10 Tips for Using Outdoor Fire Bowls
High summer's the perfect time of
year to sit outside late into the evening, and nothing makes that better
than the cheeriness and warmth of a fire. But if you don't want to
spend megabucks on an outdoor fireplace and don't want to spend hours
stacking bricks and slathering them with mortar to build a permanent fire-pit, what are you to do?
Fire bowls are the answer. They can be as low-tech as a big fireproof bowl for burning real wood or they can be fueled by propane, natural gas or clean-burning gel. Either way, instead of spending your time on installation, you get to spend your time enjoying the ambience. Here are a few tips to be sure you don't also enjoy a visit from the fire department.
Fire bowls are the answer. They can be as low-tech as a big fireproof bowl for burning real wood or they can be fueled by propane, natural gas or clean-burning gel. Either way, instead of spending your time on installation, you get to spend your time enjoying the ambience. Here are a few tips to be sure you don't also enjoy a visit from the fire department.
Gravel ground cover, four lounge chairs and a free-standing fire bowl is all it took to create a lovely spot for late-night chats in this clearing in the woods.
Tip 1: Consult with building officials, local codes and certified professionals before installing a fire bowl no matter what it uses for fuel — wood, natural gas, propane or gel. Codes vary from city to city so not all of the bowls pictured in this ideabook may be legal in your area. Check, check, check!
The simplicity of a fire bowl submerged up to its rim in the sand lends itself to the serene atmosphere in this outdoor sitting area. This one is wood burning, but it could also be fueled via natural gas or a propane tank out of view. For gas you would need to run a gas line to it, but the time spent setting it up pays off in ease of use. Just turn it on, light it and you're good to go!
Tip 2: Make sure the area right around your bowl is clear of branches or foliage that could catch fire. A good rule of thumb would be to allow at least six feet of cleared space from the bowl — but again, check what is required in your area.
Okay, this isn't a bowl, it is a concrete fire pit. But I included it because the cover over the fire is so decorative!
Tip 3: Most fire bowls made for burning real wood come with a mesh cover. Once your fire is lit and has burned down a little, be sure to use the screen. This keeps sparks from floating out of the bowl and any flammable debris from blowing in to the bowl.
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