July 11, 2019
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Fire Pit
So, you want to kick things up a notch or two, in your backyard or at your cottage on the Cape, by buying and installing a fire pit? Great idea! There is nothing better to improve your evenings in the spring, summer, or fall. But, there are a few things you will need to consider before you make your purchase. It’s very important to ensure that you are choosing the right fire pit for you, your family, and your home. Continue reading for a brief breakdown of what goes into installing, maintaining, and buying a fire pit at your Cape Cod home.
Rules and Regulations
Before you start shopping around for a fire pit or talking to a contractor, you should check with local laws regarding fire pit installation. Some Cape Cod towns have different rules and regulations regarding fire pit use. Also, if you live at a condo complex, you will also need to check with your HOA, if you belong to one, and ask them if buying a fire pit is allowed.
The Two Choices
When it comes to fire pits, you have basically two choices, a wood fire or gas fire pit. Overall, gas fire pits are more popular, for a number of reasons. These reasons are:
- Safety
- Ease of Use
- No Smell of Smoke
- Aesthetics
- Ease of Maintenance
Safety
Safety should be the number-one priority when operating a fire pit. After all, you are literally dealing with fire. Unlike wood fire pits, gas firepits do not produce embers and flying sparks, when used. Once you have finished doing the job and turn off the gas supply, there is no more fire present. With wood fire pits, you will need to be extra cautious and make sure there is no residual fire left. For gas fire pits, you also have the option of using either Pyrex or glass shields, to better protect people who gather around the fire.
Related: Gas Logs vs. Gas Inserts vs. Gas Fireplaces: Which One is Right for Your Cape Cod Home?
Relative Ease of Use
Although wood fire pits have their charm, it takes more expertise to be able to use one. With gas operated pits, all you will need to do is turn on the gas supply and ignite, and you are ready to go. Not only that, you can precisely control the amount of heat produced by the fire pit. As far as gas supply is concerned you have two choices; to connect directly to your home gas line or use independent gas canisters. Since gas is being used, instead of wood, gas fire pits are automatically cleaner, from an environmental perspective. Last but not least, once you are done cooking, there is no clean up necessary for gas fire pits.
Plus, aside from initial installation of your fire pit unit’s gas line, there is no prep work or firewood needed. Just turn it on. That’s different from a wood fire pit, which you need to acquire firewood (and matches) every time you use it.
No Smell of Smoke
One negative for a buying a wood fire pit that you won’t have with a gas fire pit is the presence of a large amount of smoke, which brings about an after smell of smoke on yourself or your clothes. If you sit by a wood fire pit for an extended period of time, you will end up smelling just like the smoke from the fire. Oftentimes, you might even feel like jumping in the shower or changing all of your clothes after being around a wood fire. While this is not a huge deal, it is very noticeable that with a gas fire pit, you do not have the same problem because of the lack of smoke.
In addition, if you’re sitting by a wood fire pit, the smoke can be blown directly into you based on the direction of the wind. If the smoke changes directions momentarily, you can manage, but if you get a consistent breeze in one direction, whoever is in the line of that smoke, will probably end up changing their seat. Since gas fire pits are controlled, there is no such problem. Just sit there, relax, and enjoy the night.
Better Appearances
Buying a fire pit of any kind can be an amazing addition to your backyard. As far as gas fire pits are concerned, you will have more choices, from an aesthetic point of view. This is partly because of all the amazing accessories you can add to it. These include covering the pit with lava or river rocks, as well as logs and fire glass. All these additions will give the fire pit a better appearance, even when they are not being used.
You can even go a step further and install a custom gas fire pit or built-in gas fire pit. These fire pits are built to your own luxurious specifications – to make your outdoor entertaining space the place where everyone wants to be.
Keeping it in Working Condition
Since there is no residual burnt wood, gas fire pits remain clean, which also means they only require bare minimum maintenance. This usually involves cleaning the gas burners occasionally, which is a lot less dirty and easier than cleaning a wood-fired pit. Just think, since there is no firewood, you’re not dealing with ash. That makes it so much easier and cleaner to maintain.
Other Options
Not all fire pits are permanent contraptions. You do have the choice between permanent and portable fire pits, of any kind. If you are on the fence regarding putting in a fire pit, then you could go with a portable one to see if it’s for you or not. Either way, buying a fire pit is an exciting way to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience.
Breakaway: Cape Cod’s #1 Fire Pit Superstore
The Cape is an ideal place for installing a fire pit. Whether you own a vacation rental or a home, who wouldn’t want to curl up in front of a fire pit to enjoy those summer Cape Cod nights? If that sounds like something you’d want to explore, reach out to the experts at Breakaway about buying a fire pit.
Breakaway is the #1 fire pit and patio superstore on Cape Cod. Located in South Dennis and Mashpee, we have everything you need to enhance your patio or outdoor experience, from top fire pit manufacturers. This includes gas fire pits from Napoleon, wood fire pits from Uniflame, custom fire pits from Firegear Outdoors, and built-in fire pits from American Frye Designs. We also carry outdoor grills, patio heaters, outdoor cookers, heating products, and all kinds of grilling accessories and grill parts.
Talk to a Cape Cod Fire Pit Expert
Not sure which fire pit is best for you? No problem. One of our experienced staff can talk you through the process and find one that’s ideal for your home and situation. Not only can we sell you the fire pit, but we are also experienced and licensed at installing them, so there’s nothing you need to worry about. Not sure about how to install the gas line to your fire pit? We’ve got you covered. When you shop at Breakaway, we take care of everything. You just need to get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fire pit.
