Fire Pits

[Ahuch]

Spring is here, school me on backyard fire pits... It seems like there are pros & cons to all of the different styles.

The steel ones from Home Depot or Lowes seem really thin gauge and they'll rust through in a season or two, haven't seen much out there that is stainless or higher gauge steel, and the brick pits are more of a permanent fixture due to the weight.

Thoughts?

[marsplasticeraser]

Weber firepit pretty good. Had it 8 years. Almost no rust. Doesn’t torch ground under it. Only issue is no screen to keep sparks from flying out.

Got a Home Depot fire pit and it rusted in 15 months. Like holes in steel rust.

Just got a Costco one. It’s great and has great reviews but you could roast lamb chops under it. Totally scorched grass and we are putting in stone pavers below.

[V]

Huh, I just found some rocks, made a circle and started a fire. We’ve had fires pretty much every weekend for four years now and it works great.

[puckedoff]

Originally Posted by V

Huh, I just found some rocks, made a circle and started a fire. We’ve had fires pretty much every weekend for four years now and it works great.

I tried this but my rocks rusted through in just 2 seasons, so your mileage may vary.

[surferguy]

Find a steel place in town and get a pipeline coupon. There is a place out by the new power plant by heather glenn golf course. Whatever that indistrial park is called

[Ducay]

Vote #100 against the cheap $50 walmart ones. You better off getting something a bit heavier gauge and higher off the ground.

[sparky69]

The trick with steal ones is to put sand in the bottom of it as ashes are corrosive. So put about a pound of sand in

[Locke]

Originally Posted by V

Huh, I just found some rocks, made a circle and started a fire. We’ve had fires pretty much every weekend for four years now and it works great.

Yeah, but you live in Edmonton so of course nobody would notice just a little more 'burnt out wasteland.'

[PaperBagger'14]

I'm no expert here but stay away from interlocking cinder block. Mine started to crack from heat after year 1 and were replaced after year 3.

That's about 10 fires a year or so

[Sliver]

Consider a propane fire pit? I love ours. They're cheap, propane is cheap, they don't stink, it's portable so awesome for camping, and you can use them even during a fire ban. I don't like being around wood fires. I'll have to wash my clothes and have a shower before bed. Total pain in the dick.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Consider a propane fire pit? I love ours. They're cheap, propane is cheap, they don't stink, it's portable so awesome for camping, and you can use them even during a fire ban. I don't like being around wood fires. I'll have to wash my clothes and have a shower before bed. Total pain in the dick.

I find this strange.

You prefer artificial fire because you find 'authentic' fire rather a nuisance...

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Locke

I find this strange.

You prefer artificial fire because you find 'authentic' fire rather a nuisance...

That is the perfect description of most of Sliver’s takes.

Though I do agree with him. In a city a propane fire makes much more sense. No smoke for the neighbours, no dealing with wood, no issues with firebans, No ash, lighter weight and easier to store.

It’s a much better solution for living in a city in tight quarters.

[Ducay]

I'd love a gas fire pit / table, but every one I've used at friends has been gutless. Sure you can warm your hands on it, but its not keeping you toasty like a bonfire.

[Jimmy Stang]

Consider a chiminea. One with a single mouth and not the 360° mesh all around. I find that the fire really swirls in there so it burns hotter, which means less smoke and less debris after.

Clay ones are nice, but require a bit more attention as they can’t be outside when it gets too cold. Cast iron will show some rust/character but don’t have to be babied like the clay ones.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Locke

I find this strange.

You prefer artificial fire because you find 'authentic' fire rather a nuisance...

Fire is fire whether it’s burning wood, paper, fuel or sweatpants.

[zamler]

I built one using a concrete slab and surrounded it with landscape stones has lasted 10+ years still fine. The concrete did crack a bit but no big deal. The slab is sitting on a mixture of sand and gravel seems to help draw away the heat and also good for drainage.

[Nufy]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Fire is fire whether it’s burning wood, paper, fuel or sweatpants.

No. No it’s not.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Nufy

No. No it’s not.

Yes, yes it is.

[CliffFletcher]

The glow, heat, and sound of a propane flame is not the same thing at all as the glow, heat, and sound of burning logs.

[Locke]