To choose the best fire pit kit, homeowners should first considered how they will use their pit, and then select the kit that includes all parts necessary for that type of construction. The purchaser may find it beneficial to order an instruction guide first for the type of pit he wants to install. These instructions tend to be extremely detailed for this type of assembly, and will guide consumers in the purchase of their materials for a fully functional or purely decorative pit, depending on design needs. Once the kit has been purchased, installation may be completed by the homeowner or by a professional contractor.
A fire pit can be placed anywhere in the backyard to create a warm and inviting area for family and friends to gather and spend time. These can be installed as stand alone units or as part of a paved patio. They may be open or covered and can be used for decorative fires or functional backyard grilling. The fire pit kit that will best complete the landscaping project will depend primarily on the uses intended by the homeowner. These many styles of customization available for this backyard feature are endless.
Homeowners should first determine whether the fire pit will be functional, decorative, or both. Functional fire pits use gas, propane, wood, or coal as fuel sources and can be used to grill food or simply keep company warm. This type of fire pit kit may include natural stone or galvanized steel for construction, which are designed to withstand high heat levels. Fires should be well vented, and the structure should be placed a safe distance from the home or surrounding furniture to avoid fire hazards.
A homeowner who is planning to build this type of functional fire feature can purchase individual part kits online and assemble the unit himself. If the fire pit will be made from natural stone, then the consumer should look for a kit that includes a metal insert, which will protect the interior surface of the stones, and an exterior frame that will help them establish the layout of the stones. The stone for a functioning fire pit must be purchased locally, because this material is too heavy to ship. All other materials may either be obtained locally or through Internet ordering.
Fire pits that will only use wood or coal do not need any further materials. If the fuel source will be natural gas or propane, however, the consumer should also make sure that the fire pit kit includes a valve source and piping that will connect the gas to the pit. Gas and propane kits may be lit through the use of a match or through an ignition lighter, which must be included with the piping. Homeowners who wish to grill occasionally on their fire pit may also want to look for a grilling insert that allows them to place food over the flames.
A decorative fire pit kit tends to only work with propane or natural gas. Flames may be piped through crushed glass, decorative rock, or any other flame resistant material. The heat produced by this type of pit is often lower than that produced by a functional model to avoid damaging the specialized materials used in construction. The pit may be surrounded by stone or placed in a fire resistant table top. These units are safe to place near furniture and the home as the temperature output is relatively easy to control.
