| A well designed outdoor space isn't complete | | | | Look for quality when making your purchase. Fire |
| without a fire pit. However, fire pits can pose a | | | | pits come in many sizes, prices and quality levels. |
| hazard to those who ignore safety concerns. A | | | | A higher quality pit is usually safer, since it is made |
| responsible homeowner will think about safety | | | | from a more durable material. Steel is available in |
| when planning an outdoor area that includes one | | | | different gauges. Ask a sales representative at |
| or more fire pits. | | | | your store which steel unit is of the highest |
| Here are some tips to remember when planning | | | | quality. Although budget is a consideration, |
| an outdoor space that includes a fire pit: | | | | investing in a quality fire pit will ensure long lasting |
| Plan to put your fire pit in an area that is away | | | | enjoyment. |
| from trees, branches and bushes. It is also a good | | | | Some fire pits are manufactured with safety |
| idea to keep it away from anything made from a | | | | features, including screens or guards to improve |
| flammable material or wood, such as cedar siding, | | | | safety around open flame. Pits are usually made |
| wooden chairs or tables, and outdoor tents or | | | | from cast aluminum, steel or iron. If your fire pit |
| awnings. Consider smoke and where it may blow. | | | | will be left outside all year round, you may want |
| Be sure the area that holds the fire pit, whether it | | | | to look for a unit made from stainless steel. This |
| is a concrete patio, pavers or grass, is level and | | | | will help prevent rust during the rainy season and |
| solid. You don't want it to be unlevel, where it | | | | withstand harsh winter conditions better than |
| could tip over. Make sure that chairs and benches | | | | some other materials. |
| are placed well away from the fire pit. You don't | | | | Copper fire pits have become popular. These fire |
| want you or your guests to be in danger from | | | | pits are strikingly beautiful and can dress up any |
| nearby sparks or flames. | | | | outdoor area. Although copper fire pits tend to |
| Children love to play near fires. Roasting | | | | tarnish, as all copper will, keep it clean so that it |
| marshmallows and hot dogs is a treasured family | | | | ages well. Copper cleaners are specially designed |
| pastime. However, it is easy to forget that a fire | | | | to suit this task, so be sure to buy some when |
| pit can be dangerous to children. A child who trips | | | | you buy your unit. |
| and falls into the pit can be severely hurt. Be sure | | | | Read the manufacturers instructions closely when |
| that all children are well supervised by adults and | | | | operating your fire pit. Operate it according to |
| instruct them to keep a safe distance away from | | | | instructions. No short cuts allowed. Fire pits are |
| the flames. If toddlers and very young children | | | | designed to create a pleasant and enjoyable |
| are nearby, you should install a baby safety fence | | | | atmosphere and by following a few simple safety |
| completely around the pit, or simply not use it in | | | | steps, you and your guests can enjoy your fire |
| their presence. | | | | pit for many years to come. |