Page 8 - Home Lawn and Garden Trilakes

8TT SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 HOME, LAWN & GARDEN • TRILAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF
O BACKYARD FIRE PITS
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nce a rarity, fire pits have grown in- creasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners
turn their homes into private oases. Fire pits run the gamut from the very simple to the more elaborate, and the fire pits homeowners choose often depend on the space they have available, as well as their budgets.
But even homeowners without any space or budget constraints should give careful con- sideration to which fire pit they ultimately install, especially if they plan to make that installation themselves. The following are some do’s and don’ts of fire pits for those homeowners about to add this relaxing and popular accessory to their backyards.
“Fire pits have become more popular be- cause people are staying home and enjoying their backyards,” said Bryan Maertens, owner of Congo Fireplace & Patio in Benton. “Peo- ple are entertaining, and it is always nice and relaxing to have a fire, whether it is gas or wood. It also extends the time you can spend outside as we get into fall and winter, with many of the gas fire pits having higher BTUs and producing more heat.”
Many materials can be used to build a fire pit, Maertens said. Brick, stone and landscape stones can be used, and shoppers can even buy pre-assembled fire pits of tile, marble or stone, and some even come with aluminum tops.
“We have a lot of customers that want to make their own, depending on their space requirements or if they have a specific design in mind,” he said.
➤ DO confirm that you can legally build a fire pit in your yard. Fire pits have become so commonplace that homeowners may think there are no regulations governing their construction. However, it’s still best to con- firm with your local government planning or zoning offices that you are allowed to build a fire pit and whether any restrictions apply.
“You would want to call your local fire department to see if there are any rules to follow in burning a fire pit,” he said. “On any questions or regulations regarding build- ing a fire pit, you would probably need to go through your local building authorities.”
➤ DON’T proceed with the project until you have been granted official approval. As- suming you have the go-ahead to build a fire pit is not the same thing as knowing you have
As more homeowners take an interest in their backyards, fire pits are becoming a popular accessory.There are things to keep in mind before choosing to install a fire pit.
been approved. Starting early could result in fines if it turns out you aren’t allowed to have a fire pit. But you may also begin building a bigger fire pit than the local government allows, and that could be money down the drain later. Wait until you get official word before you proceed with the project.
➤ DO build on flat ground. The fire pit should be built on flat ground to reduce risk of accident and/or injury. A fire pit built on flat ground also means everyone can enjoy it comfortably and equally once the project is finished. If the ground around the pit is not flat, some people may be forced to sit crooked or lean forward just to enjoy the pit.
➤ DON’T build near flammable struc- tures. Build the fire pit far enough away from existing structures, such as your home, ga- rage or shed, so flickering flames do not catch some wind and lead to disaster. Before build- ing in a given spot, monitor the wind patterns for a few days by sitting in a lawn chair at the spot you ultimately want the fire pit to be. If you notice the wind is blowing toward your house, you will want to choose another area for the pit so that smoke from the fire will not blow into your home every night.
➤ DO choose the right size. The size of your fire pit will depend on the space you have available, but even if you have a vast swath of space, keep in mind that professional con- tractors typically recommend building a fire pit no bigger than 44 inches wide. Anything
larger can be unsightly and may not appeal to prospective buyers down the road. In ad- dition, an especially large fire pit may result in potentially unruly flames that can present a fire hazard.
➤ DON’T go it alone if your do-it-your- self skills are suspect. Installing a fire pit is a relatively inexpensive DIY job, but that does not mean anyone can do it. The ground needs to be excavated, and the slope of the yard must be measured so the fire pit is safe and functional for years to come. If your DIY skills are not up to snuff, hire a professional contractor so your backyard oasis does not become a costly headache.
Maertens added that safety is paramount when using a fire pit, especially when extin- guishing the fire pit after use.
“Fire pits are a lot of fun, but you do want to be careful when burning them, and make sure you put out the fire if you are burning wood,” he said. “If burning a gas fire pit, you want to make sure the gas is completely turned off so there is no gas leaking.”
A fire pit can turn a boring backyard in- to a relaxing retreat. But homeowners must adhere to the do’s and don’ts of fire pits to ensure that their retreat is something they can enjoy for years to come.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative Services, with contributions by Cody Graves, special sections writer
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