There’s something soothing about the soft crackle of a fire – a warmth that comforts both the body and the mind. While it can be nice settling on the couch in front of a fire on a cold winter night, having an outdoor fire pit provides another natural element to enhance the experience: the great outdoors.
Witnessing the expanse of a star-filled sky overhead while the flames making shadows dance is a reward unto itself, yet not the only one.
There are many benefits to having your own outdoor fire pit.
Circling the Wagons
While we may no longer circle the fire with wagons in this day and age, we can certainly circle it with comfortable seating. An outdoor fire is a perfect atmosphere for spending time with friends and having great conversations or even enjoying the time-honored tradition of playing guitar and singing.
Plus, the nature of a fire pit ensures that everyone around the circle gets equal heating, which can prove a challenge when dealing with an indoor fireplace. Also, because everyone can sit around that fire, it’s easy to make eye contact with everyone, as they are readily visible with minimal effort.
Bon(fire) Appetit!
The versatile nature of an outdoor fire pit provides another delicious advantage: cooking! The companionable atmosphere of the fireside is vastly improved when the irresistible aroma of culinary delight fills the air.
For time untold, sharing a meal together has been a powerful way to bond with others, and doing so around the fire adds a special something that enhances the experience.
If not in the mood for a meal, the fire can serve to heat up tea or hot chocolate, which go particularly well with a cool night around the fire pit.
Light up the Night
This one’s fairly obvious, but a nice outdoor fire pit can cast a good amount of light, making it possible to enjoy nighttime activities and be able to see at the same time.
This can save on having to provide artificial lighting for shindigs with families and friends, and since there are a variety of different types of fire pits (Gas, Propane, Wood, etc), it’s possible to choose economical versions.
Similarly, a fire produces heat, so a fire pit can provide an economical method of providing warmth as well.
Better Safe than Sorry
Traditional fires can be a huge safety risk, especially when built by someone who is not trained or knowledgeable about fire safety. An uncontained fire poses serious risks, especially when the air is dry or there is a strong wind to carry sparks.
While you should definitely take a certain amount of caution when using an outdoor fire pit, many models are self-contained in such a way that they limit the risk, especially models that are embedded within a structure.
If yours is not, always be cognizant of risks and take the time to ensure your outdoor fire pit is as safe as possible. Remember to prepare suitable protection to ensure children are unable to reach or fall into the fire, and make sure that there is nothing within the vicinity that can be set afire with an errant spark.
Building a Dream
On the heels of the above point, another benefit is that you can customize an outdoor fire pit to suit your own personality or design desires.
There are many premade models you can purchase that fulfill a variety of purposes and design molds, but you are welcome to build your own if you have the knowledge and motivation to do so.
They can be as fancy as you like, taking the form of copper bowls, tables, columns, or even bricks stacked to create a well-like appearance.
Easy Come, Easy Go
Most outdoor fire pits are designed for simplicity of use, especially those that make use of gas that can be turned on and off at will. This gives you a strong measure of control over the fire itself and allows a virtually instant flame whenever you want it.
One of the best parts of that control is that you do not have to wait around for the fire to die, nor make sure that every last ember is out, for safety. When the night is over, you simply turn it off and it’s gone.
Four Seasons of Fun
Since the outdoor fire pit is such a versatile concept, it can provide great joy during any season, whether hot or cold. During the summer, it provides that great atmosphere for socializing and can provide the means for a mean cookout.
When the weather turns cooler, those options are still available, but the heat can provide valuable warmth to the event. Because of this, it’s easier than ever to continue spending the time you love outdoors, even when the trees are dying and the ground is a barren wasteland of snow.
Ooh-La-La!
As enjoyable as it can be to sit around the fire with a group, it’s also ideal for some one-on-one time with a significant other. By nature, the fire’s ambiance creates an ideal romantic setting, establishing an atmosphere of companionship or even intimacy.
Nights spent gazing at the moon and stars while the fire crackles peacefully nearby help create amazing memories that can strengthen a relationship.
This is especially true if there are children in the house that keep everyone busy during the day. After all the excitement, their bedtime creates an opportunity to relax and enjoy invaluable peace and quiet, de-stressing from the day.
The Bottom Line
Fire pits have nearly as many uses as there are designs and varieties of them available for your home. They give you a chance to exercise your creativity, designing the outdoor fire pit that fits your personal style and interests while providing light, warmth, and the ability to cook or prepare hot drinks.
They also create atmospheres that are conducive to companionship, whether with a group of friends or with that special someone.
Ultimately, there is something special about outdoor fire pits that every personality can enjoy.