As the weather begins to turn for the better for much of the country, more and more people are looking to create their outdoor space in their home more livable. I like to say that people are preparing their “outdoor living room”. It’s a space that you can enjoy being in, just like your den or living room inside, with all the benefits of being outside as well like sunlight, the cool breeze and fresh air.

While every outdoor living room is different just like every home is different, here are three ideas that are essential for the outdoor living room.

Entertainment: Wherever people gather, there is always an entertaining factor drawing them together. When creating your outdoor living room, personalize your entertaining factor to fit your tastes and lifestyle. If you love good conversation, get something like a fire table to draw people around a single object. If you love just relaxing in nature, make sure you have a view to enjoy. The options are endless!

Food: Nothing brings people together like food. So obviously this is an essential thing for your outdoor living room. Make your space somewhere that you can spend time eating, relaxing and eating again. A grill is an obvious choice for many people’s patios, but a full or half outdoor kitchen can really be a value to your outdoor experience. Even just making a place that food can be set and made available to family and guests can bring this essential idea to your outdoor space.

Comfort: Where there is food and entertainment, there is usually comfort. If you truly want to “live” in your outdoor space and make it a room, then having comfortable things to sit on is a must. Having furniture and features that are made well is a great start to finding comfort in your outdoors. If your chair makes your back hurt, why would you want to spend more time sitting in it? Look for brands that have a reputation for comfortable products.

Spending time in an outdoor living room is a favorite time for many, many people. If you want to be one of those, then adding this three essential ideas to your outdoor space can help make it into a true outdoor living room!

Fire pit safety is a very important and timely topic. As spring will soon turn into summer, people all across the United States will be cleaning off their decks and preparing for many nights spend around a fire. It’s one of the most iconic and enjoyable things to do in the summertime, but as with any activity, certain precautions should always be in place in order to allow everyone to enjoy the experience for years to come. Here are three things to make sure you’re prepared with in order to safely enjoy your fire pit this year.

1. Put a spark screen on your fire pit

Every summer, you see on the news that there was wildfire or forest fire started by someone who didn’t cover their fire pit with a screen and it started either their roof or trees around their home on fire. It would a devastating loss to have a fire like this start and it’s easily preventable a spark screen.

2. Selecting proper wood type

Part of preventing sparks is selecting the correct type of wood to burn in your fire pit. While many people have elected to switch to a gas-fueled fire pit, using the correct type of wood will help cut down on sparks and pops. Since wood varies across the country, a general rule is to avoid wood that contains too much sap since it creates sparks, Another good rule is to never use wet firewood in your fire pit because the moisture will steam and pop from the pressure. Stacking the wood in alternating patterns will help it dry quickly.

3. Fire pits are for wood or gas, not trash

This is more of a common courtesy than a safety topic, but it has safety implications. Setting a rule of what can be burned in the fire pit is important because it sets a tone that the fire pit is to be enjoyed, not played around with. Plus, burning trash, cans or bottles can be inconsiderate to others (and the environment).

These are just three reminders for safety around your fire pit this year, whether its a gas fire pit or a wood burning one. Make sure to enjoy it safely!

In a break from our series on gas fire pits and their basic components, today we’re taking a look at alternatives to fire pits you build yourself. Here’s a short story about the reason for this blog post.

A few days ago, we had a customer call in expressing interest in popular fire pit pan kit and she had lots of good questions about building her fire pit, quality materials, and fuel sources. One question we try to always ask customers who seem to be in the beginning stages of their project is if they’ve added up the cost of the materials before purchasing them. When I asked this particular customer, she said she had but wanted an estimate on fire glass amounts and other materials. After all was said and done, she realized that she was spending as much as a manufactured fire pit table. Now, this isn’t a bad thing at all. Gas fire pits have a feel of personalization that truly is your own and it is an enjoyable project. But here are a couple of advantages of buying a fire pit table that many don’t consider.

1. Safety Standards

This is the first thing to consider when deciding whether to build a DIY fire pit or purchase one. This isn’t about overall safety, because gas fire pits or fire tables are extremely safe as whole. They have a controlled fuel source, variable flame height and no embers or sparks.But one thing to consider is a fire pit table that has a CSA or UL approval. For example, the Oriflamme Fire Table has a CSA approval. Manufactured products are tested and tried in many situations, making them even safer.

2. Time frame

Another big factor is the time frame of when your project will be ready to use. Unless you hire a contractor or designing to build your fire pit, projects tend to get put off or delayed. It’s not that you don’t want a fire pit to use, it’s just that life gets busy. Manufactured fire pits can be delivered to your door in a few weeks or less, assembly is a snap.

3. Warranty

Your new car comes with a warranty, so why wouldn’t you want your fire pit to come with one too? Replacing pieces on a fire pit can be costly and getting a contractor to come rebuild a piece can be a headache. Warranty claims are processed quickly and shouldn’t take a dime out of your pocket. Plus, materials in custom pits can change or be discontinued quite often so that is another consideration to make.

All in all, whether you  build your own fire pit or purchase one that is manufactured, be sure to shop and around and take a look at different options. These are three things that some people don’t consider first and they could come to regret it later.

What do you think? Have you built your own fire pit or did you purchase one from a manufacturer?

Gas Fire Pits: A look inside at burners

Custom gas fire pits are becoming a backyard craze because of their advantages over wood-burning fire pits and their ability to match the style and look of anyone’s backyard. From modern to traditional, gas fire pits are a hit. But customers often don’t know a lot about how they work. In a series of posts, we’ll take a look at the basics of what’s inside a gas fire pit. In this post, let’s check out one of the most important features, the burner.

Inside any gas fire pit there are always differences, but one thing that each one needs is a gas burner. These outdoor gas burners come in all different shapes and sizes, but if you’re going to be using a filler like fire glass, then there are two main options that are most popular with our customers.

Ring-Burners

Fire Ring Burners come in a variety of sizes, with single, double and triple ring designs. The larger the ring, the more flame, but you’ll also need more fuel pressure for the 36” ring over the 18”. These are perfect for a traditional round fire pit, but the smaller diameters ones also work in rectangular pits laid next to each other in line.

H-Burners

H-burners are another popular burner option to put inside  a gas fire pit, but are most popular for fireplaces. The hook-ups are the same as the fire ring burners, but the advantage of  the H-burner design is that the flame comes up in a rectangular shape, perfect for contemporary designs or trough-style firepits.

Both of these burner styles work very well for custom projects, but customers should always make sure to consult with a gas professional on their opinion before purchasing them. Burners from manufacturers such as American Fireglass are made with stainless steel that prevents rusting. Also, look for burners that have drilled holes instead of punched holes. This is an indication of quality as it helps prevent water damage to the burner. Whatever style or size you need, each of these burners are great choices for custom gas fire pits.

Which would you prefer? Let us know!

If you have been thinking about upgrading, Fire Pit How To can help. If you have had your old wood burning fire pit for more than a year or two, it is probably time to buy something new from All Backyard Fun.

After a couple of years, fire pits can start to rust if they haven’t been covered or kept inside. Constant use can cause the metal to become thin, and the last thing you want the next time you have a fire, is for the bottom of your fire pit to cave in, especially if you have friends and family over.

At Fire Pit How To, we sell pre-made fire pits, and everything you need if you would like to build your own. You can even design your own fire pit with our easy online tool. All you have to do is register and follow seven easy steps, and your custom designed fire pit will be delivered in no time at all. You can also choose from our pre-designed fire pit tables, which are very eye-catching.

One of the newest fire pit innovations is Urban Fire Glass. Used with natural gas or propane it will give your fire pit a whole new dimension. All Backyard Fun sells everything you need to convert your old gas fire pit into a new fire glass burning fire pit or fire table.

If you would rather buy a brand new fire table, you cannot go wrong with Oriflamme. Pick your own burner design and glass colors for a fire pit table that is unique. Each table comes with a UL approved propane tank, or you can convert is to your natural gas line with an end cap conversion piece. The powder coated metal lid allows you to use your new fire table when the lid is in place.

Fire pits
Fire pit tables
Fire pit table

Sun Oriflamme Fire Pit Table

At Fire Pit How To we know that what you put inside your fire pit, as just as important as the fire pit that you decide to buy or build. Whether you build your own fire pit, or buy one pre-made, it is important to know what to put in it. Of course, if you buy a wood burning pit, you are going to put wood or wood chips in it, but if you decide on a natural gas or propane fire pit, it is a completely different story.

All Backyard Fun is in the business of creating the most beautiful fire pits in the world. You can choose from copper-based portable fire pits, granite fire tables, or build your own in-ground brick fire pit. We only carry the best fillers for your natural gas and propane fire pits.

One of the newest ways to give your natural gas or propane fire pit a new lease on life is with fire glass. Replace your old gas logs with Urban Fire Glass that comes in a variety of colors and sizes, which allows you to create your own look. All of the glass sold at Fire Pit How To is clean. You will not find water or debris in our glass. We pride ourselves on our low prices, and if you find a better deal on fire glass, but sure and let us know, as we will not be undersold. When you use our glass the right way, it will never discolor.

Urban Fire Glass looks great whether you have a rustic, classic, or contemporary natural gas or propane fire pit. Fire Glass looks unreal. It is environmentally friendly, durable, produces no soot or ash, affordable, and can last for quite some time. Really, why would you want to burn anything else?

Oriflamme fire tables
Oriflamme tables
Fire Glass

Orange Fire Glass for your fire pit, fireplace, or fire bowl

Building your own is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and Fire Pit How To have everything you need to create the fire pit table, or fire pit of your dreams. Of course, you can go to your local hardware store and buy the same one that your neighbor has, but why not be different and build something that you can be proud of? My husband and I did. We found All Backyard Fun while we were surfing the net, and found everything we needed.

I have always wanted a built-in fire pit. I wanted something that we could sit in front of on a cool night, but I also wanted a fire pit that was functional. We are always having family and friends over, and it is fun to make s ‘mores, and sit around the fire singing good ol’ fashioned camp songs, or just chatting.

We found plans online and went with reclaimed bricks that we bought from an old house that had just been torn down. We broke ground making sure to clear any trees nearby; we also wanted to make sure that it wasn’t too close to the house. After we laid the gravel and dug a channel for our gas line, we were ready to start laying the bricks. Once the cement was dry, we had a professional come in and hook up the gas line. We believe in leaving every man to his trade. We actually bought the natural gas line and the stainless steel fire pit ring from Fire Pit How To. We also bought a ten-pound bag of lava rock, which we used as filler and a base for our finishing touch, our gorgeous red fire pit glass that we use on special occasions, or for ambiance, as it is very affordable, especially from All Backyard Fun.

Gas fire pits
Propane fire pits
Outdoor fire pits

Brick fire pit built with gas fire ring and lava rock.

If you are planning on building your own, Fire Pit How To has some suggestions that may help you get that idea out of your head, and into your backyard. The first thing that you need to do is come up with a plan. You need to decide if you want a fire pit, or a fire pit table.

A fire pit table is usually round, square or octagonal. You will normally find them on a patio, deck or around the pool. They are built into coffee tables and bar tops, and designers have really gone crazy with different styles and patterns.

A fire pit is open, and like the fire pit table has no chimney over the fire, unlike an outdoor fireplace or a chiminea. Fire pits can be built into the ground, or constructed with a copper or stainless steel bowl that holds the wood or fire pit rings or burners, if you decide to build a propane or natural gas fire pit. You can also buy kits that have everything you need online. These are very convenient and can be put together in a snap. If you do opt for a built-in fire pit, you will need bricks or stone, some decent plans, cement to hold it together, and a couple of days to complete your new fire pit.

Whether you are building a fire pit table, or an open fire pit you will still need the inner grills, burner’s valves and accessories, and the best place to buy everything you need in one place is All Backyard Fun. You can shop from the comfort of your own home on a safe and secure website that carries everything you could ever want for your own home built fire pit table, or fire pit. Register today and you will get $5.00 off your next purchase.

Gas Fire Pit Ring

Shopping online with Fire Pit How To is lots of fun, and once it arrives, you are going to have to decide where you want to put it. It really depends on what kind of pit you order. My husband and I almost got a divorce because he wanted a fire pit, and I wanted a fire table. Because All Backyard Fun is so affordable, we made a truce and decided to get both.

I chose a gorgeous black fire pit table that looks fabulous on the back deck. We put it in front of our outdoor sofa sectional, and it has really pulled the whole look together. The fire pit table is called Urban Elegance, and it certainly is. Made by Oriflamme it has truly transformed our backyard into a private resort. Because it is powered by propane, we also bought the ½” urban fire glass in reflective cobalt blue. Our back deck is so cozy, that we rarely spend time indoors.

We have a big back yard, and because my husband loves wood burning fire pits, he chose the round oil rubbed bronze outdoor fire pit that has a criss-cross design. I have to admit, it looks amazing next to our log picnic table. It is the perfect place to go after dinner and roast marshmallows with the kids, and yes, I do love the smell of a real fire.

I really love my Urban Elegance Fire Pit Table, but my husband’s wood burning fire pit is just as nice, and the kids love them both. I am glad that we decided on a truce and chose both fire pits. We never would have been able to afford it had we not shopped online with All Backyard Fun. Now all I have to do is talk him into a couple of square fire bowls for the front entryway.

Oriflamme Fire pit table made with black granite and the elegance burner option.

Fire Pit How To is the only place you need to shop for a propane, natural gas, or wood burning fire pit. They have a huge range of granite fire pits and tables that will suit any outdoor area, but once you have found the perfect pit for your home, the next thing you have to do is decide where to put it.

If you have a pool, consider buying a couple of gas fire bowls. These look stunning and would create a beautiful entry leading up to your pool. The round fire bowls are 33” in diameter and come in buff, brown, charcoal, or sand. Buy the stainless steel 24” fire ring and you will be ready to add your lava rock and top it off with fire glass. Your family and friends will be impressed once the sun goes down and they see your gorgeous gas fire bowls, which are simply stunning.

Another idea would be to highlight your deck with a granite fire table. Fire Pit How To has so many to choose from, you may need to buy more than one. Make the fire table the focal point of your deck, and surround it with outdoor furniture, which you can also buy at All Backyard Fun.

If you have a rustic backyard, consider buying a copper based wood burning fire pit. Everyone will love cozying up to a fire pit dome that is handcrafted featuring one of the most beautiful constellations in the sky, Orion’s belt. Watch the fire dance under the stars as the sun slowly sets over the horizon.

Another idea for the patio is the Uniflame Outdoor Fireplace, especially if you love the smell of burning wood. Perfect for any yard or patio, it has a removable ash receiver, a hinged door, and a steel spark guard. Everyone will get to see the fire as this wonderful outdoor fireplace has a 350° view.

The fire dome is a wood burning fire pit