Fire Pit Season

A fire pit is what keeps a patio in use from September into December, and the market has moved decisively away from thin metal bowls toward gas tables and heavier wood-burning units that survive more than two seasons.

Wood, propane and natural gas each ask something different of you: wood needs seasoned fuel, a rack to keep it dry and a spark screen; gas units need the right regulator, a burner rated for your fuel, and fire glass or lava rock rather than ordinary gravel.

Clearances are set by the manufacturer, not by rule of thumb — most call for a substantial distance from any structure, overhang, fence or low branch, and a non-combustible base under a wood burner. Read your model's manual, and check your county's open-burn rules, which vary widely.