Firepits are a classy and stylish addition to your backyard and can evoke the same sense of camaraderie and ambiance of a campfire in your backyard. The crackling, warm glow of an outdoor firepit can set the perfect scene for many Aussie backyard occasions, from romantic skylit nights, family get-togethers, to enjoying a couple of coldies with mates. Here are just a few more reasons why we couldn't live without our firepit.
Firepits Aren't Just for Winter
A warm firepit is an excellent gathering spot for those cold winter nights, but that doesn't mean it should be lying dormant for the rest of the year. A fire is a welcome sight no matter the season, and your fire pit will be central to many fond memories of family celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas Eve. When the night is warm, you can move the seating a little further away to compensate.
A Firepit is a Perfect Centrepiece for Any Social Occasion
Just like the inside kitchen is where the crowd gathers when you're entertaining, the firepit is the outdoor social hub. Your guests will migrate to the friendly glow and warmth of the firepit, where they will converse long into the night.
Round Firepits Are Excellent for Large Social Groups
Many outdoor heating options are an excellent source of radiant heat, but only if you are all huddled around the front of the unit. A round firepit delivers heat over a full 360 degrees. More people can keep warm at once, and no one will have to duck inside because there's no space around the heater.
They Make Great Decor
Firepits are an incredibly attractive piece of decor to have in your outdoor area. They are available in a wide range of styles and materials to fit any outdoor setting.
Wood Fires Have Greater Heat Output
While gas can provide instant heat, gas fires can't get as warm as a wood-burning fire pit. When you need more heat, you can throw another log or two on the fire. If you need to keep a lot of people warm on a cold night, you can't beat a wood firepit.
A Wood Fire is a Natural Insect Repellent
On those warm summer nights, a small wood fire creates a cheery atmosphere, but it also helps keep the bugs and mosquitoes at bay. It's perfect if you've forgotten the repellent, or don't want to be bothered with handing the bottle around to a large crowd.
Marshmallows, S'Mores and Roast Potatoes
When the kids have friends over, what better way to create lasting memories thanmelting s' mores and marshmallows over a real wood fire. Marshmallows aren't the only thing you can put on the menu. Anything you can cook on your average camping trip is fair game for a wood-burning firepit; damper, roast potato, and corn on the cob are always more fun to cook outside in the hot coals.
Firepits Raise Property Values
When it's time to sell your home, we know you'll miss your firepit and all the great times you've had while gathered around it, but you can take solace in the fact that it's added a great deal of value to your home. It's not just monetary value we are talking about either, because an attractive outdoor area will also add appeal and have the buyers clamouring to make an offer.
Easy to Install
Firepits can be installed professionally as a permanent feature of your outdoor area, or they can be relatively simple designs you can install yourself if you are on a modest budget. Many beautiful firepit models are also portable, so you can move them to wherever you need. There is no real average cost to a firepit, and you are sure to find something affordable.
Firepits are Good for Your Health
You don't need scientific proof to know that watching the flames crackle and dance on a balmy moonlit night is relaxing. However, one study shows a night by the firepit could help reduce your blood pressure. According to the journal Evolutionary Psychology, hanging out by the fire is built into our DNA from ancient times [* 1].
You can Enjoy More Time Outdoors
Winter days are shorter but having a firepit means you don't have to head inside just yet. The warmth provided by the fire will mean you can spend more time enjoying your backyard and the fresh night air.
Are There Any Disadvantages to an Outdoor Firepit?
Firepits are a fantastic accessory for creating a more versatile outdoor living area, but there are a few things you will need to know when considering one for your home.
Safety First
Safety is always a concern when dealing with fire, especially if you are choosing a wood-burning firepit. You will need to consider your local fire regulations before you light one up.
You will always also need to watch young children while using a wood fire. Another slight disadvantage is that you will need to completely extinguish the fire before heading back inside.
Lighting a fire also takes a little preparation, and you do have to wait a few minutes before they start producing enough heat. You will also be regularly cleaning out your firepit of its ashes. However, it takes just a few minutes and makes a great addition to your compost.
If you want all the benefits of a firepit without the slight inconveniences of a wood-burning fire, you could consider an outdoor gas firepit. You get the benefit of instant heat, and a flick of a switch means you don't have to worry about extinguishing the fire before walking away from it. As mentioned above, you need to be aware that gas firepits do not have the heat output capacity of a wood fire.
Winter isn't just coming, it's already here. Make sure you aren't leaving yourself out in the cold by checking out our full range of firepits that are sure to brighten up your nights and your social life.