Publication date: 07/06/2012

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Fire pits are hot backyard items

'Tis the season for backyard parties and entertaining, and nothing brings people together better than sitting around the fire pit. In the old days, the only way that people gathered around a fire was while camping or up north at the cottage. But today there are lots of ways to enjoy a good fire in the yard, on the patio or the deck.

"With the sluggish economy and the cost of gas, we are seeing people spend more time at home enjoying their deck or patio, and having a fire pit is definitely the focal point of many backyard gatherings these days," said Dennis Smith, president of Fire Gear in Canton Township, (888) 220-4333, www.firegearusa.com.

Smith said that while standard portable wood burning or gas log fire pits are still very popular, the trend is for people to add larger outdoor fireplaces and contemporary fire tables to give the backyard a resort feel.

"Often people see things at hotels or resorts when they are on vacation, and they want to put that type of outdoor fireplace on their patio, even if it is more expensive than a traditional fire pit," Smith said.

He said more people are buying gas fire pits and outdoor fireplaces rather than wood burning models because of the safety and convenience. Homeowners are also looking for a certain style when they are buying these outdoor items.

"The trend in fire pit and fireplace design is more of a contemporary look … similar to those fire pits and outdoor fireplaces you might see at a resort or a restaurant's outdoor eating area."

Smith said his models can range from the low of $120 for a wood burning fire pit or $399 for a portable gas version, all the way to more than $4,000 for the larger fireplaces or fire tables.

"Our fire tables are unique and popular because you can put furniture around them and use the table top to set food or drinks on, making them more practical for backyard entertaining on the patio or deck," he said.

Many of the gas outdoor fire pits and tables also have designer and ornamental features such as fire stones that take the place of traditional gas logs.

In addition to the standard fire pits, you can also find some versions that fit your passion. For example, you can get your favorite college logo emblazoned on the side, manufactured by Patina Products, www.patinaproducts.com, and available from many online retailers such as Amazon.com; Garden-Decor 1, www.garden-decor-1.com; and the University Fan Shop, www.university-fan-shop.com.

While having a backyard fire is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, you also need to make sure that you focus on safety, especially with children around. And each community has guidelines regarding backyard fires that you will need to follow.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120706/OPINION03/207060312#ixzz1zqll9BkW

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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