In the autumn, at the end of a long day, you will often find the J&S Landscaping team members in their backyards, with their feet up, enjoying their fire pits. Sometimes, they’re visiting with family and friends. Others, they’re alone, soaking up the seasonal changes.
We all love our fire pits and enjoy them year-round. But there’s just something about the fall. The leaves are turning, and everyone is digging out hoodies and sweaters, drinking hot chocolate, and admiring the changing colors. The smell of pumpkin spice is in the air and we’re all thinking about Halloween and the upcoming holidays.
If you don’t already have one, now is a great time to consider adding a fire pit to your outdoor living area. Of the features we offer; our fire pits are the most customizable. And they’re one of our favorites because they’re such crowd pleasers. We built them for restaurants, resorts, Airbnbs, families, and individuals. If you entertain on a large scale, we can accommodate you with one of our larger fire pits surrounded by seating walls. If you want a smaller and more intimate setting, we can create that for you as well. Fire pits work in most outdoor living spaces, from the smallest backyard to the largest.
Because we are certified dealers, working with only the best paver companies on the market, we can customize your fire pit without worrying about any difference in quality. Whether you like a rustic stone or something more modern, we can create the fire pit that meets with your expectations. And as the pavers all come with a three-year warranty (at least), we aren’t concerned with letting you down. Whether you want a fire pit for your backyard or vacation home or business, we can build it to your specifications. The only limits are your imagination and the laws of physics (and safety).
The type of fuel is very important and depends on your preferences and the availability of your chosen sources. We offer three types of fuel – wood, propane, and natural gas. Each one works a little differently so let’s take a look at each and discuss the pros and cons so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
HOW DO WOOD BURNING FIRE PITS WORK
Fire must have an uninterrupted source of fuel, heat, and oxygen in order to burn. The type of fuel may vary, but the oxygen and heat are constants. Wood burning fire pits work—as the name denotes—by burning wood.
If you’ve ever made a campfire, you can build a fire in a fire pit. And if you haven’t, it’s really easy to learn how. Start with kindling—which can be small, dry sticks and paper—and a lighter or matches, adding larger pieces of wood as the fire develops. Too much fuel too soon deprives the fire of oxygen and heat. Some build a small A-frame or t-barrel or “log house” frame rather than stand over the fire and feed it. As long as there is enough room at each stage for fuel with enough oxygen and heat, that will work too.
Wood-burning fire pits have a lot of advantages!
The Pros
- Just making a fire is comforting. It’s a primal thing. The process of building it reminds us we can do what we have to do if there is a crisis.
- There’s simply no substitute for the crackle-pop of a wood-burning fire.
- Wood is inexpensive and if you have your own heavily wooded land, it’s even less so.
- It can also be used as a barbecue for leisure purposes. And if you’ve got kids, roasting marshmallows over it can be a fun way to build memories.
- Wood burning fire pits are a safe way to teach children or inexperienced adults fire safety as well as how to make a fire.
- It’s handy for burning small piles of leaves and deadfall, a nice way to combine outdoor chores with a cozy fire.
- Wood burning fire pits are a handy backup in case of loss of electricity.
But there are also disadvantages to consider.
The Cons:
- Wood should be stored in a dry, closed area if you want it to be ready for use. A building or storage container works. Although many people do it this way, simply covering wood with a tarp can contribute to problems with pests, especially in rural areas, with the possibility of attracting rodents, snakes, and insects.
A wood-burning fire pit must be cleaned out regularly so that it remains usable. You should also keep it covered when not in use to protect it from water damage.
How do propane fire pits work
As you probably guessed from the name, propane fires run on propane. The entire outer area of a propane fire pit is called the “housing”. It contains the gas line for the propane tank as well as the propane tank itself. Above the gas line is a heat-resistant pan or bowl. Beneath the bowl is a burner or burners, depending on the size of the fire pit. The burners are connected to the tank by the gas tube or gas line below. The bowl may also contain heat-resistant artificial charcoal or logs to hide the burners. Most propane fire pits work with an automatic ignition that start the fire, allowing the user to turn it on and off and adjust the size of the flame. Depending on the size and power of your fire pit, you can use propane gas tanks of different sizes. The most common tank is 20 pounds, but you can use anything from 33 to 100 pounds.
If you don’t want to worry about cleaning the fire pit or storing wood. A propane fire pit may be for you. As with everything, there are pros and cons.
The Pros
- Propane is clean. Maintenance is as easy as wiping the bowl out periodically and covering it between uses.
- Propane is easy to find, available at outdoor stores, propane sales stores, and often grocery store kiosks.
- Learning how to use a propane fire pit is as easy as turning the knobs until you find the flame size you want. And when you’re done, all you have to do is turn it off.
- It is an attractive choice for people who want to experience fire without the hassle of building one.
The Cons
- The price of propane, like gasoline, varies from year to year and depends on supply and demand.
- You can’t cook over a propane fire pit without risking your elements.
- All Parts require maintenance and should be checked regularly for leaks and wear.
- Tanks should be carefully stored away from the house and regularly checked for leaks.
It does not burn as hot as a wood burning fire pit.
How do natural gas fire pits work?
If your home already has natural gas, a natural gas fire pit may be the right choice for you. Like propane, it relies on a fuel source located outside of the bowl. But instead of a propane tank, these fire pits work with a natural gas line that runs from your home to the fire pit. Like propane, you can hide burners with fake logs or charcoal. Natural gas fueled fire pits are bigger and produce warm fires. And like propane, natural gas is cleaner than wood.
The Pros
- If you already have natural gas coming to your home, a natural gas fireplace can be a great addition to your outdoor living space.
- It’s as easy as turning a knob when you want to light it. And it’s just as easy to turn it off if you don’t.
- Natural gas is cheap and continuous. You don’t have to rush to the store to get a refill if you run low. There is also no need to store extra fuel anywhere. It already exists.
- Natural gas produces a large, hot fire, warmer than propane, although not as warm as a wood-burning fire.
The Cons
- You need a professional to run the natural gas line from the home to the fire pit. This is expensive, but the benefits may make it worth it.
- Like a propane fire pit, you can’t cook on a natural gas fire without risking your elements.
- Once it’s set up, the natural gas fire pit cannot be moved without great expense. So you have to be absolutely sure that you like its location because it will be there for a long time.
- Maintenance is the same as when using propane. You should regularly check the burners and connections for wear. If you notice a problem, you’ll have to hire a professional to come and fix it.
Ready for your own fire pit?
As you can see, each of the fire pits we offer present several pros and cons. But in the long run, the overall advantages of having a fire pit, regardless of the fuel type you choose, are substantial. This feature is worth every penny you will spend on it. Your return will be years of enjoyment and many hours with family and friends.
J&S Landscaping is here for you and your business! We are a member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. Our company provides top-notch lawn care and support for plants, trees, and shrubs. And everything we purchase and plant for you has a one-year guarantee.
J&S Landscaping is certified by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute to install paver patios & walkways, brick paver driveways, retaining walls and more. And we are also an authorized contractor for Belgard
