As the days get longer, we find ourselves spending more and more time outdoors and well into the evenings. This is where outdoor fire pits have become the staple for outdoor enjoyment. Not just visually appealing and relaxing but also functional, these pits create the perfect mood for an entertaining evening with family or friends.

The Nepal Fire Pit is a beautiful addition to any backyard space.

If you are looking for something that is both unique and stylish when it comes to outdoor fire pits, then Fire Pit Art is the perfect match for you. These “made in the USA” fire bowls are expertly hand crafted in Tennessee. Each fire pit is beautifully created using durable ¼” thick solid carbon steel, the heaviest gauge metal being used, making it incredibly long-lasting. These beautiful works of functional art come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to fit any design taste. Each fire pit can be left outside year-round and require no maintenance even in cold, harsh environments. Each bowl is finished in an iron oxide patina which over time will darken and become permanent, giving a look unique to each individual piece. A dense, high temperature resistant coating is also added to the interior walls for added resilience.  Should you prefer, each fire pit can be easily adapted for propane or natural gas if you’d rather not use real wood.

The Asia by Fire Pit Art is stunningly beautiful with its clean, simple design.

As proof to their uniqueness, each fire pit is hand crafted and individually numbered for authenticity, making them a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art. Adding a Fire Pit Art fire bowl to your backyard is a sure way to guarantee it will become the stand-out conversation piece of any outdoor space!

Winter’s chill is finally fading and the smell of spring is in the air. It’s time to start thinking about transitioning from our indoor living spaces to their outdoor counterparts. There’s nothing like being outside to help rejuvenate and relax. But when evening comes and temperatures dip just below your comfort level, wouldn’t it be nice to have something to keep you warm and extend the amount of time you can spend outdoors? Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are the perfect way to bring heat and visual appeal to your outdoor living spaces.

The Perfect Outdoor Fireplace is easy to assemble and creates a stunning visual impact to your outdoor living space.

An outdoor fire place is a great way to update your outdoors, no matter what size area you have to work with. You can easily transform your patio’s look and functionality while maximizing your ability to entertain family and friends both day and night. Just imagine an outdoor barbeque that turns into a relaxing evening under the stars with the warm ambient glow of a crackling fire.  With a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect option for your needs and taste.

Our most popular outdoor fireplace, and most appropriately named, is the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace. This unit offers three styles to choose from: 3 Sided Screened, See Thru Screened, and BBQ Edition and is available in Pewter, Sandstone, Tan, and Taupe finishes. Crafted of heat dissipating stone, the fireplace will never crack, no matter what the temperature outside – making it ideal for year-round enjoyment. Its modular design makes assembly a breeze with easy to follow instructions and no mortar required.

If you are looking for something that doesn’t have such a large footprint, perhaps an outdoor fire pit is a better fit. They are one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor design, mainly for their versatility and portability. Fire pits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles and price ranges, appealing to most any design taste. Typically constructed of cast iron, copper, stainless steel, aluminum and ceramic, these products are designed to withstand the elements, giving you years of all-season enjoyment. Most fire pits are fueled one of two ways, either wood burning or gas/propane. The gas/propane units either have ceramic logs, lava rock or colored glass for a more contemporary look.

Some of our favorite designs come from the manufacturer Fire Pit Art. These beautifully crafted fire pits are constructed of high quality materials making them incredibly durable. What we really like about these units are their unique artistic designs which set them off from most other fire pits currently out there. The Asia, is one of our most popular items and was recently featured in the TODL design newsletter. It features clean lines and a minimalism design. The Asia is available in several sizes and is hand-crafted from solid carbon steel.

The Asia Artisan Steel Fire Pit’s dramatic design will bring elegance and interest to your back yard.

No matter what look you are going for, you won’t be disappointed. With an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, your back yard entertaining will be taken to an entirely new level. Enjoy great company well into the evening hours while basking in the warm glow of a peacefully, relaxing fire. 

Outdoor Fire Pits such as the Grandstone Fire Pit have a convenient tabletop for setting plates and drinks.

The warmth and ambiance of a fire is natural draw for people to gather. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit can serve as terrific focal point for enjoying the company of family and friends.  It can instantly create a draw for a space that did not previously have an anchor. Outdoor fireplaces serve multiple functions from warmth, ambiance to cooking memorable meals.

Mantels Direct’s Buschbeck Cape Cod Outdoor Fireplace Kit includes a grill grate. For a limited time, receive a $200 discount with coupon code BBK200!

One of the most interesting outdoor fireplace designs that provides a great table side experience is our Buschbeck series. These European kits have the fire at table level and incorporate a cooking grate system along with shelve for food prep. Set-up of the outdoor fireplace kits are simple and can be done with two people within 1-2 hours. What a great way to enjoy a truly European alfresco experience in your own backyard with family and friends!

Eat Well Other fireplaces that combine great fire ambiance with cooking include:  Our Perfect Outdoor BBQ Edition Fireplace Kits, as well as some of our outdoor fire pits, include grill grates, which enable you to easily serve a delicious meal despite losing power.

Entertain the Kids  Nothing is better to enjoy the family and entertain the kids, then a outdoor experience with an fire. S’mores are a crowd pleaser for kids of all ages! An outdoor fireplace or a fire pit provides a great outdoor gathering spot for memorable experiences.

Art is defined in several ways.  Many people regard it as a hobby- something that you dabble in every now and then, when you have time.  Other people, such as fire pit sculptor Rick Wittrig, see it differently.  To them, art is a lifestyle, a form of expression, and a source of fulfillment for themselves and others.

Wittrig, or “Fire Pit Rick”, creates handcrafted steel fire pits in his hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee, just a short drive from our Alabama office.  Appropriately named Fire Pit Art, his creations celebrate nature and outdoor living. Mantels Direct carries a diverse selection of Wittrig’s Fire Pit Art, including the classic Nepal Outdoor Fire Pit, the exquisite Manta Ray model, and the jovial Funky Dog Outdoor Fire Pit.  The steel outdoor fire pits are handcrafted by Wittrig and individually numbered on a small brass plaque attached to the base.  Each fire pit is unique and a sure conversation piece, perfect for any outdoor space.

In addition to being beautiful and one-of-a-kind, these artisan outdoor fire bowls are functional and strong.  They are made from ¼” thick solid carbon steel, are adaptable to all climates, and can be left outside year-round.  The firepits are installed quickly and easily adapt to propane or natural gas.  All designs include a 10-year warranty and free shipping in the continental USA.

Visit Mantels Direct today to learn more about these magnificent artisan outdoor firepits and upgrade your outdoor space with a unique piece of American art.

As the months of summer steadily approach, many consumers across the U.S. are looking for a way to add ambiance and style to their favorite outdoor space. For many consumes this desire equals the addition of an outdoor fire pit. Despite the appealing nature of providing a warm and cozy gathering spot for friends and family, many consumers are often unnerved by the prospect of placing a large, dark pit in the middle of their favorite outdoor area. Fortunately for these skeptical consumers, outdoor fire pits are available in a variety of styles and designs that can fit seamlessly into almost any outdoor living space

Scallop Fire Pit from Fire Pit Art

For individuals looking to add a simplistic yet elegant ambiance to their outdoor space, the Oakland Outdoor Fire Pit is a perfect option. This portable outdoor fire pit comes complete with a copper, powder coat finish that is sure to fit well with any formal outdoor setting. In addition, it features a chip and crack resistant design that will ensure years of durability. With a quick and easy installation and cast iron features, this outdoor fireplace epitomizes stylish yet simplistic design.

For many consumers, the simplistic nature of units like the Oakland Outdoor Fire Pit may be unappealing. Many consumers considering the purchase of an outdoor fire pit are looking for an item which could be the centerpiece of a dinner party or an eye catching discussion piece. Many of these consumers may be looking for an outdoor fire pit that fits well with a beach or lake setting. For these celebratory minded individuals, units like the Bonfire Celebration Fire Pit Dome may be the perfect solution. This outdoor fire pit features a brilliant raw steel dome with a design inspired by the celebration that many cultures enjoy at the appearance of a full moon.

This is a Bonfire Celebration Dome Outdoor Fire Pit

Regardless of the type of style and mentality you are looking to promote in your outdoor space, there is certain to be an outdoor fire pit that can suit your needs. Ranging from the simplistic to the extravagant, outdoor fire pits provide the perfect centerpiece for both wild, outdoor parties or relaxing evenings by the pool. In the end, the only really important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a fire pit is whether or not you want a stylish and enjoyable centerpiece for your favorite outdoor space.

As winter melts into spring, people across the U.S. have begun to migrate out of their living rooms and into their backyards. Blooming flowers and green trees have drawn home owners out of their wintery slumbers and onto back porches and front patios everywhere. Unfortunately, many homeowners find that in the early months of spring the chilly night air forces them indoors and away from their grassy yards and backyard bar-b-ques.  In order to make full use of their outdoor space, many consumers decide to purchase an outdoor fire pit to provide their family and friends with a warm place to gather on cool spring evenings. Despite their convenience, many homeowners struggle with the decision of what type of outdoor fire pit best suits their needs.

For individuals who are hoping to give their outdoor space a more formal ambiance, a fire pit table is often an excellent choice. Fire pit tables are larger units that often offer consumers a substantial amount of counter space in addition to the convenience of a fire pit. These units often run off of a gas fuel source and they can provide the perfect center piece for a dinner party. Glasses and serving dishes can conveniently be placed on these units so that your guest are not constantly in search of a location to put down their beverages or rest their plates.

Outdoor fire pits also come in smaller sizes. These units often consist of two or three parts. The central part of the fire pit design is the metal basin that contains the wood for your fire. These units also have a stand with legs attached to them so that they sit off of the ground and at an optimal height for creating the right amount of warmth for the individuals seated around the fire pit. In addition, many smaller, wood burning fire pits come with a screen or metal dome that can prevent large embers from flying through the air. In some cases, these domes can be decorative and provide a beautiful centerpiece for the outdoor space where the fire pit is located.

Bonfire Celebration Fire Pit Dome

Regardless of your needs, the variety of outdoor fire pits available to consumers is sure to include a unit that can fit your outdoor space perfectly. Whether you are looking forward to fancy dinner parties by the pool or a relaxed evening with the kids, the wide variety of outdoor fire pits includes a style that can help create your ideal, outdoor space.

March has arrived and for many Americans this month signifies the arrival of perfect outdoor weather. As spring training starts and baseball teams begin to prepare for the coming summer, many families are starting to uncover their lawn furniture and sweep off their patios in preparation for the coming months. With this change in temperature comes the perfect opportunity to spruce up your outdoor space with a new outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Nothing brings together families and friends like a warm fire on a cool spring evening and now that the snow is melting and warm breezes are sweeping across the country you have the opportunity to enjoy all that spring has to offer.

For consumers interested in adding a fireplace to their outdoor living  space there are several factors to consider. How large a fireplace are you looking for? Do you want to build a permanent structure or are you looking for something more portable? Do you want to use a wood or gel fuel source? All of these factors are important in determining which type of outdoor fireplace best suits your needs.

For consumers looking to build a more permanent structure, units like the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Collection provide excellent options. These units can be assembled in a single afternoon by even the most inexperienced individual, yet they still provide a beautiful, permanent structure that can become a focal point for your outdoor space. These fireplaces are perfect for burning wood or charcoal and they come in a variety of colors and finishes.

Another option for consumers looking to add a smaller, more portable unit to their space is a fire pit. Fire pits offer the warmth and ambiance of a backyard fireplace without the hassle of  constructing a large permanent structure. Units like the Dagan Copper Fire Pit are easily transported to different locations and positions on your patio so you can keep yourself warm on those cool spring nights and then easily store the unit in the summer when it is not being used.

This is an Apollo Table Top Fire Pit

A final option for individuals considering the addition of an outdoor fireplace are small table top units. Units like the Apollo Table Top Fire Pit offer a simple yet elegant solution for individuals looking to spruce up an outdoor space. These units fit perfectly in small seating areas or as center pieces for outdoor dining tables. They burn small gel canisters that slip easily into the unit and produce a brilliant, small flame that is perfect for adding just the right amount of ambiance to any outdoor space. Regardless of what your looking for, one thing is for certain, if you are looking to spruce up your outdoor space this spring, an outdoor fireplace is the perfect option for you.

Outdoor fireplaces are so closely linked with positive qualities such as beauty, warmth, and coziness that it’s easy to forget they also pose serious safety hazards if not used properly. Not only can burning embers and flying sparks escape from the firebox and threaten your deck, house, or yard, but the unit itself might tip over due to careless installation practices.

The potential dangers of home hearth products are essentially the same whether you’re talking about a full-sized fireplace or a small fire pit. To ensure the well-being of your family, guests, and property while enjoying your heating or cooking product, please observe the following safety tips.

• Do not leave a burning fire unattended. While some gas outdoor fireplaces have automatic shutoff systems, you won’t find this feature in a wood-burning unit or a fire pit. If you intend to leave the area for more than a few minutes, put the fire out.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, working hose, sand, or full buckets of water near the unit so that you can quickly douse any burning embers or sparks discharged from the firebox.
• Use a spark screen or other type of spark arrestor to contain burning embers.
• Properly maintain your fireplace or fire pit by cleaning it regularly. Poor maintenance habits can lead to clogged fuel lines or vents, which will in turn hinder safe operation.
• Make sure your hearth product is installed on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping. Some outdoor fireplaces weigh over 1,000 pounds, which presents a serious crushing hazard for furniture, pets, and people.
• Do not set up your unit near wooden structures, dry brush and leaves, electrical wires, or low overhanging branches.
• Store extra fuel, such as wood logs, charcoal, or propane tanks, in a clean, dry area well away from your hearth product.
• If you see signs of rust or other material degradation, it is time to replace the damaged part or the entire unit. Rusted fireboxes can easily collapse, leaving you with a burning heap of wood and ashes on your patio.
• Keep people and pets several feet away from the fireplace or fire pit to avoid being burned by sparks, embers, or leaping flames.

When proper precautions are taken, outdoor fireplaces are a wonderful means of enhancing your backyard. Please adhere to the above safety guidelines and read the operating manual provided by the manufacturer so you can enjoy your product without worry.

Summer is just about ready to give way to fall, which means this is a terrific time to start looking at hearth products for your patio or yard. Full-sized outdoor fireplaces, or even a smaller fire pit, can provide heating and cooking functions while also adding aesthetic appeal and increasing the value of your home.

Of the many different brands of outdoor fireplaces we sell here at MantelsDirect.com, the ones from Patina Products are among the most distinctive. This company makes attractive fire pit units that are durable and easy to care for. Each one comes with a natural rust patina finish that will continue to age over time to create a truly unique look.

These fire pits are available in a number of different designs as well. For example, the Atlantic Coast model has shapes of starfish, crabs, lighthouses, seahorses, and more cut right into the side of the bowl, while the Mardi Gras unit showcases such shapes as fleur-de-lis symbols, saxophones, and the outline of the state of Louisiana. Other available models include Chinese Characters, Pacific Coast, Safari, Mosaic Santa Fe, Flower & Garden, and Wild Duck.

In addition, each wood-burning fire pit from Patina Products boasts the following features and benefits:

• Fully assembled for immediate use right out of the box.
• Weather-resistant solid steel construction.
• 30-inch safety ring around the top rim of the bowl that doubles as a convenient handle or footrest.
• Welded steel legs to prevent tipping and wobbling.
• Portability.
• Wire mesh spark guard to prevent sparks and burning embers from escaping through the design cutouts.
• BBQ grill, wood poker, and weather cover included in the box.

You’ve heard your friends raving about how outdoor fireplaces allow them to spend time on the deck all year round; now it’s your turn to get in on the action. Whether you end up choosing a large fireplace or a portable fire pit from Patina Products, we know you’ll enjoy the result!

Simply the Sweet Life is a home & garden lifestyle magazine with features on great food & recipes, fresh creative ideas, stylish entertaining & lifestyle tips, and family travels to create lasting memories. It is the place to find Simple little things to make Life Sweet! MantelsDirect was featured in their No. 3 Summer Issue. Our team shares tips on building an outdoor fire pit and gives step by step directions to creating the perfect outdoor fire! Gather around your family and friends there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy the outdoors! Click below to read the full article, we’re featured on pages 42-43.