About Fire Pits - The Three Styles

There are three main styles of pits being used today: the dug pit, the portable pit and the fixed pit. Many variations comprise each of the three styles and each style has an array of different uses. As innovation continues to move us forward with each new generation, improved fuels emerge and new materials are used in construction. Fire pits may change in both form and function over the years, but they will always amount to good memories around a warm fire.

The Dug Pit

Fire pits of this nature are typically found in backyards, at campsites and in designated recreation areas. These items rely on wood to fuel them and they are recessed in the ground to control the flames and keep the fire from spreading to the nearby area. The dug pit is the most primitive of all fire pits, but that does not mean that elaborate design elements cannot be included to spruce things up a bit! Intricate stonework and metallic surrounding rings are just two of the ways that owners of dug pits can add a charming touch to their fires. Dug fire pits that are located in the backyard can be treated in order to fit in with the overall landscaping design elements in the vicinity.

The Portable Pit

Portable fire pits can be used for anything from cross-country travel cooking to elegant and relaxing fires in the living room. Most portable fire pits burn natural gases, though some are equipped to burn wood or charcoal instead. They can be purposed for a variety of functions, from a stove to an alternative to a fireplace.

Individuals who travel cross-country in RVs or vehicles are wise to take portable ones along with them, as not every rest stop and camping site is guaranteed to have a dug pit available for use. In addition, portable pits can offer continuity in cooking while on the road, as the flames are controlled and over time, you can modify your cooking times to match the pit's heat.

The Fixed Pit

Permanent (fixed) fire pits take an investment of time and resources to build, but they can offer a great sense of accomplishment once finished. Most fixes fire pits are built to a good height off the ground and are comprised of stone and mortar. The most common uses for fixed pits are outdoor grilling and entertaining.

While you can build a fixed fire pit in the backyard, you should be aware that there are zoning laws and regulations for each state, to which you must adhere. If the task seems to involved, there are many contractors that can do the job to your individual specifications in a short amount of time.