Burning Firewood – Soft or Hard?
The aroma of pine or cedar, the crackle of burning wood, the warmth thrown off into the circle of friends sitting around the fire pit, these sights, smells, and sounds evoke fond memories for most of us. Some of the best times in life happen around a great fire. Food, family, fire and fun all go together? We love the outdoor fire because it is not just practical, but deeply evocative.
To enjoy any outdoor fire you need to understand the effects of your choice in wood. Its not a campfire until the wood lights. We have some tips to get your next fire off to a great start.
As a general rule hardwoods are best for burning. Trouble free burning and passionate heat pour from this wood. With a hardwood there is less smoke and some have a pleasant smell. Examples of hardwoods include beech, ash, hickory, apple, and birch. The hardwood fire is great for cooking and will burn down to usable charcoal.
Soft woods serve a somewhat different purpose. Softwoods are good for nights where everyone has to get to bed early. The burn hot and fast. Hate mosquitoes? Drive them away with a smoky wood like fir, pine or spruce. Burning wood isn’t just about the sight it can also be about the sound. Try a red cedar to see what it sounds like. Not neccessarily known for its heat or burning quality, cedar is best known for its use as a seasoning in any recipe.
Whatever wood you use, make sure of two things. A wood that hasn’t had at least one year to dry could be considered green and not the best choice for firewood. Regardless of the tree, any wood that hasn’t had time to dry sufficiently will be hard to use. Second, make sure that you are not burning a type of wood that is prohibited in your local area. Certain woods like, ash are prohibited from being burned in certain circumstances. Destructive insects get into the wood and spread to other areas through the moving of firewood.
Pick the right wood and enjoy your ring of fire!
Categories: Landscaping Tags: burning wood, fire pit, fire pits
Patio Heaters to Fire Pit Tables
Patio heaters have held a dominant role as the heating item of choice for outdoor patio venues such as bars and restaurants. But new fire pit designs are quickly becoming a new in vogue option for swanky places.
To give a little history, people like to be comfortable and restaurants or bars like to maximize the number of people they can seat at their establishment. When it is cold no one wants to go outside. To maximize the number of people dining on a given night outdoor heating can be used. A patio heater is a good choice. Easily blending in these can be cheaply added. When it is warmer they can wheel the heater out of the way. In cool spring or autumn out comes the patio heater or it is placed close to different tables.
Places looking to differentiate themselves have started using fire pit tables with propane gas tanks. Instead of tables or open spaces guest sit around a special fire pit. Tasty treats can be placed on the ledge. The fire pit is above the propane gas tank. Any old gas tank can be used as it is hidden by the surrounding parts of the table. The removable doors make switching tanks easy. People like having the dining experience outdoors.
While this option lacks the flexibility of the patio heater it makes for an interesting seating arrangement. Hip homeowners are purchasing these too. Neighborhoods with common spaces are trying this design. To add versatility many feature a 2nd part that can be put on top of the pit.
As a talking piece many use fire glass in their pit. It does not discolor or melt under high temperatures. Beautiful for any backyard. Similar to safety glass it can be made from any color.
Article Author Geoffrey F. Moore is Managing Partner for MyFirePits.com an e-commerce retailer specializing in outdoor heating. He is also an expert author at EzineArticles.com.
Categories: Landscaping Tags: fire pit, fire pits