1. Fire Pit
The standard fire pit is a classic addition to any home that can come in so many different shapes and sizes. They can be as basic as a DIY fire pit in the corner of your yard and as extravagant as a full stone fireplace. The best part about building your own is that you can make it into any shape or size you want. If you’ve got a big area with lots of space and want to be able to host a larger group of people, you can make a bigger fire pit! It’s easy to add some patio furniture surrounding the pit so you’ve got a custom seating area. On the flip side, if you’re dealing with a smaller space, you can tone down your fire pit and make it a cozy go to spot for a few close friends.

Here’s an awesome guide on how to build your own fire pit!

There are a lot of material options when it comes to the standard fire pit. Based on the material that you use, price will vary. Of course, the higher end material will be more expensive. The materials that we see the most are stone, brick, concrete, stainless steel, and cast iron. These metals hold up well under high heat and are also rust resistant! For the standard fire pit, the most common fuel source is wood, but there are other options that use propane, natural gas, and charcoal. Another route you can take is the full on electric Fire pits! With that option you lose a little bit of the charm of a natural fire.

2. Fire Columns
Other than your standard fire pit, fire columns are a cool spin on a traditional outdoor feature. Unlike fire pits, fire columns almost always use natural gas or propane for fuel. A wood burning fire column is just a little too impractical. We mentioned focal pieces earlier, and fire columns are a perfect example of this. They’re unique and definitely catch your eye when you see one. The amount of different styles is great too! There are modern examples and traditional examples with everything in between.

Fire columns are usually pretty slim, which makes them great for smaller patios or backyards. I’m sure you’ve seen something similar at outdoor restaurants. Fire columns are usually made with stone, wood, or metal on the outside while the inside is always metal. Unlike fire pits, fire columns are not the most ideal choice for making s’mores. Propane and marshmallows aren’t super tasty together. Other than that downside, we love fire columns because of their unique and sleek appearance.

3. Fire Bowl
While the fire bowl is similar to a fire pit, the bowl is a little more portable than the pit option. This is ideal if your in a situation where you have a landlord. The big issue is that fire pits are often very permanent features of your backyard. If you have a landlord that doesn’t want you messing around with your yard too much, the fire bowl is a great option! As with most fire features, it comes in a wide range of styles.

Another aspect we love about the fire bowl is that since it’s so portable, it’s easier to store away when the weather gets really nasty. This will ensure that it has a long life. Fire bowls almost always use natural gas or propane as a fuel source. There are some that are wood burning but we recommend that you keep a close eye on them. If using a wood burning fire bowl, it’s not a bad idea to use a screen to contain rogue sparks and embers. You do not want to be the neighbor that catches their house on fire.

4. Fire Tables
The fire table is something you don’t see as often as some of the other fire features which is kind of a bummer because these things are super cool! Fire tables are form and function wrapped into one. Not only does the fire provide warmth (duh) the table is a great place to put your feet up or rest some drinks. There are a crazy amount of different styles to choose from so you’re guaranteed to find a table that will fit in with your patio design.

Fire tables are almost always fueled by gas or propane. A wood burning fire table is a little sketchy and a lot to handle. It might take away from the relaxing nature of lounging around a fire. As with the fire bowl and column, the fire table is portable and relatively easy to move. If you’ve got a smaller patio space, the fire table is perfect because it’s easy to move and store away. We mentioned in a previous blog post about saving space that you want to look for dual purpose patio furniture. The fire table is even better than dual purpose because it can also act as an awesome focal point for your backyard or patio!

5. Chiminea
The Chiminea is a cool little fire feature that’s slowly growing in popularity. It’s Spanish for chimney and these are common in Mexico and the southwest states. Traditionally, chimineas were made from fired clay and used for cooking and heating homes. Today, chimineas are made using more modern materials, but the premise remains the same. The tall pipe moves the smoke upwards and the heat comes from the front.

We’ve all sat around the fire hoping the smoke drifts towards someone else. With the chiminea, you’ll never have to worry about smoke in your eyes again! They’re also one of the safest options available because of the enclosed nature of this fire feature. My favorite part about the chiminea is that almost all of the ones available are wood burning. Of course, you can still find gas and propane options, but nothing beats a wood burning fireplace.