The winter months bring colder temperatures, causing you and your family to pack up your patio furniture and retreat to the warm indoors. But what if you could still enjoy your time outside on your patio during winter? You can extend the time spent enjoying or entertaining in your outdoor spaces with the addition of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
What can you do around a fire pit?
With a fire pit you can do anything you would normally do in your outside spaces. For instance you can enjoy spending time with your friends and family talking, joking and telling stories. A fires sets a unique ambiance that makes it that much more fun to play card/board games, musical instruments or watch the sun set. You can even make meals over the fire or set up a campsite!
What can you cook in a fire pit?
There are many delicious recipes you can find to make meals, snacks and deserts over your fire pit. From the classic hot dogs and hamburgers, to roasted vegetables, to skewers and kabobs. You can roast marshmallows or make a s’more casserole in a cast iron skillet. In fact, you can make almost anything with a fire pit in a cast iron skillet including succotash, nachos, pancakes, etc.
Does an outdoor fireplace need a chimney?
An outdoor fireplace has a chimney as opposed to a firepit. An outdoor fireplace requires effort to construct and build in order for smoke to funnel up and out through the chimney, and people can only sit on one side of it. A fire pit has no chimney so smoke drifts, but you are able to seat guests all around it.
Can I put a fire pit or outdoor fireplace in my backyard?
If you are interested in constructing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace in your backyard landscaping, contact Borst Landscape and Design to discuss how a fireplace can fit in your outdoor design. When installing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit you should think about how large it will be, how to design the landscaping surrounding it, and make sure there is adequate drainage.
Which is better a fire pit or Chiminea?
A fire pit gives a 365 view and access to the fire where as a chiminea is a mexican style heater and stove that gives a small window to the fire. A chiminea also has a chimney so smoke gets directed away from you. You can use both to cook, however fire pits are usually larger and accommodate larger fires due to the lack of chimney. Neither is better than the other. The choice of which one you want in your backyard depends on your use preferences and your landscape design.
What is the best material for a fire pit?
Portable fire pits are usually metal or steel bowls. Classic materials are copper or cast iron. You can also opt for a sleeker looking stainless steel option. Custom built fire pits can be beautifully integrated into the landscaping of your backyard using brick, stone, or concrete with a metal liner or fire bricks.
How safe are fire pits?
Fire pits have open flames so they can be dangerous if basic safety precautions are not taken. However, when built and maintained properly, fire pits can be safely enjoyed in your backyard.
Safety tips for outdoor fireplaces or fire pits
In order to enjoy your outdoor fireplace or fire pit safely, they should be constructed on a level plane, and at least 20 feet away from any combustible material including plants, wooden flooring, buildings, or overhangs. Burn only natural woods and do not use lighter fluid. Be prepared to put out fires with a water bucket, sand, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets. Consider adding safety features like built in chairs so guests aren’t tempted to inch ever closer, a fire screen, and fire gloves.
Keeping your outdoor fireplace clean
Maintaining a clean outdoor fireplace is key to the safe enjoyment of the fireplace. You should clean debris from the surrounding area regularly to decrease the chances of sparks catching on any overgrown plants or leaves. You should sweep out any debris from in or on the fireplace and use a shopvac to remove soot and ash. The outside of the fireplace can be cleaned using a stiff-bristled brush with warm and soapy water. The inside of a wood-burning fireplace should be cleaned by professionals who have the right cleaners and experience to remove build-up of soot and ash. This should be done once or twice a year depending on the frequency of use. A gas-burning fireplace can be cleaned with a soft bristled brush for gas burner holes and fake logs. Gas burners should be cleaned with a soft cloth.
How can Borst Landscape work with you on a fire pit or outdoor chimney?
Borst Landscape and Design can help you design the outdoor fireplace or fire pit of your dreams. Not only will we come up with a beautiful design that fits your style, but we will create a functional space you can enjoy all year long. Borst Landscape knows that it takes proper planning and professional skills to create an outdoor fireplace or fire pit that fits your needs and complies with Bergen County, NJ fire regulations. We are professionals that get the job done within your budget. If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor fireplace or are wondering about proper care and maintenance of your fireplace, contact Borst Landscape and Design today. Remember that even though you may not be thinking about your fire pit or outdoor fireplace in the cold weather of winter, it really is the best time to commission the work so that it is finished and ready for you when spring rolls around.