As the nights grow cooler, it’s time to cozy up and stay warm this fall. A fire pit is a perfect addition to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space just in time for autumn. Choosing a fire pit that suits your needs and style is as easy as striking a match! Read our guide for more reasons why you should add a fire pit to your patio or yard and how to choose the right one for you.
Should I Get an Outdoor Fire Pit or Fireplace?
When you’re choosing how to warm up the outdoors this fall, you will have to decide if you want a fire pit or a fireplace. Fire pits are more inexpensive and perfect for gathering around for smores, drinks, or having late-night chats with friends. If you want to feel like you’re at a rustic cabin in the woods, a fire pit will do.
A fireplace is aboveground with a chimney. They can make a great centerpiece on your patio and help create a cozy living room feel. An outdoor fireplace is a wonderful addition if you want to bring the indoors outside and lounge fire-side with a great book and a mug of hot chocolate.
What is the Best Fire Pit For the Outdoors?
The best fire pit or fireplace for your outdoor space depends on a few factors. Each type of fire pit or fireplace is going to have its own set of pros and cons. You just have to decide what best suits your space and sensibilities.
Style: The sky’s the limit when it comes to designing your fire pit or fireplace for your patio or yard. Both options are totally customizable. You can choose an in-ground or above-ground fire pit made of stone or metal. Fireplaces can be custom-fit to your patio’s dimensions.
Safety: Each variety of fire pit and fireplace has its own risk factors. When fire is involved, you have to put safety first! When it comes to installing a gas fireplace or fire pit, you shouldn’t try to attempt that alone. When chopping and burning wood, always wear personal protective equipment for the task. Place fire pits far enough away from your home and anything flammable.
Budget: Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are generally cheaper than gas. However, a gas fire pit or fireplace may save you a lot of time and energy. One thing to remember: you can always convert a wood-burning fire pit into a gas-burning one with a special insert.
Maintenance: If you’re looking for a clean burn, you will probably want to opt for a gas-burning fireplace or fire pit for your patio. Burning wood can smell good to some of us, but can create harmful smoke for those who are sensitive. Gas fire pits also create less mess!
Accessibility: Certain types of fire pits may be more convenient than others. Flipping the switch on a gas fireplace is going to be a lot faster than chopping wood and starting a fire for yourself.
Can you Put a Fire Pit on a Patio?
You absolutely can add a fire pit or fireplace to your patio. It’s a great way to add warmth and beauty to your yard, especially during the fall months. There are a few types of fire pits to avoid in certain situations for safety reasons.
Avoid wood-burning fire pits and gas fire pits in enclosed spaces. If your patio is not covered and far enough away from your house, any type of fire pit should be fine. If your patio is covered, you should avoid wood-burning fire pits, which can create a build-up of smoke that is unable to escape. As always, keep it away from anything combustible or flammable. In some cases, you can get a permit to burn a gas fire pit within an enclosed patio.
Try patio heaters or fireplaces. If you have safety concerns or space limitations, heaters can create the same warmth a fire pit would. You can opt for a more expensive, but safer fireplace build-in.
Are Fire Pits Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can have a fire pit in Allentown, PA! It’s always a good idea to read local laws to make sure that you are using an approved type of fire pit or fireplace and following safety protocols. For certain types of fires, you may need to obtain a permit.
If you’re looking for a high-quality patio fire pit for sale near you, we’d love to see you at our Allentown location! We’ll help you find a fire pit with safety and style.