Backyard Firepits: From Built-In to Portable Options

Summer evenings by a crackling fire are a Western pleasure — and you don't need to camp to enjoy it. Firepits bring that experience home.

Types of Firepits

• Aboveground built-in. Stone, rock, or concrete walls (18–24 in. tall) — permanent, handsome, safe for wood fires. Wide ledges provide seating. Large metal/concrete containers can also become permanent firepits.
• In-ground. Capture wilderness campfire magic. Casual soil depressions edged with rocks, or concrete-lined for a finished look.
• Portable. Popular for ease and flexibility — use at home, picnics, or beach. Copper models (27–40 in. wide, $120–$300) from catalogs; steel and other heat-resistant options available. Wood or compressed log fueled.

Firepit Safety

• Situate away from flammables; consider smoke impact on neighbors.
• Observe fire ordinances; no burning on no-burn, smoggy, or windy days.
• Use a spark screen, especially in dry conditions.
• Never leave unattended; keep extinguisher or hose nearby.
• Burn only clean fuels: compressed logs (Java-Log) or low-resin wood (oak). No scrap lumber or trash.
• Portable pits: 1–2 logs at a time in bottom (not on raised grate unless specified). Built-in can hold more but don't overfill.

Cleaner Fuel: Java-Logs

Compressed logs from recycled coffee grounds, molasses, and wax produce 88% less carbon monoxide and 50% less soot than wood. Cleaner than sawdust logs, taller natural flame (up to 3 hours), mildly sweet scent. Available at www.wholelattelove.com and California Whole Foods Markets.

Sources

Brookstone (800/926-7000), Frontgate (800/533-7502), Smith & Hawken (800/981-9888)