No matter the season, we all want to get outside and breathe the fresh air. A backyard fire pit can not only enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space but can also increase the value of your home. Custom-made fire pits from P.O.P.S Landscaping are a great way to modernize your backyard. They will last longer, need less maintenance, and complement your outdoor space. Here, P.O.P.S Landscaping discusses fire pits, laws and regulations for homeowners and reasons why investing in a fire pit this season is a good idea.
When Is The Best Time To Install A Backyard Fire Pit?
Autumn is typically the best time to install a fire pit. Getting your fire pit in place before Winter is recommended so that you don’t run into any complications. You don’t want to try installing your fire pit in the freezing cold or possibly snow. Trust us on this one. Give us a call today to learn more about pricing and installation availability.
Benefits of an Outdoor Fire pit
- Creating Ambiance – Fire pits create a warm and unique atmosphere that nothing else can quite replicate. It gives the surrounding area a glow that immediately draws people to it.
- Enjoy Your Outdoor Space Longer – There are generally only a few months of the year you can’t use your patio for social gatherings. Fire pits make it possible to gather with friends and families all year long. The warmth of the fire makes cold nights much more enjoyable.
- Entertaining – A fire is always entertaining when it comes to entertainment. Wood-burning and gas fire pits can both be used to roast marshmallows and provide the perfect relaxing atmosphere.
- Complement Your Style – Your patio is an essential part of your home, and there is nothing that can pull together the design of your patio quite as well as a fire pit can. There are multiple types of brick and stone fire pit designs we can provide that will complement any backyard.
- Add Value To Your Home – A fire pit can drastically increase the value of your home. They’re a simple addition and are incredibly desirable on the market. Fire pits have become quite a popular investment for homeowners.
Outdoor Activities For Your Fire Pit
- Sports Entertaining – Take the party outside. Watch the latest game with your family and friends around the fire.
- Family Night– Have a family campout with all of the kids. Set up in the backyard to camp, bond and bring your family closer together.
- Star Gazing– This can be a fun outdoor activity for the family. Star gazing is a relaxing activity that improves both mental and physical conditions.
- Roasting Marshmallows– Huddle around the fire with your family and make delicious s’mores and memories with the kids.
Common Fire Pit Laws & Regulations You Should Know
Most cities and towns allow small recreational fires. A recreational fire is usually defined as a campfire, bonfire, or backyard fire in a fire pit. Many recreational fire regulations are in place to remain courteous to your neighbors, but others exist to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are three common fire pit laws and regulations you should know about before adding a fire pit to your yard.
LOCATION GUIDELINES
Whether you’re looking to add a portable fire pit or a permanent structure, you’ll need to consider the placement carefully. Portable fire pits need to be placed on fire-resistant surfaces like a brick patio or over stone pavers. Fire pits should be placed at least 10 feet away from the property line. Many areas have laws requiring 25 feet between the fire pit and your house, shed, vehicle, deck, or other combustible materials. Check with local fire officials before you begin your project to avoid costly mistakes.
BURN MATERIAL RESTRICTIONS
The burning of certain materials can result in dangerous situations. Common materials like paper, magazines, and particleboard may seem like harmless kindling but burning these materials can lead to excessive smoke and release toxins from adhesive or ink. Similarly, burning the incorrect foliage like poison ivy, oak or sumac, or even green leafy branches can lead to serious lung irritation and should be avoided. Learn what is okay before you start your fire pit.
SUPERVISION REGULATIONS
Most counties and homeowners associations require that a fire be supervised by an adult the entire time it is burning. Shifting winds can put your neighbor’s property and your own property in danger. You may find that local ordinances prohibit a backyard fire during high wind conditions. The general unpredictability of the weather is an important reason for regulations requiring constant supervision. Don’t leave your fire pit unattended. Always have someone present and aware of your surroundings.
Tips To Keep Your Fire Pit Burning
- Know The Weather Conditions – If it is raining, you’re going to have a hard time burning a fire. Even high-moisture conditions with high humidity can make things difficult. It is easier to control a fire and keep it burning longer during dry conditions.
- Direction Of The Wind – A fire pit location can significantly affect the length of your burns. If your fire pit is in the open, it’s easy for even a tiny bit of wind to put out your fire. It’s recommended to have some sort of windbreaker nearby that stops the wind before it gets to your fire.
- Dry Burning Material – Dry firewood is essential to having a fire that lasts longer. Cover your wood if you suspect precipitation coming before your burn a fire.
- Type Of Wood – Ash, oak, maple, cherry, birch, and beech wood are types of lumber that are considered “slow burning.” Walnut, hickory, and hornbeam are also slow-burning woods because they are all hardwood that has more wood packed within each square inch. Therefore, it takes the fire longer to get through.
- Remove Any Moisture – An easy tip that helps keep your fire burning longer is to dry out your pit before you start using it.
- Air & Ventilation – The main ingredient that is necessary for any successful fire is oxygen. It’s important to not suffocate the flames.
- Heat Conductors – Natural materials that are great conductors of heat and allow for ventilation include small river rocks, lava rocks, sand, and even extra ashes accumulated as the night goes on.
Looking To Install A Fire Pit? Call Us Today!
P.O.P.S Landscaping offers a full range of landscape design and installation services, tailored to meet your residential or commercial needs. We specialize in designing and building custom outdoor living spaces, kitchens and backyard retreats. P.O.P.S Landscaping has experts in building structures, decks, patios, pergolas, fire pits, stairs, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, spas, and swimming pools, as well as doing complete backyard renovation. We can handle your all-encompassing outdoor project, from beginning to end. Give us a call today for more information!
