Oklahoma is famous for its winters, but just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy outdoor gatherings. The holidays, in particular, can be a beautiful time to be out in nature enjoying all that your property has to offer, but you need a gathering place where family and friends can feel warm and welcome amidst the cold winter air. The secret to these outdoor gathering places? A fire pit – one that can provide both light and heat, and create the atmosphere for family and friends that you long for your property to offer.
Some homeowners may attempt a DIY fire pit – these however are usually small and often less-than-inviting. Sometimes safety concerns can be an issue as well. At GreenPro we specialize in consulting with homeowners to craft fire pits and outdoor gathering places that are safe, well-crafted, and of high quality, so we thought we’d share some of the best types of fire pits for homeowners who want to install beautiful, grand outdoor gathering places.
When thinking about fire pits, homeowners need to consider both styles of the fire pit and also the type of fire pit. We’ve organized both style and type into four sub-categories for ease of discussion.
4 Styles of Fire Pit
Stonecrafted fireplace
These styles of fire pits are very common with homeowners; they can be created in a circular or rectangular design. It’s easy to integrate either the propane or wood-burning aspect into the design. This style is great for homeowners seeking to recreate a natural, cozy, “living room” look and feel to an outdoor gathering place. Seating can be easily integrated into the design and provides a nice counterbalance to the stone-like effect.
Concrete minimalist
For a homeowner looking for a more modern design, a poured-concrete style of fire pit may be the best choice. Often built symmetrically with a block design approach to stonework, these fire pits feature clean lines and are often in more urban environments, with an unfinished, rough façade that can be integrated with gel-fueled-firepits.
Steel
Often designed in a bowl or chiminea style, steel fire pits are usually smaller and more compact, taking up less space on your property. Steel fire pits are easily able to be moved around your property, offering ease of access (guests can often circle them) as well as mobility. These designs are great for homeowners who want to create a less ambitious or domineering fire pit style.
Tiled
Also modern in their stylistic approach, tiled fire pits are slick and clean in their design aesthetic, cooler, and less obtrusive in their overall design approach. Tiled fire pits tend to be built in-ground and fueled by propane or gel, making them less smoky than other fire pits and easier when it comes to clean up and maintenance.
4 Types of Fire Pit Fuel
Wood burning
The most natural when it comes to fuel, wood-burning fire pits can create a homey sense of comfort. They do of course require more attention, since wood-burning fire pits require constant wood for fuel, and the smoke may inhibit certain guests including those who may have respiratory issues. However, they are the cheapest to build and maintain.
Propane
A common approach to outdoor fireplaces involves building fire pits that use propane fuel. These fire pits are cleaner and less smoky without sacrificing warmth and comfort. You will of course also have to maintain your propane supply and make sure that you have enough gas for the fire pit.
Natural gas
The cleanest and most natural approach to fueling your fire pit, fire pits fueled by natural gas are tied to your gas line, ensuring that you always have enough fuel for the fire. Of all the fire pits these types are the least portable, since they are attached to a fixed line, and a designer will be Stonecraftecessary for the build and installation of these types of fire pits since piping and proper gas line installation are required.
Gel fuel
Gel-fueled fire pits offer the least heat of the four types of fire pits, but because they burn gels they do not give off any smoke or burnt smell. To refill the gel fuel, homeowners either replace a gel canister or refill the reservoir with gel fuel. Simply ignite the pit by lighting the gel fuel using a gas grill lighter; once the fuel is consumed, the flame will extinguish itself.
When it comes to building or installing fire pits, it can be tempting for homeowners to attempt to do it themselves; however, because you are often dealing with gas lines or other safety issues, it’s best to trust the experts. GreenPro specializes in working with homeowners to create fire pit environments that are safe and well-integrated with your home’s design; call us today! We’d love to work with you!