Fire pits add elegance to an otherwise boring backyard by allowing its inhabitants to seek warmth and do other activities that could make the family even closer. These pits are, most of the time, circles that are made of metal, concrete, or stones. But, more than the aesthetic value that it adds to a person’s house, installing a fire pit ring is essential in order to contain the fire and prevent the uncontrolled spread of fire. This is due to the fact that some areas are not absolutely safe from fire, such as a small patio.
For this, the design of rings that have legs and bottoms require them to have some sort of metal tube, which are partially buried inside the ground. Some advanced designs even allow the rings to be used in order for people to go around and cook food like barbecues for that memorable experience.
The most common challenge is to strike a balance between functionality, safety, and the aesthetic value of the pit, which is why the common response is to combine the installed metal rings with stones. This makes the finished product look like a constructed well or outdoor chimney. However, people should be careful as some stones actually do explode when they are heated. This is due to trapped gas pockets, water absorbed by the stone that is flashed into a steam, as well as thermal expansion due to the heat.
In the installation, the basic rule is that the ring should be smaller than the fire pit itself. The ideal measurement is at the most, the ring should be 2/3 the size of the pit. For example, if using a 36-inch pit, the ring should be 24-28 inches in order for the fire to not reach the end of the pit and potentially hurt the people near it. Most accidents are due to the breeze catching the fire and blowing it outside the pit.
In terms of materials, most individuals prefer stainless steel, as the material is generally more resistant to different outdoor elements that fire pits are exposed to. When buying rings from a manufacturer, one should make sure that the fire pit ring kits have been thoroughly checked to the tiniest detail. This involves checking the gas line, which should be at least half an inch in circumference. Bear in mind that if the gas line is larger, the higher the fire will be. Secondly, the longer the line runs, the less pressure will occur in the fire pit. It is then advisable to cover short distances to optimize the effects of the installation. For this to be absolutely safe, a consultation with your local gas company is needed. Finally, the last thing that one should do after a successful installation of a fire pit ring is to choose the material to be placed on top of the ring. Traditional lava rocks are readily available, while for the adventurous, there are glasses designed specifically for the pit that can be used for extra color and sparkle.