Warm As Toast

When the cooler days start, it's a toasty fire that makes you warm and cosy - especially when shared with good friends and family

- SUSANNA PARKER

Humans are drawn to the warmth of a fire, and luckily, it's quite easy these days to get a fire going in a fire pit with all the options that are available. Fire pit design has come a long way and more and more companies are manufacturing stylish stand-alone products that tick all the boxes. There are also built-in versions that become part of an architectural design, in styles ranging from super modern to simple and rustic.

As the seasons change

Portable fire pits are ideal for decks and paving around a pool or garden, and can be moved elsewhere when seasons change.

Design 

Unlike a campfire, a fire pit is designed to hold the fire within its boundaries, making it a bit safer and reducing the possibility of the fire spreading. Materials range from metals like aluminium and cast iron to concrete and fire bricks. Before choosing a fire pit for your space, it's important to know what options there are and what will best fit into your environment, making sure to keep to the style of architecture of your home.

Keep it simple

With very little, a relaxing setting is created with fun lighting, a couple of chairs and a fire pit.

Wood burning 

Whether free-standing or built-in, wood-burning firepits are the more atmospheric of all the types, giving you the ambience of a campfire at home. Always keep safety in mind and make sure the fire pit is placed away from the house. Some fire pits also come with grids that can be used for grilling and cooking, or you can add your own grid.

Make a statement

Syam's gas fire pits can even be incorporated into swimming pools for the ultimate resort feeling at home. www.syam.co.za

A bit about firewood