A fire pit has come a long way from being a pit dug into the ground or made from stones to burn a fire. Today, it is a focal point of a stylish outdoor area that will make your home more functional and attractive.
As more families spend time outdoors this summer, purchasing a fire pit for your home is going to be a smart investment that will pay off in several ways. A fire pit will turn an otherwise conventional and generic patio into a stylish and functional outdoor living area, allowing you and your family to spend countless hours outside. Real estate agents agree that homes with a developed outdoor space (complete with fire pits) tend to have a higher resale value.
Here are the top 8 reasons why you should install a fire pit in your backyard.
Gives your home a glamorous makeover
Lighting up a fire is a beautiful and natural way to create a focal point for all outdoor gatherings. They don’t only create a beautiful gathering but become the main design anchor for outdoor living. Whether it is a stone fire pit or a wood-burning fire pit, they create a stunning focal point in your garden, even when they’re not in use. There are several designs available on the market today. Make sure to choose one that will compliment any outdoor space. If you are looking for an excuse to invite friends over, all you need to say is: “We’re lighting up the fire pit tonight. Do you want to come over?”
A fire pit could increase your home’s market value
Several surveys suggest that fire pits are among the top three popular backyard additions during any enovation. This addition will give your home a huge selling point if you want to put it up for sale. Homes with a well-built outdoor space that feature a fire pit are known to have higher resale value. They can increase your home’s value by 15-40% on average. However, once you get a cool, new fire pit, you probably won’t ever want to move!
Keeps the insects away
Staying outdoors also means battling all kinds of insects that live outside. Especially during the summer months, insects, including mosquitoes, can dampen the mood of any summer night. This forces people to cut their outdoor nighttime short. Burning softwood in fire pit will do a good job of keeping the bugs and the infections away!
Can be used anytime
You will have a hard time finding a backyard feature that is as versatile as the fire pit. In the summer, you can roast s’mores, while basking in the starlight. In the winter, you can heat up by the cozy blaze of the fire, while wrapped in a thick blanket sipping cocoa. In short, it is safe to say that the fire pit can be used throughout the year for many different reasons!
An alternative area for cooking
The functionality of cooking in fire pits goes beyond just roasting marshmallows and making fondue. It can double as a cooking area for a wide range of foods. You can cook kebabs by wrapping them in tin oil and placing them on the bottom or you can grill some veggies over a low burning fire – the options are endless! It will also help to have an extra cooking area during summer parties and barbecues.
Available at all price points
Some may think that fire pits are a thing of luxury. However, this isn’t entirely true. From pretty simple fire bowls and DIY-style projects, to intricate, customized designs with built-in bench seating, there is a wide range of styles available at various price points. The average cost of a fire pit $700 USD, but they can be built for as low as $300. Of course, the fancy ones will cost you over $1,000, but you don’t necessarily have to get them. Whatever style you choose, just don’t skimp on safety.
Different options for different living conditions available
In the right conditions, a wood-burning fire pit is the perfect backyard addition. However, as most of us live in compact, urban spaces with limited space, fire pits are not a suitable choice for everyone. If your neighbours live closer or your area has restrictions on wood-burning, you can opt for a gas or propane model instead of wood-burning.
Lighting up a natural gas fire pit is as easy as flipping a switch, which means you’ll likely use it more often. However, they can be quite expensive, and once installed, you cannot move it. On the other hand, a propane fire pit is easy to light and portable, too. But you need to check the propane levels and take the canister for refills regularly.
Roasting s’mores and making memories
For most of us, one of the earliest and fondest memories from our childhoods is roasting the s’mores in the backyard. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures, right? Now, with a fire pit in your backyard, you can make the s’mores anytime you want and create wonderful memories with your family and friends.
