Should You Install a Fire Pit in Your Yard?

Americans are spending more time outdoors than ever before. A greater focus on health and a higher disposable income due to lower unemployment rates may account for this. For some people, that means hiking in state parks or going on early morning runs. Then, there are others who just want to make better use of their backyard spaces. If you fall into the latter camp, consider fire pits to extend your living space into the great outdoors.

Benefits

There are several perks to having a fire pit installed in your own backyard. Here are a few:

• Small children will enjoy camping in the backyard.
• The fire pit can double as a stove whether you want to roast hot dogs on sticks or make smores.
• When properly installed, you can set up fire pits just about anywhere in the yard.
• It adds a nice ambiance and compliments other outdoor setups.

Considerations

There are many different types of pits to consider. Most work the same, so your choice may ultimately come down to aesthetics, price and fuel type. The size may also affect pricing, so be sure to consider what can fit in your yard. Also, before installing or firing up your pit, be sure to check local ordinances and HOA rules. Sometimes jurisdictions put burn bans in place after wildfires and during a drought.

Safety

Many people believe pits are easy to use. After all, don’t you just light it and let the magic happen? Not quite. Remember to read the manual and follow the instructions. If the one you decide on uses propane or charcoal, then you should take special precautions. Ideally, if you have younger children in the home, choose safer options than these.

Fire pits can help to improve the overall functionality of any home, especially if you have children and pets who love to be outdoors. It’s also a great feature to have if you enjoy entertaining throughout the year.