With beautiful, dancing flames, radiant warmth, and the convenience of outdoor cooking, it’s easy to get caught up in the glowing ambiance of a patio fire pit. In case you’re planning to purchase one for hosting outdoor dinners, make sure that you use them cautiously and responsibly. While decks and patios are regarded as safe places for installing a fire pit, you must consider the following factors when determining which pit design is the best for your home.

1) Materials:

Copper, wrought iron, and alloys like stainless steel are excellent materials for fire pit design. They’re durable, long-lasting, reasonably priced and ideal for cooking.

2) Design:

A few fire inglenooks come with freestanding legs while the most common ones are directly placed on the deck. Some common designs include:

• Dome Top: It usually contains a large bowl made of copper that stands on sturdy wrought-iron legs. Its body is painted black and contains iron mesh as a cover. These pits complement rustic, vintage and southwestern settings.
• Copper/Stainless Steel Chimnea: This fire pit includes a copper or stainless-steel body mounted on wrought iron legs and contains a low-lying chimney. The plus point is that it doesn’t shoot sparks, or show soot, and the chimney directs smoke away from your company's faces. The sleek, designer look also goes well with the modern settings of a lavish cottage or country home.
• Cast Iron Fire Pit: It comes with a grill to cook on which is easily removed for cleaning or when not in use. The pit also features a deep metallic bowl that readily accommodates either charcoal or logs for fuel.

3) Size:
The size of your yard or patio will determine the size of your fire pit. Let common sense be your guide. A large, heavy, or open pit may cause unwanted heat-related accidents if your area is too small. It should never be used in an enclosed area.

4) Safety Precautions:
It's recommended that you place your fire pit at least 10 feet away from any flammable object or surface. Make sure there are no low-hanging tree branches above or underground cables beneath your pit. Stay well away from fences, outdoor sheds, and parked vehicles. Look out for dry grass or leaves that could be ignited by shooting sparks. Keep a hose or bucket of sand handy. Tiled patios and cemented grounds are ideal surfaces for placing fire pits. If you have a wood deck or patio, your fire pit will need to have a brick or concrete base beneath it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and specifications for installation.

Any fire needs to be watched vigilantly when there is a group of people, especially when children, pets, and handicapped people are present. Children should always be closely supervised. Do not use your fire pit to burn trash. And never under any circumstance leave a fire pit unattended while it is in use.

It's highly recommended that you make a checklist and follow all proper fire safety precautions first before using your new, outdoor fire pit. A clear understanding of your pit's design and the fuel it uses is important for your and your family's safety. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and installing your fire pit. It will serve you faithfully, and you and your family will enjoy its warmth for years to come.