Firepit guide: buying or building
If your mind is already turning to garden improvement projects and making the most of outdoor living this Spring, you could well be considering a firepit.
These are increasingly popular in UK gardens as they are both aesthetically appealing and practical.
Getting family and friends huddled on garden chairs, warmed by the glow of a firepit can be a lovely experience, and the only way chilly British evenings are bearable!
Many modern firepits also offer the possibility of cooking food on them, to add to the fun and comfort factors.
Buy or build?
Much depends on how sophisticated you want this outdoor feature to be. There are some classy and elaborate models available to buy. However, it’s also possible to build your own firepit, as long as you keep safety firmly in mind.
The starting point is often deciding what type of fuel you want to use for outdoor heating and cooking purposes. Coal or logs are readily available for delivery in London, but so is BBQ gas.
Generally, the most authentic firepits rely on burning a supply of appropriate logs. Log burners are the easiest to craft yourself.
What’s the best fire pit construction?
Next question would logically be, do you want one that lays flush with your patio or lawn, or a raised firepit that’s on legs or constructed above ground?
Keep in mind that in-ground firepits are more hazardous, so you need to be especially cautious with garden visitors of all ages!
This leads to another important consideration; the materials used in constructing firepits. They are often heat resistant metals, though there are versions made from solid stone. Some DIY fire pits are simply constructed from bricks held together by masonry adhesive and filled with gravel.
Styles of firepits and safety
What shape of firepit would you find most visually appealing? They can be like large bowls, or closely woven metal baskets, or pans sunk into brickwork. Some models you can buy are like works of art, in an array of contemporary geometric shapes. Others look like the braziers that punctuated castle walls!
It’s all a matter of taste, but whether you are buying or building, make sure your firepit has a sufficiently robust shape to hold hot coals or logs safely. Also, don’t overfill it, as this increases risk factors.
Be careful where you place fire pits too. They can give off a surprising amount of heat, so it’s recommended that they are at least 10 feet away from trees or other flammable surfaces.