Things You'll Need:
- Patio, deck or yard
- Fuel; wood, propane or natural gas
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Step 1
Check your city or county's burning laws before investing in any type of fire pit. Some places prohibit the use of fire pits altogether while others enforce occasional burn bans that prohibit open fires--including fires in fire pits--during certain times. However, sometimes the burn bans are restricted to wood-burning fires only and not to propane or natural gas burning fire pits.
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Step 2
Consider where you'll place your fire pit. Some units are better suited to cement patios rather than wood decks.
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Step 3
Think about what you want to use it for; a fashion statement, to keep warm on chilly nights, for grilling food or to take along on camping trips.
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Step 4
Understand that different types of fire pits have different maintenance and care requirements and will wear differently. For instance, copper doesn't stay shiny and develops a greenish patina with use. Cast iron rusts if not maintained properly and can stain decks.
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Step 5
Keep prices in mind when deciding between styles. A general rule is that the more decorative the fire pit, the more expensive it becomes. For instance, fire pit tables made of granite, tile or stone cost more than basic bowl designs.
