Could your garden do with a fire pit? With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder, we’ve been thinking about how to extend the time we can spend in the garden. Outdoor lights always make a space more welcoming and give an illusion of warmth, but we’re starting to need real warmth, not the illusion of it! With that in mind, we’ve been thinking about fire pits.
What Are Fire Pits?
Well, they’re ….er…pits with fires in them. Actually, that’s not quite true – most modern fire pits are designed to be above, rather than below, ground. A fire pit is usually a metal grid or surround, or bounded by stone, to make a safe feature. They differ from barbecues in that they’re primarily designed for warmth rather than cooking, but you can cook on some of them by adding a grill.
Where To Positions Fire Pits
If you’re planning to pursue this as an idea, the first thing you’ll need is the right site. As fire pits are potentially dangerous, you can’t just plonk them down any old where. You’ll need a smooth, solid, level surface, preferable made of stone flagging or gravel. It should be far enough from the house so as not to present a fire hazard, but close enough that you’ll use it. There should be no low hanging overhead branches or power lines, and it should be well away from any fuel sources such as gas or oil tanks.
Firepits: DIY or Buy?
Fire pits can be one of the simpler DIY projects, but they do involve some heavy lifting so are probably a two-person job. You’ll also need to take advice on materials. You’ll need to put in proper foundations to make sure the whole thing is sturdy, and also use some sort of liner (a metal or fireproof ring or membrane) to make sure the heat doesn’t crack the stones over time. Fire pits are now so popular that you’ll be able to find advice and possible even a ready-made kit at your local DIY store.
If DIY isn’t your thing, then there are some beautiful ready-made fire pits on the market at the moment. You’ll still potentially need to create the right site as above, but otherwise these are as simple as sticking the fire pit on the ground and inviting your guests over.
Here are a few of our favourite picks!
Round MgO firepit, VonHaus
Keep the party going or relax over an evening glass of wine even as the air turns chilly with this chic round fire pit. Introduce an inviting glow and cosy ambience into your garden space, extending your home to the great outdoors. Available in different colours, it costs $64.99 from VonHaus.
Goodhome Celsian steel firepit, B&Q
Bring warmth and style to your garden with this modern steel firepit. Its durable stainless steel double-wall construction ensures long-lasting performance, while the innovative double airflow system delivers a low smoke, high-heat fire using firewood, wood pellets or both. The removable ash tray makes cleaning simple. £150, available from B&Q.
Cosiscoop wooden gas fire lantern, Click Style
How cool is this? A perfect focal point for a contemporary garden, this cylindrical gas fire lantern is an impressive 106cm tall. Made from slatted teak, it looks as good during the day as it does at night. It runs on propane, which is clean-burning and convenient, to bring warmth, atmosphere and style to terraces, balconies and outdoor entertaining spaces throughout the year. £855, available from Click Style.
Portobello firepit, Firepits UK
This portable fire pit stands low to the ground but sports a deep bowl making it perfect for being out on location in those windy spots. Can be converted into a barbecue for on-the-move feasts. £160, available from Firepits UK.
Hoole cast iron firepit, Gardenesque
A very simple idea, this traditional cast iron fire pit is perfect for huddling around with a cup of hot cocoa as temperatures drop. This contemporary piece suits a variety of garden spaces and works well as a centrepiece alongside relaxed seating on a patio. £95, available from Gardenesque.
Decorative firepit globe, Homescapes
If you prefer unusual over traditional, how about this fire pit globe which incorporates alaser cut woodland design? Made from mild steel, it has a rustic brown look that gains more character over time. The woodland scene features trees and deer for added interest. £304.99, available from Homescapes.
Main image (c) Firepits UK
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