Imagine sitting on your patio or backyard on a beautiful summer evening surrounded by fresh air and open skies with nature engulfing you in its embrace. Now imagine the sound of crackling flames, muted only by the noise of laughter and chatter from those closest to you. The scent of freshly cut grass and burning wood add to the ambiance as you get ready to barbecue some steak for dinner. This is summer living at its finest, won’t you agree?
During summer, a lit fire pit is used as an invitation for others to join and encourages bonding, storytelling, and even falling in love. It is the focal point of most outdoor gatherings. It serves as the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The flames light up the night and offer a cozy and relaxed atmosphere while keeping bugs at bay.
As you can tell, there are plenty of reasons why people use fire pits in the summer. Some of these reasons are practical, while others are more human or sentimental. In this article, we will explore why fire pits are so popular (even during the summer months) while sharing some ridiculous facts about this beloved pastime. So, read on!
7 Reasons Why You Need A Fire Pit
What is so enchanting about having a fire pit? Well, I have narrowed down seven reasons highlighting why you should have one and what you are missing out on!
- The ‘Human Perspective’
Our ancestors discovered fire some 700,000 years ago. It can be debated that it was this discovery, above all others, that allowed humanity to evolve into what it is today.
Sitting by the warmth of a fire is etched into the very fabric of our DNA. It is no wonder that some of my fondest memories are those of sitting by a campfire or fire pit; socializing with family and friends. It is after all, in our very roots!
Whether you are an introvert that enjoys your personal space or an extrovert who can’t get enough of social gatherings and parties, a fire pit can serve any purpose. It can offer the tranquility and comfort you need when all you want to do is curl up and enjoy reading a book, or it can offer a chill fun vibe to make any gathering laidback and easygoing.
The flames also set the perfect romantic ambiance for cuddling, intimacy, and deep conversation.
- Natural Light & Warmth
Fire pits allow you to use your backyard or outdoor patio space well past summer’s end. In fact, fire pits can be used year-round in most places in the US.
The fire produces natural warmth and light that create the perfect atmosphere to spend time outdoors, well into the wee hours of the night. Whether it is a chilly night or a warm one, lounging in the warmth emitted from a fire pit is always comfortable and enjoyable.
Forget all that fancy landscape lighting. Nothing beats the natural light produced by the flickering blaze of a real fire. Even a small fire in a fire pit can emanate light to the far corners of your yard, creating that perfect romantic setting without having to use any electricity.
- A Place To Cook Dinner
Hungry? No problem! Roast some marshmallows, s’mores, or hot dogs over the open fire. However, that is not all that you can cook with a fire pit. Some fire pits can also double as outdoor barbecues.
Using the right accessories and the right kind of wood, most fire pits can be used to cook a variety of foods. It might not be as convenient as using a traditional grill, but one can cook pretty much anything that they would be able to cook using a traditional BBQ on a fire pit. To learn more click here.
- Outdoor Gatherings & Parties
The fire pit is the focal point of any outdoor gathering, party, or event. Whether it be during summer or any other time of the year, the fire pit will always be the one outdoor space where everyone will tend to congregate.
Just like moths are attracted to light, humans are attracted to fire. If you have a fire pit and your neighbors don’t, best bet they are likely a jealous bunch. With a fire pit in your backyard, your home is likely to become the hub of entertainment for all your family members and friends.
Whether it is the hypnotic dancing of the flames, the warmth of the fire, or the crackling sounds of embers trying to escape into the night sky, a fire pit brings everyone closer together and encourages bonding, storytelling, and conversation. It makes any outdoor gathering that much more special.
- Keeps Insects At Bay
Did you know that the heat and smoke produced by a fire act as a natural repellent for many types of creepy crawlies? If you live in an area where mosquitos and other bugs make sitting outside an unpleasant affair, getting a fire going should help solve that problem.
One can also add herbs such as lavender, sage, mint, citronella, and lemon balm into the fire to ensure mosquitos and other insects stay far away. These herbs act as a natural insect repellent and will also help produce an amazing aroma that will make your backyard smell simply heavenly!
- Increases Home Value
Having a custom high-quality backyard fire pit can make your home a lot more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to place it on the market.
Backyard fire pits and beautiful outdoor patios are unique selling points that set any home apart from the rest of the available listings. Not only will your home fetch a higher price but it will likely be a lot easier to sell as well.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Apart from increasing the value of your home, a fire pit can, in many ways, enhance the aesthetic appeal of your patio or yard.
Custom fire pits can be designed to seamlessly merge with your existing outdoor furniture and landscaping features and can work in spaces both large and small.
Backyard fire pits can be constructed using a variety of materials, such as sedimentary rocks, brick, and metals to match the ambiance of any outdoor setting. They also come in many different shapes, sizes, styles, and price points to meet the varying needs and tastes of homeowners.
5 Ridiculous Facts About Fire Pits
As promised, here are five ridiculous facts about fire pits that you likely had no idea about.
Fact 1.
How do archaeologists date ancient cultures and civilizations? Well, in many cases, they do so by radiocarbon dating charcoal found in old unearthed fire pits. This is because leftover charcoal in fire pits is the perfect material to carbon date as it does not need complex pretreatment.
Fact 2.
Today, outdoor fire pits are the #1 most requested design feature for American homes. This is based on a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Fact 3.
Not all fire pits are wood burning. You can find fire pits of numerous types that use different fuels to keep the fire going such as natural gas or propane.
Fact 4.
The Eternal Flame Falls is a 35 ft. waterfall found in Chestnut Ridge Park, Western NY. It is the only place in the natural world where water and fire seemingly live together. There is a small grotto at the base of the waterfall that emits natural gas, often producing an 8-inch flame that seemingly sprouts out of the water and rocks. It is quite the spectacle!
Fact 5.
The history of the fire pit dates back some 200,000 – 400,000 years ago during the time of the middle Paleolithic period. These fire pits were made using a collection of stones that formed a circle, to keep the flames from spreading.
Final Thoughts
Having a fire pit in your backyard or patio is a growing trend that has become even more popular after the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re also seeing a trend in tiny, mini, and small tabletop fire pits!
Instead of having to stay indoors, the addition of a fire pit allows one to spend more time outdoors reconnecting with nature. Whether it be summer, autumn, winter, or spring, having an outdoor fire pit allows you to enjoy all seasons to their fullest.
If you are considering adding a fire pit to your home, do it! We have tons of outdoor fire pit ideas on our website and constantly adding new ones! It is a decision that you won’t ever regret!
