The very fact that there are so many fire pit ideas and ways to build or design them lends themselves to each homeowners’ tastes.  Some of the more popular styles of outdoor fireplace options include all of the portable choices offered in  a variety of metal finishes.  From powder-coated steels to copper finishes, these portable models are very effective and simple – and safe – ways of enjoying a fire on your patio.  We’ve included a short sample of the designs here.  A few include stand-alone versions that burn wood as fuel and also one that is gas or propane fueled.  Not depicted here, but available in another article of ours, is a style of fire pit table that combines the comfort of outdoor patio furniture with a table top fire.  Some of the portable fire pits for sale can be seen here.

Clicking on the image or links will take you to Amazon where you can read more reviews, view more styles or make your secure purchase.

UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents 34″ Slate & Marble Surround Fire pit with copper Accents

Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay, 12.5-inches deep Big Sky Fire Pit Stars and Moons. The bowl depth is 12.5-inch.

Camp Chef FP29LG 30-Inch Del Rio Copper Gas Firepit This beautiful propane-powered copper fire pit has a 60,000 BTU gas ring. Lava rock makes a perfect flame for an evening under the stars on the patio or at your favorite camp ground. Gas fire pits are a great way to bring your family together for a fun evening with wonderful ambience. The fire pit simply connects to your bulk propane tank and will burn for hours.

If, on the other hand, you’re not looking for a patio fireplace like these but something more substantial in structure – like a stone, brick or metal built-in fire pit, there are options there, too.

How to Build A Fire Pit

If you’re interested in building a fire pit, it is a matter of creating a look that will fit with the backyard landscaping ideas you have.  Using a fire pit can be a great way to add a focal point of interest and dimension in a smaller space.  In fact, hardscape features like fire pits and water features make great landscaping ideas for small yards.  The previous link will help shed more light on those concepts.

Here is a design using a raised ring in stone.

So, what can you use to help your outdoor fire pit designs come to life?  If you’re using an engineered or man-made product, make sure that it is rated safe for fire.  The last thing you want to end up with is a bunch of cracked bricks, or worse, a dangerous fire hazard.

In general, building your own pit requires that you create something that has adequate ventilation and some type of shape that can contain a fire.  This might be round, but it could just as easily be oval, rectangular or square.

The height of the walls is not something that is set in stone (no pun intended, okay, maybe it was…ha!) but it should be at least high enough to protect hot embers from popping out easily to the side and also so that the logs can be contained within the ring.

This design is using a more natural or organic looking boulder placement.

Some of the more popular natural choices utilize boulders, large stones and sand or fire bricks to create an organic shaped pit.  These types of designs work well in estate-type backyards or those that face lakes or other natural environments.  They seem to connect your yard with the space beyond.

Whether you prefer to use one of the more natural styles depicted here or like the idea of chiminea for a more controlled fire in a decorative patio feature, fire is an element that any patio enthusiast can appreciate.

At Patio Covers Place, we like sharing ideas that our readers have with others.  If you are inspired by these ideas and create your own fire pit design that you think is worthy, send a photo our way, we’d love to see it!

Wind spinners, laser cut from lightweight metals like aluminum, are also coated in rhodium or other materials that give them an iridescent and colorful finish. Copper and steel are also great choices for these metal styles.  Metal wind

A variety of wind spinners on display.

spinners are quite the eye catchers, even when not moving. You can get them with outdoors motifs like jumping bass fish, patriotic themes like eagles and flags, or in just interesting geometric shapes. The outer shape is repeated inside in concentric rings except at the central spine, and the vanes formed by this are bent slightly out of alignment. The process gives the wind spinner a three dimensional effect and the open spaces allow the wind to pass through. These vanes make the wind spinner spin in a more controlled way then leaving the shape uncut would. If uncut, the shape careens in all directions in even a moderate wind, as the flat sides are hit broadside. The gaps cut in a wind spinner allow the same shape to spin with some sideways motion, but most of the winds energy goes into the spin.

Added to nylon flags and wind socks that do not fade with exposure, you can make your yard a dazzle of color. With a slight breeze, all that color starts to move and the effect is amazing. Fortunately, after a little while the birds and local fauna get used to the movement, and it will not scare them off after a couple of says. No using these fun items to keep the squirrels away. Drat!

These attractive objects are not unlike gazing balls or garden globes in the way that they bring an extra splash or pizzazz to your garden space.  You can hang your wind spinners and other wind toys near your hummingbird feeder to your yard or patio and make it shine, and spin, flap and flutter.

Brought to you by Americancollectiblesguide.com

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Now, you would be hard pressed to distinguish indoor from outdoor furniture unless you were up close to it.  The types of fabrics and materials that go into patio furniture are made from very soft and durable fibers.  Many have built in ultraviolet (UV) ray fading resistance.  The furniture itself is as elegant as the fabrics that make the cushions.  Gone are the days of the simple plastic patio chairs.  Now, you’ve got outdoor bar stools and dining sets.  The list goes on

Here's one that looks to be more of an enclosed room kitchen outdoors.

and on, but for the purposes of this article, let’s get back on topic for our discussion of the kitchen designs.

Outdoor kitchen designs can be suited to the homeowner.  This means that if you are someone who enjoys entertaining and hosting more formal dinner parties, then you can have the makings for a commercial quality outdoor kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances, grills and refrigerators.  Then, you’ve got the option of wine coolers and other accessories.  The outdoor sink or sinks can be fed with water from your hose or tapped into your home’s water supply line.  Photo credit

If your outdoor kitchen plans call for something a bit more country or cottage-like, there is room for designs in this area as well.  Just like with the indoor kitchen, you can have your choice of cabinets and countertops as well.  The only thing to keep in mind is that all of your choices need to be waterproof.  So, if you’re thinking in terms of wood, choices like redwood or cedar make for the best selections.  Stainless steel is always a good choice for appliances.  For the counters, you can go with any brick or stone choice.  A nice little feature might be something like an outdoor pizza oven or open pit-style fire place.

When you are considering how to plan for space at your outdoor bar seating area, a 15” depth and 24” width per person are good estimates.  Keep in mind, these numbers are also a reflection of the type of kitchen design you’ve got.  If you have more of an open flowing patio, then the seating needs not be so formally determined.  Speaking of a flowing space, a simple patio cover, can provide a great roof over this kitchen you’ve designed.  Over the grill or

Another outdoor kitchen idea, but much more simple.

firepit, don’t make the roof too solid as you and your guests will be choking on smoke the whole time.

So, you’ve got the roof figured out, but what about the flooring?  You’ll want to ensure safe-footing, nothing that gets too slippery when wet.  A patio paver floor works great.  Similarly, if you already have a slab or something laid, you can use an outdoor rug that can provide padding for the long standing periods on that hard surface and it will also provide more traction.  With so many options and choices from which to design, have fun with your outdoor kitchen plans and make sure it suits your cooking and patio living style.  Photo credit

Here, you see the stone pieces used, along with stainless appliances - a great combination even in the rain!

These types of outdoor kitchen designs are really expanding on what is possible in the concept of what makes a patio a patio.  In fact, this has really sparked or been sparked, either way, by the trend in creating outdoor rooms to allow for a more flowing use of a home’s square footage.  Just like with any indoor room, there are walls, flooring and a ceiling or roof to consider.  Outdoor kitchens have some unique features about them that need other attention too, however.  Photo credit

One such feature that makes the outdoor kitchen unique is that unlike its indoor counterpart, the outdoor appliances and materials all need to be waterproof.  This is especially true if you are using something like an open style of patio cover, like a pergola to act as the framework or skeleton of your outdoor room.  A pergola will often have a lattice-style roof, which will allow rain and snow and other debris and intense sun to hit your kitchen area and appliances.

What types of appliances are available for an outdoor kitchen?  Think of your kitchen inside.  What types of appliances do you rely on?  These are all available as outdoor units.  Refrigerators, wine chillers or coolers, sinks, stoves, grill tops, even dishwashers can all be made for outdoor use now, too.  More specifically, these appliances come in stainless steel and have appropriate wiring specifications to be able to be used outdoors.  Since grilling is still one of the most popular ways to cook outdoors, there have been a number of advancements here as well.  You can get a grill that just drops into a counter area and allows for convenient cooking and serving.  Other unique items could include things like an outdoor pizza oven.  These even come as kits.  It is still best to hire a professional for installation if you don’t have the skillset or knowledge to make sure it is all set up right.  They are fairly costly, so you’ll want to ensure the job is done right.

This is a modular outdoor kitchen unit.

In terms of materials or features of an outdoor kitchen, the same ideas apply inside.  When you think about your cabinetry, again it just needs to be waterproof.  Woods can be used, but you’ll want to make sure that you use things like cedar and redwood for their excellent weathering abilities.  You’ll also find that you can get the same basic counter top features.  Using a material like brick or stone is going to be your best bet.  Granite works well outdoors, too.  However, you may want to be cautious with it as it is quite porous, so sealing it and such can be a chore.  Photo credit

Other things to keep in mind are seating arrangements.  The right ratio of space has been given to be about 15” of depth and 24” of width for each person.  This will give you a good estimate as to how long to make your counters or bar area for seating.  If you choose to have a more formal outdoor dining area, then the table and chair set will likely give you enough of a separation on its own.  There are many ways that your outdoor kitchen ideas can take shape, enlisting the help of a professional designer or architect might be helpful.  You can also find great ideas for outdoor kitchen plans online and in fine home magazines.

So, the question is, how can you carve out a little piece of shady heaven in your garden or patio space?  One attractive option is with patio arbors.  You could consider these both as sculptural pieces in your yard as well as functional places to get a shady seat.  Many times you will see an arbor used to support some vines or other flowering plants over a nice patio swing.  The same type of set up can be achieved by having a garden bench sitting patiently beneath one of these handsome arbors.

What Types Are There?

A perfect spot to sit and swing beneath a patio arbor.

An arbor may go by several other names, which we will briefly parse out here.  On Patio Covers Place, we use the term arbor to describe a wood or metal structure that typically has four posts and a cross-beam ‘roof’. They are much like a pergola, except that they are smaller in size and scale.  Occasionally, you will also hear the term trellises used to describe these structures.  A patio trellis, in our mind, is more of a two-dimensional structure that is meant to support smaller growing vines and is often mounted up against a wall or fence for added depth and dimension.
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A patio arbor can also welcome you into your patio or garden space.  They may have an arched roof or top that serve as a door to your space.  You might find that they are usually constructed of wood.  Because of its ability to be crafted into many styles, wood is an easy choice.  Cedar and redwood make excellent choices for their ability to weather to a nice color and also stand up to the elements.

You can care for them by sealing and staining each year for a structure that will last you for years to come.  Metal arbors are also available.  Wrought iron is making a comeback in many outdoor home and garden designs and features.  This will also provide support for your plants and vines, all while adding a nice strength and timeless appearance to your garden space.  Whether you choose wood or metal, you really can’t go wrong with either choice of these patio arbors.

We are talking about how wireless speakers can free you up from the restrictions that having only a wired unit allows.  Just like with indoor entertainment, outdoor speakers range in size and price.  They also have different qualities and ways of operating. Some require that you plug in a base unit and then the other speakers can operate via battery power.  Then there is the infamous Airstream™ that is commonly used with iPods.

Get rid of this mess and go wireless instead.

In general, wireless outdoor speakers can provide you much more flexibility and portability than a traditional wired speaker could.  Materials and manufacturing have made outdoor speakers much more durable and even have allowed them to be more marketable over the last several years.  What was once only reserved for commercial applications can now be enjoyed by the average homeowner.

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Advantages of Wireless Outdoor Speakers
The obvious advantage is the ability to be able to place your music wherever you like.  While you can do this with wires in most cases, it just requires an extra amount of time and effort, not to mention cost.  Speaker wire that is able to either be buried in the ground or in conduit has risen considerably in price as raw material costs have increased.  Even if you hire someone to do the installation of your outdoor audio set-up, you are still looking at a financial investment, if not direct time and effort through your own personal installation.

Yamaha NS-AW150 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers (Pair, Black) Yamaha’s compact NS-AW150 bookshelf speakers provide an affordable way to enjoy your music or television programming on a deck or under a porch. You can bring them in during the cold months and set them up indoors, too: their high build quality and good sound lend them equally well to two-channel indoor listening. The speakers, which are sold as a pair, each use a 6.5-inch high-compliance, polypropylene, mica-filled woofer and 0.5-inch PEI dome tweeter. The drivers are optimized for high rigidity but low mass, giving them reasonably high sensitivity (80 dB with 2.83V at 1 meter), another way of saying modest amplifiers won’t have much trouble driving them. Their acoustic-suspension cabinets are sealed to prevent undue resonance or tubby, tuneless bass, which often results from low-cost ported designs.

Audiovox Acoustic Research AW825 Mission Style Wireless Speaker (Bronze) Audiovox AW825 Speaker System – Copper AW825 1054

Audio Unlimited SPK-VELO-4KIT2 Premium 900MHz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4 Speaker System with Remote and Dual Power Transmitter (Black) Listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wire! These high-quality, weather-resistant speakers can even be used in wet areas. Powered by 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong within a range of up to 150 feet with no line of sight limitations. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard truly offering endless installation options. The system transmitter supports all types audio inputs including RCA inputs for home theatre receivers, MP3 players, computers and iPods. Audio Unlimited’s wireless speaker system is the perfect solution for adding music around the pool/spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in your office, garage, in the garden, or out on the deck during those hot summer nights.

TIC CORPORATION WRS010-CN Outdoor Wireless Rock Speakers (Canyon) Canyon outdoor wireless speakers.

Audiovox Acoustic Research AW828 Rock Pot Outdoor Wireless Speaker with Built-In Planter (TerraCotta Color) Turn your music inside out by bringing your indoor music outdoors with the help of the AW828 outdoor planter with wireless speaker by Acoustic Research. The wireless speaker blends into its surroundings inside the weather-resistant planter, eliminating the eyesores of the past. It receives crystal-clear reception up to 150-feet, in turn delivering high-quality, and full, rich sound. The 150 range may vary depending on each environment. This portable design allows it to be conveniently placed in any outdoor entertaining environment. The planter separates from the speaker and offers wireless installation. The system is expandable so you can add multiple units to the AW828 to enhance both your outdoor listening and gardening experience. Speaker/receiver has push button auto-lock tuning, 900MHz transmission, frequency response of 40Hz u2013 15kHz, with Left/Mono/Right switch and separate volume control. Each speaker operates on 6AA batteries (not included) or AC adapter (included).

Another advantage is that if at any time you would like to re-locate your speakers, it is as simple as a removing a few screws or just picking them up off the ground and moving them.  It doesn’t get any easier than that.  Since the ‘remote speakers’ from the base or unit itself need to still be powered, you will need to replace batteries.  The frequency of this all depends upon how often you enjoy music through them.  Also, you might consider the disadvantage of distance from the unit.  While many specifications will say that you can get up to a 50-100’ range, you might notice a drop in function within a smaller range if you have any outdoor ‘obstacles’ in the path.  These are all inconsequential disadvantages when comparing the standard wired styles to wireless outdoor speakers.

Here, we are talking about the patio trellis.  These are nothing more than structures used in a patio or garden space that add dimension, depth and character to the space.  Typically, they are constructed of wood, though metal trellises exist as well.  In fact, wrought iron trellises or some made with copper can look quite elegant and provide wonderful visual dimension to your space.

A trellis is related to other popular patio structures, the pergola and the arbor.  Where we would make the distinction here is that while a pergola is often used as a cover for your patio space, an arbor can be used as a stand-alone structure in a garden space and a trellis is more ‘two-dimensional’.  It can certainly be the support for climbing vines and other plants, like both the pergola and arbor as well.

This brings up another term that can be used when talking about such structures, the garden arbor.  Garden arbors, are unique in their own right.  We would talk about an arbor as a type of smaller pergola.  Most pergolas consist of four posts and have beams and a lattice-type roof.  They can range in size, but a 10’x10’ pergola could be considered average.  A larger arbor could also have four posts, but might be something more like 4’, 6’ or 8’ wide by 2-3’ deep.  In other words, you could put a nice garden bench beneath it or have it over your garden or patio entrance.  They serve a nice function in this way.  Again, like the trellis and pergola, greenery may grow all over it, creating a type of shaded cover all its own.

In the end, don’t get too hung up the name of the patio structure you are wanting.  The only way to really find what you want is to do a search.  As you are able to refine your search and see the names and pictures of exactly what you are after, then you can make a better decision about it.  If that ends up being called a pergola that you want to build, then so be it.  If you are looking for more of a ‘background arrangement’, we suggest looking for a suitable patio trellis.

Now, there are outdoor rooms with all sorts of styles and conveniences of modern living.  No longer do you have to ‘rough’ it outside and sit on uncomfortable furniture in the blazing summer heat.  Some things just cannot be removed.  If you are trying to make summer not feel like summer in some areas of the country, good luck.  However, you can make your experience outdoors much more enjoyable.  Take temperature issues just as one example.

A beautiful looking outdoor room set up.

One of the most critical features of any outdoor patio room is going to be shade in the daytime and a sense of protection and coziness in the evening.  For shade, there are things like patio covers, awnings and blinds or curtains if you want a softer and more exotic look.  There are really no rules to these things.  Sure, outdoor landscape designers and decorators can give you some great ideas for what your possibilities are, but if your space fits your needs, then you are doing it right.

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Another great feature you can add to your patio space is a misting system. These are nothing more than a tubing system that has nozzles placed evenly along the line that sprays out a fine mist of water to cool your patio space.  They are reported to be able to cool a patio area by as much as 30 degrees.  Part of this effect is the perceived cooling it provides.  The smaller the water droplets that come out, the better the effect.  The droplets hit your skin and then evaporate.  It is this evaporation that creates the cool sensation.  Larger droplets mean slower evaporation.

Now, as far as that evening entertaining goes, the critical component is your outdoor lighting.  This is what will create the ambiance.  While flood lights will throw a lot of light, they will not provide any sort of spot lighting for more intimate settings or gatherings.  Your outdoor room needs light just like any indoor room in your home.  When you have both spot and flood lighting options, then you can create more of a mood.

A final key feature to your outdoor entertaining in the evening is heating.  If we are talking about the fall or spring, patio heaters can solve your problems.  For the most part, you can get by with one of these and solve any issues with your patio being too cold to be comfortable.  A typical floor-mounted patio heater that is fueled by propane will be adequate for about a 10-15 foot diameter.

You can also go for a more intimate setting using an outdoor patio fireplace.  These are quite portable and available in a number of different styles and sizes.  They are very similar to a firepit, but are less permanent.  You can achieve a more quaint gathering around a natural wood fire than you will on a patio with a propane heater.  Although, you can also get a patio fire pit table that can give you both a small crackling fire with the convenience of an outdoor table to sit at.  Again, the choices and accessories for your patio are almost endless.  If you can imagine it, it is probably available somewhere online.  And, if it is, it is probably talked about here at Patio Covers Place, where outdoor rooms and other patio living ideas are our passion.

This is a floor-mounted patio heater.

At one time, patio heaters were more available for commercial purposes and not suited well for the residential owner.  Whether it was cost, size or application, the patio heater was something you only saw at your favorite restaurant’s outdoor patio or at large outdoor events.  All this has changed with the introduction of the types of portable patio heaters we are discussing here.

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There are floor-stand styles and other table-top versions.  The typical floor-standing patio heater is capable of heating an area approximately 10-15’ in diameter.  They use propane fuel, in most cases, to burn at about 40,000 BTU throwing a very comfortable amount of heat.  They also have settings so you can control the amount of heat it is giving off.  At full high heat, a typical propane patio heater will last about 8-10 hours.

Your patio may not be that large in size, so you may not require a heater that is capable of this heat output.  For smaller applications and spaces, there is the table-top patio heater that was mentioned above.  This style is exactly as it sounds, it sits atop a table or shelf that provides more local heat to a smaller group of people.  This can give you a nicer and more cozy feel to your patio gathering.  Who knows, maybe you are just spending some time out there with your significant other and don’t need to be heating a large space.  There are no rules against both of these types of patio heaters on your patio at once.  In this way, they could act much like a patio shade and a patio umbrella do.  One provides large shade cover, one is a bit more ‘spot’ specific.  You could have the floor-stand one blasting out its heat for your whole space and find that there are little nooks and pockets on your patio that your table top heater could hit more effectively, all while saving you more in terms of fuel costs and wasted heat.

Some of these firepit tables are more large in size and depth allowing for a larger fire to be had in them.  Others are more attractive because of their smaller size.  Any way you strike it, it is possible to get the best of both worlds – sitting and chatting and a crackling fire nearby.  These are just a few of the fire pit designs that are available.

Cast Aluminum 52″ Round Chat Beverage Cooler / Fire pit Table by Alfresco Home – Metal (22-0332-AW) The lost art of conversation returns with this . This four function chat table is constructed of rust-proof polished cast aluminum. It can be used as a serving table, barbecue for roasting, a beverage cooler or a log burning fire pit with screen. This table offers an exquisite patterns and detailing that this chat table will be the centerpiece of your outdoor area. This design was created to blend outdoor comfort and good looks!

Shinerich Industries SRFG04 Square Table Gas Fire Pit 36” square gas fire pit with stamped steel tabletop, steel lid for table use. Full open door for a convenient tank access. Stainless steel burner and black steel fire bowl with lava rocks to create beautiful flames. 25,000 to 40,000 BTU adjustable heat output. Slideable cylinder holder suitable for use with 20 lb. LP tank. LP tank not included. Black cover for storage.

The best feature of the fire pit table is the ability to quickly snuff it out and go inside.  There are both traditional wood styles and also propane versions.  Like with a patio fireplace that is connected to propane, you’ll need to run the lines and this will limit the portability factor of the table.  Outdoor fireplaces that are meant to run on propane are usually hard-lined so that they can be built in place and enjoyed that way.

This should not deter you from getting a gas or propane fire pit table, however, because they are simple to clean up and often require much less maintenance.  Additionally, when you are done with the fire, you just turn it off – literally.  While the material in the bowl may still remain hot for some time, the coals will not be dangerous or burning for long. Compare these tables with other fire pit designs and you’ll quickly realize how convenient they are for their given purpose. Admittedly not as fun to roast marshmallows over, but great intimate sitting areas with a place for your drink.

Another popular thing in fireplace design is the use of materials like lava rocks and fireglass for a more dramatic effect.  These materials really need propane to work.  These are meant to replace wood as the ‘fuel’ for the fire and their glow can provide a nice ambiance and effect to your patio space.  Much like a chiminea, these are not meant to provide much in the way of heat.  The overall purpose of the decorative glass and chiminea fires are for ambiance.

With other patio dining furniture you will not get the combined effect of warmth or at least a warm glow and the ability to sit and chat.  These tables often take the form of a cocktail table – elevated more than a traditional table top.  When you are sitting at one of these, you are more apt to be enjoying the company of others and it makes for a great party atmosphere.  If you entertain outdoors much, then the patio fire pit table is worth a look.