Fireplace Lowdown

What Can You (and can't you) Burn in Your Outdoor Fire Pit?

With the warm days of summer just about here, the outdoor entertaining season has come as well.  If you have a fire pit, you may be wondering what type of wood (and other materials) you can safely burn.  (If you don't have a fire pit yet--and want one--you can look at some of the ones we've talked about in the past: Ball O' Fire Pit with Spark Shield, the handsome Aluminum Fire Pit Table, and the fun Tiki Tabletop Fire Urn). 

Since you don't have the protection of a firebox and chimney, and you may have dry grass or tree branches nearby, it's important to be especially safe when starting fires outdoors.  So let's take a look at what you can burn (and what you shouldn't).

What Should You Burn in Your Fire Pit?

Many species of wood are suitable for burning in an outdoor fire pit.  (Where people tend to get in trouble is burning unorthodox stuff.)  For ideal firewood, see our article on the Best Types of Firewood.  Hickory, oak, maple, beech, birch, and elms top the list, but there are plenty of other suitable choices as well.

If you want instant logs, Hearth.com recommends Eco Logs, which are compressed logs made from the dust created by hardwood floor manufacturing companies.  The logs come in 8-packs, are inexpensive, but burn a long time with larger flames than most presto-log types you get at the supermarket or DIY store.

Wood size is important when burning in a fire pit.  Make sure to get logs that fit in the unit and don't stick out the top or sides.  For shallow models, the logs may rise above the rim, but don't let them hang over the sides.

What Not to Burn in a Fire Pit

Let's make a list to highlight some of the big things to avoid:

• Pressure-treated wood (emits toxic fumes)
• Railroad ties (they have been treated and contain carcinogens) 
• Painted or stained wood (again, fumes may be toxic)
• Green wood (even more so than with an indoor fireplace, the extra smoke is annoying to you, your guests, and maybe your neighbors too). 
• Burning garden waste, weeds, etc. may be against your city's ordinances.
• Also don't burn anything that creates black smoke or a noxious odor

"Wood Blaster" Log Splitter Wedge Gets Good Reviews

Cutting firewood can get old fast, especially if you use your wood stove for a primary heating source throughout the winter.  Every little gadget that makes the job easier is to be appreciated, and something simple (and inexpensive), such as this "Wood Blaster" Log Splitter Wedge is worth looking into.

The simple steel wedge makes splitting logs easier, and according to the reviews at Amazon, it holds up pretty well over time.  It's under $15, so should pay for itself pretty quickly in the time it saves you. 

The snazzy red paint is a nice touch too, just in case you (or beloved children) tend to toss the wedge on the log pile when you're done with it.  The red should stand out and be easy to find.

Wood Blaster Log Splitter Wedge

Instructions for Building a Fire Pit from Interlocking Bricks

Summer is just about here, and while there are plenty of portable fire pits on the market that you can buy without spending an arm and a leg (i.e. the Ball O Fire pit and the cast aluminum fire table), you may enjoy adding a permanent fire pit to your yard, something made with your own two hands.

Here's a quick video available on YouTube from someone who offers detailed instructions on building a pit with interlocking retaining wall bricks:


You can get the instructions and an audio mp3 that walks you through the process on the person's backyard website.

Gorge Stone Fireplace Surround

If you like the look of natural stone fireplaces, then you'll probably dig this "Gorge Stone" surround. Here's the kicker though: it's not made from stone at all.

The veneer is made from recycled concrete and sand. 

"Formed to resemble natural Columbia River basalt, Gorge Stone has been created as an earth-friendly alternative to stone veneer products."

It can be used for retaining walls, decorative stone walls, and--of course!--fireplaces. 

You can get square and rectangular "stones" to offer variety, and the veneer thickness ranges from 1.5" to 3".  Since it's not real stone, you might even be able to install something like this on your existing fireplace--just in case you're looking for a face lift without a huge tear-down remodeling job. 

More information at Gorge Stone.

Ball-o-Fire Fire Pit Keeps Sparks from Flying

If you've been thinking about buying a fire pit, but you've hesitated because you've got a lot of trees, or the pit would go near the house, and you're worried about sparks flying out and lighting something on fire, the Ball O' Fire firepit may be a practical option for you. 

The Landmann USA Ball O Fire Firepit has a 360 degree screen that will keep sparks from getting out, so you won't need to keep such a close eye on it while the family is cooking wieners and marshmallows.  The trees need not cringe as sparks shoot up into their leaves. 

And, if you can believe product descriptions, it may look cool at night too:

It "lights up your gathering area with a mystical 'ball o' fire' that appears to float in midair at night."

It costs less than $200 at Northern Tool:

Landmann USA Ball O Fire Firepit

Pets & Fireplace Safety

If you've got cats or dogs, it's worth taking a minute to determine if your fireplace, stove, or outdoor fire pit are "pet friendly."  While pets aren't as likely to get into matches or start playing around with burning logs as kids, there are dangers to be aware of for them too.

Fire Safety for Households with Pets

• An indoor fireplace should have a fire screen or glass fireplace doors to keep sparks from flying out (especially if your dogs or cats like to bask in front of a crackling fire!).
• Don't leave fires burning unattended, indoors or outdoors.
• If your pets can't resist snooping close to the flames, consider a fireplace gate such as the ones we've talked about before from Hearthgate (great for keeping kids safe too). 
• Don't place pet beds or furniture too close to the flames (even if your pets like to cozy up to the warmth).

It's not too hard to keep Fido or Fifi from getting burned, but they'll certainly be unappreciative if you're not careful and sparks fly into their fur!