, buying a firepit can be daunting, especially with the innumerable options in the market. Learn essential tips and considerations for purchasing a firepit that meets your needs, style, and budget.
Local Ordinances and Codes
Before you start shopping for a firepit, consider your state’s laws and regulations regarding open flames like outdoor firepits. Most states require firepits to be installed away from buildings and fences for safety purposes. Also, some states may restrict some fuel types like wood for environmental reasons.
Renters and people living in apartments and condos should consult with their landlord, homeowners association, or property managers to establish any regulations on outdoor firepits. Considering these regulations allows you to make crucial decisions about your purchase and avoid wasting money on an illegal investment.
Placement
Although local regulations determine where you can install a firepit, other factors that affect its location include functionality, fuel type, and available space. For instance, a firepit near a pool acts as a great seating area for family and friends as they relax by the water and enjoy its therapeutic effects. Typically, a firepit should be open and level, away from buildings, fences, grass, trees, and other combustible materials.
Size, Style, and Material
Firepits come in a broad range of sizes, styles, and materials to suit distinct buyers’ needs. The secret is to identify a firepit that blends perfectly with yourn backyard’s color, style, and shape. Start with the size. Your firepit’s size depends on the space available in your outdoor space, budget, and whether you want a portable or permanent variant.
Smaller firepits have a diameter of 20 to 25 inches whereas larger firepits can be as large as 45 inches. Some built-in models are even bigger. When choosing the size, consider how much seating you require. Do not forget to account for space for movement.
Then choose a firepit style, ranging from a simple fire bowl to an intricate and multifunctional unit with upscale features such as beverage coolers. Fire bowls are suitable for small yards, while bigger yards can use square or rectangular firepits.
Firepits are available in different materials, ranging from stone or concrete to metal and even tile. The best material meets your personal taste and style and blends well with your yard or patio’s design. Also, the material should be stain-resistant and able to withstand heavy use so you get a return on your investment.
Fuel Source
When it comes to fuel, you choose between wood, gas, and propane firepits. If you want a traditional sensation in your backyard or poolside, wood is ideal, thanks to its classic crackling fire sound and aroma that stays on your clothes and hair. Nevertheless, wood firepits are restricted in some regions because of environmental concerns.
Natural gas and propane firepits are smoke-free and neater, and you don’t have to deal with ashes, smoke, and piles of wood. However, gas firepits require a gas line extension, while propane pits need a suitable place for propane tanks. Some states require permits and a site inspection before installing a gas firepit.
Firepits create inviting and relaxing outdoor areas for telling ghost stories, roasting marshmallows, and hosting family and friends. Get in touch with Alpine Fireplaces for all your firepit needs in Utah. Whether you want a small firepit for your DIY project or a larger, professionally installed pit, we help you attain a beautiful, stylish, and functional look.
