For many homeowners, having a fire pit in their backyard is a dream come true. Fire pits naturally become the main hangout spot for small or large gatherings. With various designs, styles, and sizes, homeowners can put their own “flair” on this backyard favorite. 

If you’re on the fence about putting a fire pit in your backyard, read below to know the pros and cons of having one. 

The Pros Of Having A Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit in your backyard has the following benefits:

• Adds Value To Your Home

Fire pits are an investment for your backyard. They’re permanent structures that are thoughtfully designed to accompany the style of your home. Since they’re not something that you’re going to take with you when you move, they’re considered part of the property value. 

The majority of prospective homeowners would love to have a fire pit in their backyard, so yours would be a plus for house hunters or interested buyers. Upon selling your home, you can highlight the fire pit as one of the main features so your listing will gain more interest and inquiries in just a short time.

• Provides A Main Area Where You Can Host Guests

A top reason that people like to get gas fire pits in their backyard is so they can easily host guests! Imagine that you and your significant other are making a meal on the grill on a beautiful summer night. Next, you want to sit at the dinner table outside and enjoy the meal with your guests. Now, imagine that the dinner table is in front of a fire pit. This creates a lovely atmosphere while everyone eats their meal. The fire pit can also help keep people warm if it starts to get cool late at night. 

• The Perfect Place To Make S’mores

This might not matter to some but for those who love to snack on delectable s’mores, having a permanent fire pit in your backyard is a great way to cook this sweet treat at any time. This can be a great outdoor activity if you have little ones and want to give them a “camping” experience without ever leaving the backyard. 

• Provides Warmth

Oftentimes, it gets cool at night during the summer. Yet, it’s still wonderful to be sitting outside, eating a meal, or sharing a drink with a special someone. Fire pits enable you to sit outside for a longer period of time even on nights when it gets a little chilly.  

The Cons Of Owning A Fire Pit

Although there are many pros that you can enjoy when owning a fire pit, there are also several cons that you want to take into consideration before you decide to purchase one.

• Requires Maintenance

Fire pits require consistent maintenance throughout the year to help them work properly. Without the right care, your fire pit won’t remain functional for long and it may not look as aesthetically pleasing either.

A couple of things you’ll need to do to keep your fire pit in good shape includes:

1. Covering it with a tarp when it rains.
2. Periodically sweeping off excess dust and charcoal.
3. Power wash it from time to time.
4. Treat the metal with a certain oil so it won’t begin to rust.

• Safety Concerns

If you have little ones or pets, you always want to make sure that you have a close eye on them whenever you light the fire pit. You certainly don’t want them to get too close to the fire pit when it’s burning. 

You also want to be careful about how much lighter fluid you use when you’re igniting the fire pit. Too much lighter fluid can cause the pit to burst with huge flames, which may cause burns to anyone near it. Additionally, keep any materials that are easily flammable away from the pit once it’s been lit. You also want to keep a fire extinguisher near the pit in case anything happens.  

Summary: Buy A Fire Pit, But Be Aware Of The Safety Precautions

Overall, the pros of a fire pit far outweigh the cons. As long as you observe basic precautionary measures, having a fire pit in your backyard is certainly a great addition. Once you have your fire pit installed, you’ll be able to use it for years to come. 

A fire pit can be the center of family gatherings, a great place for making s’mores, and a valuable addition to your home. Just remember to regularly clean and maintain your fire pit to enjoy using it for a long time.