The leaves are changing, there’s a chill in the air, and fall is finally here. While it’s probably time to close the pools up for the season and put a hiatus on the backyard cookouts, there are still ways to get use out of your outdoor space. With cooler temperatures on the horizon for the next few months, it’s the perfect time to create your backyard escape with the cozy firepit of your dreams.
There’s nothing quite like bundling up with a warm drink, roasting a few marshmallows, and enjoying the warmth from a fire underneath the stars. When it comes to choosing the right firepit for your needs, however, there are several different options — and it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of all of them in order to decide what the best fit for you and your yard is.
Take a look at the four main types of backyard fire pits and the pros and cons of each, and give Atlantic Mulch a call when you’re ready to get started designing your backyard escape.
Wood-burning fire pits
A wood-burning fire pit is one of the most common options and is great for those who want to replicate the feeling of camping out on a chilly night right in their own backyard.
While not necessarily a con of the wood-burning option, you will need a steady supply of firewood on hand at all times, as well as some kindling or fire starters to help get it lit. The firewood will also need to be kept in a dry, secure storage space in order to prevent rain and insects from damaging it, and any ash will need to be regularly cleaned out.
While these fireplaces may take a bit more maintenance than other options, there’s nothing like the crackle of wood and the fresh smell of smoke once it gets started. It’s perfect for replicating a night camping out in the middle of the woods, all without leaving the comfort of your backyard.
Wood-burning fire pits also come in a variety of price ranges, from simple metal fire pits to beautifully custom-designed stone options, so they’re one of the most affordable options and often have fast installation times.
Propane fire pits
If your backyard escape is all about convenience, then propate fire pits are a great option. Fueled by a propane tank and often lit and extinguished with a simple ignition switch located somewhere near the pit, propane fire pits don’t require refills as often as their wood-burning or gel fuel counterparts. They also won’t leave behind ash or residue to clean up afterwards.
One potential downside of a propane fire pit is size, as most of these options will be on the larger side but may not produce quite as much heat as other pits. Since they’re more complex than something like a wood-burning pit, they’ll also take longer to install. Depending on the style you choose, they can be on the pricier side — but what it might add in cost it makes up for, in convenience.
Gel fuel fire pits
Powered by gel fuel, this type of fire pit burns without emitting any smoke or scents which often makes it a popular choice as an indoor fireplace option. When placed in a backyard, gel fueled logs can be used to replicate the look and feel of a wood-burning fire. Many gel fire pits are easily portable, so you can move them around your yard freely. Once the gel fuel is ignited, it will typically last for a few hours before putting itself out.
It’s important to note that for gel fuel fire pits, the gel needed to power the fire can often be hard to find and may require special online orders. Additionally, the fire it produces isn’t quite as warm as other options, so you may need to put on a few extra layers of clothing when enjoying this type of fire outdoors. Since most gel fueled fire pits are small or tabletop options, they’ll be cost-effective — but once you start to browse through larger options, the price tag rises.
Natural gas fire pits
Natural gas is quickly becoming a popular option for fire pits since it can be ignited and extinguished with the simple flip of a switch. Similar to propane fire pits, natural gas fire pits also don’t produce smoke, sparks, or ash residue.
While there is an added convenience to natural gas pits, your property will need to have a readily accessible natural gas line to pull from — and if you don’t already have one, installing one can be pricey. Not only that, but once it’s in place, you won’t be able to move it around.
Still, since natural gas is readily available, these options are one of the easiest and most cost-effective to maintain.
Contact Atlantic Mulch to create your backyard escape
Installing a fire pit is the perfect way to maximize your backyard this season. At Atlantic Mulch, our team of professionals is carefully trained in installation of a variety of fire pit types. Not only can we provide the expertise to help you create the fire pit of your dreams, but we’ll also be there to answer any questions along the way.
If you’re ready to get started with creating your backyard escape, give our team a call at 919-859-5503.