Posts Tagged ‘fire pits’

Why Propane Fire Pits May Be Better Than Gas Or Wood Burning Pits

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010


It is a common misconception that propane fire pits are less safe than gas or wood burning fire pits. Propane is a relatively new choice in the world of fire pits and propane products and appliances have had many technological advances over the years. Some homeowners fear that having propane cylinders near their homes is dangerous and that the cylinders could be prone to rupture or explode.

The fact is that propane cylinders are built to withstand an extreme amount of abuse and wear and that there is very little chance that they would ever explode or rupture in any way. There have been very few incidents where homeowners have been injured in accidents involving propane tank mishaps, and wood burning fire pits are generally known to cause more injuries and damage than gas or propane fire pits.

Propane equipment must pass rigorous safety standards and tests before being put out on the market. And today’s propane tanks use overfilling prevention devices (OPDs) that have greatly improved the safety of the tanks. The device shuts down the filling process of tanks when they are about 80 percent full. This ensures that they are never overfilled and leaves room in the tank for the fuel volume to expand and contract in different weather situations.

All fire pits must be used with caution and there are a few common sense safety guidelines that should be used when it comes to the handling and storage of propane fire pits and cylinders.

You should never smoke when you are handling your propane cylinder, and you should never use lighters or matches to check for leaks on your cylinders. You should also never try to repair any broken mechanisms on your cylinder without the proper training. It is best if a professional handles this. Never pour lighter fluid into your propane fire pit for any reason. You should be able to turn on your pit with the simple flick of a switch.

When storing your cylinders, remember to always place them outdoors in a well ventilated area that does not receive high traffic. You should never ever store your cylinder indoors. Also, do not place you cylinder in a damp area that could cause it to rust or on an unstable surface like rocks or soil. It should be placed on a level and sturdy surface like concrete.

If you follow simple safety guidelines a propane fire pit will be absolutely safe to make a part of your home. Plus, they offer many benefits. They are safe and environmentally friendly. They burn a clean fuel, are easy to turn on and off, do not produce ash or debris, and do not produce noxious smoke.

Learn more about fire pits. Stop by Jolene A Cruise’s site where you can find out all about outdoor fire pits and what they can do for you.

How To Use A Fire Pit: Important Information

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010


Fire pits are becoming ever more fashionable, and there is a constantly growing choice of designs to pick from. Wood burning fire pits are not only great for sitting around on a summer evening, they are likely to be rather functional. For instance, with a grill accessory it’s possible to cook on one, and they’re also effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay. Keep reading for some helpful ideas about how to use a fire pit to reap the utmost enjoyment from your acquisition.

Almost everyone will find that they can easily assemble a fire pit because they’re fairly small with few components. Just ensure that you study all the assembly information before you begin, and ensure that all the parts are there.

Prior to choosing a location in the backyard for your fire pit, look into your local fire regulations concerning use of these products. In most cases there are several policies concerning the foundation they have to sit on as well as the proximity to structures and also trees. You want it to be located on a solid, flat foundation such as a cement or brick terrace. Never use a fire pit on a timber deck. Moreover, you should know that fire pits are only for outside use, and should never be used inside the garage or house.

When you’re lighting the fire, don’t use gas or accelerants to get it burning more quickly. This will produce a flame that is much too hot. Use newspaper and kindling to get it going; after that add progressively bigger pieces of firewood. Avoid using wood that is bigger than your pit, believing they’ll burn down and be okay. They must fit completely within the interior from the outset, without any overhang. Don’t use anything except natural wood; nothing pressure treated or containing creosote. Scrap lumber is fine, however it will burn pretty fast, therefore you might opt to make use of it only for kindling.

The upkeep requirements of a fire pit will depend on what type of material it’s manufactured from. Certain products may need to be painted from time to time. You might also discover that the mesh cover doesn’t last as long as the fire pit itself, and you may need to buy a replacement.

If your fire pit remains outside constantly, you might want to buy a cover to protect it from the weather. Make sure it’s completely cool before you cover it up. Some styles feature a lid, but you might still want a full cover to maintain the finish. When the season ends, it’s a good idea to put it away in the shed or garage.

Safety considerations are paramount when using a wood burning fire pit. Never leave a fire going when you’re not around. Always remember to put out the fire when you’re done; don’t ever let it die out on its own. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach always. Keep a close eye on children and pets. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions; the likelihood of injuries and property damage is very real.

Click here to find more information on what to look for in wood burning fire pits.