Backyard Fire Pits: The Ultimate Guide
Imagine the warm glow of a fire illuminating your face as you laugh and chat with friends on a crisp fall evening. The sound of the crackling flames, the smell of wood burning, and the taste of sweet, gooey roasted marshmallows. These are the moments that will create lasting memories, and a backyard fire pit is a perfect way to bring that experience to life.
Whether you’re snuggled up with your loved ones, entertaining guests, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, a fire pit provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that will bring joy to your life all year round. The best part is that fire pits can be customized to fit your style, taste, and budget, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor space.
So, why are fire pits so popular? The answer is simple. They’re affordable, versatile, and offer a 360-degree view of the flames, creating a central focal point for you and your guests to gather around. Fire pits are especially popular in the West, where the chilly temps during the fall and winter make them a must-have outdoor feature. In this area, rustic outdoor features are especially in demand, and there are plenty of fire pit materials and types that will complete that rustic look.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Backyard fire pits can be a safe and legal feature for your outdoor space, but only if you take certain precautions. Here are some important things to consider to ensure the safety and legality of your fire pit:
- Keep fire pits at least 15 feet away from your house, other structures, and combustible materials (such as leaves, wood, chemicals, etc.). It should be in an open space, like on your patio or a cleared part of your landscape. Don’t place it on a wood deck.
- Avoid lighting the pit during extremely windy weather, as the embers might go somewhere you don’t want them.
- Make sure you have a bucket of water, hose, or extinguisher nearby before lighting the fire.
- Watch children near fire pits so they don’t get burned.
- Keep the flame small: The larger it is, the bigger chance you have for it to get out of hand.
- Never use gasoline to start the fire.
In addition to safety, it’s also important to make sure your fire pit is legal. The city of Doylestown allows fire pits and other enclosed outdoor fire features (such as fireplaces) that are at least 16 feet away from structures and combustible materials. They also require that they are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. However, each city has different fire and burning codes, so it’s important to check with your local municipality before installing a fire feature.
When choosing the size of your fire pit, it’s important to consider how many people you want to be able to sit around it, whether you’re creating a more intimate space or entertaining large groups, and the size of your patio or landscaped space where you will add the fire pit. For a more intimate gathering space, a 3-foot-wide fire pit would work, but for a larger group, you may want to go up to 6 feet wide (including the thickness of the walls).
The height or depth of your fire pit can greatly impact your overall experience. For in-ground fire pits, the depth should simply be sufficient enough to accommodate your wood or fire ring. However, for above-ground fire pits, the height is a matter of personal preference. If the height is too high, you may not be able to comfortably rest your feet on it, and if it’s too low, you may not be able to enjoy the warmth of the fire without feeling cramped or cramped. It’s essential to consider these factors when choosing the right height or depth for your fire pit in Doylestown.
Contact LCG Construction Group today to schedule a consultation.
