Beautiful Camp at Home with Your Own Indoor Fire Pit or Fireplace

The best part of summer is camping--escaping out into the great outdoors as temperatures soar, and cooking your dinner on an outdoor fireplace. The worst part of summer camping is, of course, the crowds! With your own outdoor fire pit, however, you can have the best of both worlds and camp out in your own back yard.

There are outdoor fireplaces to suit every price range and style. When deciding which outdoor fire pit to buy, ask yourself a few questions. What is your budget? Who will be using it? How much space do you have? Once you know the answer to these questions, you can start looking around at the different options for your outdoor fireplace, because the last and most important question to answer is, "What style do I like?"

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fire Rings

Fortunately, you have choices. The simplest fire rings start at under a hundred dollars; this style is made from fire-safe materials and usually comes with a simple grill. Some are collapsible for easy transportation. The more decorative the outdoor fire pit, the more it will cost, but your choice really depends on what will fit in your yard, space-wise and style-wise. These smaller outdoor fireplaces are great if you don't have much room or have a small budget.

Outdoor fire pits are larger structures on legs which protect the surface they stand on. Such fire pits act as a focal point and place around which to gather, and while they are a little more expensive than fire rings they do have the advantage of looking more attractive.

When it comes to features, some outdoor fire pits have wheels for easy relocation. Screens are a popular addition; they help prevent accidents and make your outdoor fireplace a great place to enjoy a balmy summer night (or even a mild winter evening). The screens and higher-up flames make such fire pits a little safer, too.

Outdoor Fireplaces are Elegant and Welcoming

The most expensive, but also the most beautiful, outdoor fireplaces can cost thousands of dollars, but they provide a wonderful focal point to an elegant garden. Some outdoor fireplaces even sit at the center of granite tables, making them a welcoming option on colder evenings. They act as showpieces, the heart of a large backyard gather.

If you don't need to cook, an outdoor fireplace is a great addition to your yard. These free-standing structures enclose a warming fire and can be used to provide light, heat and atmosphere year-round. The forms of such outdoor fireplaces range from a pretty pagoda-style to simple cylinders and cubes.

Set up an outdoor fireplace, and you'll have a pleasant, cozy place to welcome your guests for many years to come.