Creating a Firepit Area to Enjoy on Fall Evenings
These tips will show you how to build a fantastic firepit that’s perfect for a cool fall evening.
There are countless ways to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. But one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time outside is around a firepit on a cool fall evening. If such a scene sounds nice and cozy to you, read through these tips to create a fantastic firepit area in your yard that will be perfect for the occasion.
If the allure of sitting by an outdoor firepit at night calls to you, the first thing to consider is safety. A fire that burns in an unsafe manner or area is a serious concern. In little time at all, a fire can become unmanageable and incredibly dangerous. With that threat in mind, it is paramount that you select a fire-safe area for your fire pit.
You should choose a place that has plenty of open space without objects that will crowd the fire while it burns. With fewer objects like trees and bushes around, it becomes less likely that fire will make contact with something that could begin to burn. The openness of the space you select will also make it easier to move around your firepit once it is built.
What is above and below your firepit is also critical. It’s best to keep the space above your firepit clear. A tree canopy or other overhead structure can catch fire as sparks rise from the firepit. That is why you should avoid putting your firepit in any area with objects above it.
The ground itself is another important safety consideration for your firepit. Often, it is best to set your firepit in a hardscape area like a stone or concrete patio. That material is unlikely to catch fire the way plants like grass or other ground cover would. While it is possible to have a firepit on a lawn, avoiding such an area makes it less likely that an accident will occur.
After dealing with safety concerns, it is time to incorporate the most essential element of any firepit area: the firepit itself. There are several ways you can go about building a firepit. Here are some of the most reliable options:
Some builders will set a firepit into the ground in the center of a patio. Or they may build a firepit structure that rises above ground level. Either way, it is usually best to hire a professional contractor to construct one of these firepits.
A quicker and easier way to add a firepit to your yard is to purchase a free-standing firepit. Free-standing firepits are widely available and typically come with a few simple assembly steps. Once you have set up your firepit, you’ll be able to move it easily as you please. This flexibility and ease of construction are the main advantages of purchasing a free-standing firepit rather than having one built.
With your firepit set in a safe location, you can proceed to finding some suitable outdoor furniture for the area. Seating should be one of your first priorities at this stage. A comfortable seating arrangement will allow you and your guests to spend fall evenings by the fire for hours on end. For the best outcome, try to select seating that:
Comfort is a critical factor. But what is equally important is that your seating should be moveable. Anyone who has spent time by a fire knows that not all fires are alike. While some are large and roaring with heat, others are as small as a few glowing embers. Depending on how hot your fire is, or the direction of the wind, your guests may want to move closer or further away from the heat and smoke. Moveable seats will allow them to do so.
It can be helpful to have a few tables or some other form of counter space near your firepit. As you likely know, one of the most exciting firepit activities is roasting marshmallows for s’mores. But doing so can be a cumbersome task if you don’t have a surface to work on. The same is true if you are enjoying drinks or any other type of food while you watch the fire.
Some small tables can go a long way in making your firepit area that much more comfortable. Thankfully, there are many ways you can create some useful outdoor counter space, including finding small tables to purchase online or in a vintage store.
You might imagine that the fire from your firepit will provide more than enough light on a fall evening, but that is not always the case. Our final tip to you is to consider adding some additional lighting to your firepit space. Here are some of the most popular lighting options for a firepit area:
The style of lighting you choose is up to you. But regardless of your selection, additional light will increase visibility on the darkest nights, making your firepit area much safer and more enjoyable. Additionally, some tasteful landscape lighting can also enhance the mood and experience of using your firepit on a cool fall evening.