The return of fall means cozy evenings under the stars, and there's no better way to stay snug than with a fire pit. They look good, keep you warm, and they're the perfect place for toasting marshmallows.
However, you might be completely nonplussed by fire pits. You spend hundreds of dollars on a simple steel bowl to hold a fire when you could just build a bonfire right there on the lawn.
But there are several reasons why a fire pit is a much better option. I spoke to design and fire pit specialists about why these stylish structures are essential for backyard bonfires.
1. Fire pits keep you safe
Safety is the most important reason for using a fire pit. Fire pits are packed with safety features that make backyard fires much less dangerous.
The first is that it stops the fire from getting too hot. A fire pit limits the size of your bonfire, which keeps the temperature manageable. A big bonfire can quickly get out of control, and it can become so hot that it's uncomfortable to sit near. You want your fire to be cozy and comfortable, not blazing hot.
Fire pits stop embers from jumping out. A fire pit with walls will contain your fire, which means that hot embers can't leap out of the fire and singe your legs. Fire pits are also raised above the ground, so the fire can't spread to lawn grass. If you use a gas fire pit, it's even safer. If you worry the fire is too hot, you can just turn it down, which is impossible with a bonfire.
Fire pits tend to be better for local wildlife, too. A bonfire is the perfect place for small animals to hide, so if you build the bonfire structure in the morning and come back to light it in the evening, you could easily injure small animals. This is rarely the case when building a fire with logs in a dedicated fire pit, and impossible if you use a gas fire pit.
Stopping embers from jumping out of the fire leads us to the third, and most important safety feature. A fire pit stops a bonfire from burning out of control. A big bonfire can easily catch on lawns and trees, starting a dangerous fire that can get out of control, posing a risk to property, and more importantly, life.
Landscaping expert Tom Smith says 'A bonfire is more likely to go out of control. Bonfires tend to be big, and if you don't manage them well, you can start a more significant fire that threatens your property.'
2. Fire pits help you obey the law
In fact, a bonfire could be the thing keeping you on the right side of the law. In many places, the size and materials in a fire are tightly regulated. This is especially true in dry parts of the country. For example, you need a permit for most fire pits and fires in LA, and Colorado occasionally has fire bans in particularly windy weather.
Designer Tom Smith told me that 'If you live in a particularly dry area of the country, you can't do bonfires because they are likely to start a larger fire. As a desert landscaper in Arizona, I would never recommend that someone start a bonfire in their backyard here.' However, fire pits are usually the exception, because they're contained. It's always best to check local regulations before you start a fire.
The precise size of a fire pit can help here, too. For example, in much of California, the limit for a domestic fire is three feet across. If you buy a fire pit that's three feet exactly, you know for a fact that you're well within your rights.
3. Fire pits are stylish
Fire pits are also stylish. A bonfire is always just a fire. Burning old material like pallets or fence panels is not only dangerous, depending on how these woods have been treated, but it's not the prettiest to look at.
A fire pit, however, can be a part of your garden style. Designer Tom Smith says 'A firepit also does a great job of making a statement. It can serve as a feature of your home and can make your yard look unique. There is a fire pit for every home style, and the ones they make today are just gorgeous.'
There's a huge range of different fire pits on the market. There are ornate, laser-cut fire globes like this at Wayfair, or simple, contemporary fire bowls like this at Target. There are even fire pits engraved with the logo of your favorite football team - they're not the prettiest, but the option is there.
If you don't like the smell of smoke, try a Solo Stove. Their fire pits are totally smokeless, bringing all the benefits of a wood fire without the drawbacks.
The laser-cut leaf design in this fire pit combines boho flair with an industrial feel. However, fire pits this large may not be to code in every county.
If you want more control, a gas fire table like this is easy to switch on and off. It's also practical, as it can hold drinks and snacks.
4. Fire pits help you host
Fire pits also make it much easier to host. A huge bonfire is impressive, but it can't be part of evening plans. Fire pits are smaller and easier to talk over. Fire pit expert Andrei Newman says that 'Fire pits can be placed next to seats, so they're good for socializing over a meal, heating up space or just for sheer warmth and ambiance.' That isn't the case with a bonfire.
You can also cook over a fire pit. Most fire pits can be fitted with grills or tripods for Dutch ovens, whereas bonfires often contain material that gives off toxic smoke. A fire pit, however, can always be used for cooking.
FAQs
Do fire pits stain patios?
Fire pits don't stain patios unless you're careless with the ash. Cheaper models can leave rust stains, but you can prevent this by covering or storing your fire pit in rainy weather.
You should be very careful about what you burn in a fire pit, because treated wood can create toxic fumes. In fact, the best wood for a fire pit is a hardwood like oak, because it offers a long burn, more heat, and the best-smelling smoke.
