Backyard Fire Pit Installation by Dallas Landscape Lighting
What is a Backyard Fire Pit?
A backyard fire pit is a specially-built, fireproof bowl in which you can build a bonfire. Unlike traditional bonfires, they contain the wood or other fuel and keep the size of the fire under your direct control. Many people use backyard fire pits to create gorgeous outdoor living spaces they can enjoy all year long.
Types of Backyard Fire Pits
You’ll find a huge variety of backyard fire pits – not only in style, but materials, as well. The most common include those made with bowls of copper, steel and cast iron. And unlike traditional bonfires, which scorch the grass and can easily get out of control, fire pits can use a variety of fuel to burn, including gel, natural gas, propane, and wood, which we cover in the following sections.
Copper Fire Bowls
Copper fire bowls are among the most popular (and they’re on the more expensive end of the spectrum). They create a simple, elegant look.
Steel Fire Bowls
Steel is simple and durable, which makes it an excellent choice for a fire pit bowl. These types of bowls can accommodate propane, natural gas, gel fuel and wood, and they’re among the more affordable types of fire pits.
Cast Iron Fire Bowls
Cast iron fire bowls are in the middle of the price spectrum. They’re incredibly durable and reliable, and they create an unmatchable aesthetic.
Propane Fire Pits
Many people find propane fire pits to be convenient and packed with visual appeal. They allow for a high-quality flame without refilling gel or a supply of wood (though they do need propane refills from time to time, depending on how often you use them). These fire pits can be very large, or they can be small, portable pieces. Often, these fire pits come with copper bowls (though not always) and feature a large ledge around the outer rim.
Natural Gas Fire Pits
Natural gas fire pits only work when there’s a gas line attached, so if you intend to put one of them in your backyard, you’ll need to ensure that there’s a way to install a line. These types of fire pits, once hooked up, never run out of fuel; you simply turn on the switch and enjoy.
Gel Fuel Fire Pits
Gel fuel fire pits use a clean, smoke-free, scent-free gel to burn; usually, the gel is contained and concealed inside fake logs. These versatile fire pits are portable (though some are exceptionally large) because they don’t require a gas line or any other connections.
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Wood-Burning Backyard Fire Pits
A wood-burning backyard fire pit may be the perfect choice for you if you want one that pulls double duty as a wood-burning grill or outdoor fireplace.
These are like contained campfires in your backyard, and the only caveat is that you have to buy or chop wood to burn in it from time to time.
Can You Have a Fire Pit in Your Backyard in Dallas?
It’s legal to have a fire pit in your backyard in Dallas. The law says, “307.4.4.
Permanent outdoor firepit. Permanently installed outdoor firepits for recreational fire purposes shall not be installed within 10 feet of a structure or combustible material.
Where Should You Put a Fire Pit in Your Yard?
Your fire pit should always be on a level surface for safety reasons. You should also place it 10 feet or more from any structure (such as your home, a shed, or playhouse). Likewise, it shouldn’t be beneath a tree with low-hanging limbs or anything else that could ignite. Your Dallas Landscape Lighting expert will help you choose the perfect location if you’re not sure where you want to put your fire pit, considering things like the prevailing wind direction on your property and the views you want when you’re sitting around it. Ideally, the fire pit will be in a convenient location near your pool, outdoor kitchen or patio so you can use it as a social gathering space.
What Do You Put Under a Fire Pit?
You should have a protective fire mat or deck protector beneath your fire pit. These protective mats are designed to protect the ground or surface below the fire pit from scorching, burns and other types of damage.
Combining a Fire Pit With Other Landscaping Elements
Dallas Landscape Lighting can help you combine a fire pit with other landscaping elements, such as outdoor lighting, patio and arbor lighting, fans, speakers and more. We’ll help you create the perfect outdoor living space so you can enjoy your backyard all year long.
How Safe are Fire Pits?
Fire pits are safe, as long as they’re properly installed and you use them the way they’re intended to be used. Some types of fire pits need regular maintenance, while others only need to be cleaned from time to time. As long as you’re following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe, gorgeous fire pit in your backyard:
- The fire pit must be on level ground
- Burn only wood that’s been seasoned at least six months
- Don’t use construction materials (such as plywood or composite woods) in your backyard fire pit, as they may contain toxic chemicals
- Set up seating far enough from the fire pit to prevent falling hazards
- Use the screen (if applicable) that comes with your fire pit
What’s the Best Fire Pit for a Small Backyard?
There’s no one-size fits-all answer to the question of which fire pit is best for any yard – small or otherwise. The easiest way to figure out what fire pit is best for your yard is to consult with an expert at Dallas Landscape Lighting and consider the materials that would best complement your outdoor living space, determine whether it’s feasible for you to run a gas line, and determine what type of fuel you want to use for your fire pit. Your expert consultant at Dallas Landscape Lighting will explain your options and help you develop a plan that turns your backyard into an extraordinary outdoor living space.
Are You Looking for Fire Pit Installation in Dallas?
If you’re thinking about having a backyard fire pit installed in Dallas or the surrounding communities, Dallas Landscape Lighting is your one-stop shop. Our team can help you choose the right fire pit for your needs and install it for you so you can begin enjoying your backyard to the fullest.
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