As we all look forward to spending more time outdoors now that the warmer weather is upon us, it’s a good time to start thinking about how to make your outdoor area as cosy, warm and aesthetically pleasing as possible. An outdoor firepit doesn’t have to involve any expensive and lengthy installation, there are a range of portable firepits to choose from, but where do you start?

We’ve put together five questions to ask before choosing the ideal outdoor firepit for your home:

1.How much space do I have? 

The amount of space you have available will determine how grand or small your firepit should be. Fire pits range in size from 20”-45” in diameter. If you have a seating area, measure how much space you have in the centre to give you an idea of the size of the firepit that’s best suited to you.

Some firepits are not suitable for wooden decking areas so this is an important consideration when choosing a firepit.  Our Earthfire ceramic firepit is ideal if you have a decking area because it doesn’t radiate heat downwards so is safe to be used on wooden decking.

2.Woodburning or gas?

Woodburning firepits are much more cost efficient and also provide an authentic camping/outdoor fire experience. Gas burning firepits may require piping from a gas source to the area your fireplace resides which may affect your decision.

3.Permanent or portable?

A portable fireplace gives you more flexibility than a fixed built-in fireplace feature.  It also gives you the option to put the firepit away during the colder months or move it to an area of your garden where you’ll get most sun.

4.What style best suits my outdoor space?

When choosing a firepit, look for something that’s going to complement your garden furniture and style of decking or patio. Consider things such as shape (round or square), materials, colour of the bowl and whether it’s raised off the ground or built in.

5.How much do I want to spend? 

Your budget will often determine the quality of the firepit, including durability and the materials. Firepits range from stone to stainless steel and copper which can influence the price. A firepit is an item that you want to last for many years to come so it’s worth a decent investment.  Our Earthfire ceramic firepit is handmade using Niltherm shock-proof ceramic thermal properties which do not expand or contract when heated. It also won’t crack or rust when left outdoors for long periods.