Fire pits and outdoor heaters are a great way to extend the season. Not only do they help to heat your outdoor space, they also provide instant ambience. Everyone loves to gather around the fire and tell a story. What a great way to warm up a party!
Some things to take into consideration when purchasing a fire pit are size, material, and intended use.
The size of unit you need depends both on the size of the patio or deck you have and the size of the wood that you will be using in it. For safety issues and traffic flow in your outdoor space, it is best to leave about a three foot diameter of clearance around your fire pit. This will keep everyone away from those wayward sparks and also allow room for people to navigate easily.
For obvious reasons, most fire pits are constructed of metal. The two most common metals are iron and copper. Iron tends to need a little more maintenance in the long run, but both metals conduct heat very well. To prevent your iron from rusting, periodically touch-up any areas that may be scratched with a high-temperature paint. Copper, on the other hand, will naturally weather to a beautiful green patina if left untreated. If you prefer the polished look of new copper, you can treat it with a sealant periodically to preserve the finish.
The intended use of your outdoor heater also plays a role in the decision-making process. If you are more after ambience, then a fire pits or chimenea is probably right for you. If maximum heat generation is what you're after, consider a patio heater. Patio heaters run on LP, natural gas, or electric and some can heat up to a 20 foot radius. The drawback is that you do sacrifice ambience for functionality.
Some other features to look for include spark-arrestor screens (to keep the sparks at bay) and covers (to protect your fire pit when not in use).
Fire pits come in many sizes and styles. At OutdoorGardenFurniture.net, we carry a full selection of fire pits. From wrought iron to copper; from intricate styling to clean-lined craftsmanship, you're bound to find one that meets your needs.