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Baitball Blogger

(46,761 posts) Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:10 AM Dec 2012

What's a good alternative to a fire pit when all you have is a covered patio to work with?

Not looking for anything fancy. Just something small that looks good and will keep a small group warm so we can make use of the patio over the winter. I love the idea of a fire pit, but a covered porch is what I have to work with.

21 replies

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What's a good alternative to a fire pit when all you have is a covered patio to work with? (Original Post) Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 OP

Put a grate over the DU meta forum.... NYC_SKP Dec 2012 #1

Yeah, but all that toxic smoke will be hazardous in the long run! n/t cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #2

Oh! If only. We would have a source for a perpetual heater. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #3

... littlemissmartypants Dec 2012 #13

Seriously, bricks. Don't even need to be fire bricks, though they are better. NYC_SKP Dec 2012 #4

Erm. I'm a she and hubby had better not bring a pretty girl to our house, unless it's my daughter. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #8

Dammit!!!! NYC_SKP Dec 2012 #16

Nothing with fumes or sparks libodem Dec 2012 #5

I do want it to provide some kind of atmosphere, to encourage us to face the cold weather. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #12

How about something like this? cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #6

That looks like it's encased in glass. Definitely looks safer than an open pit. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #9

The Wife and I have one something like this... cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #15

*gasp!* I think I'm in LOVE! Where's it from? nolabear Dec 2012 #10

Linky cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #14

I found a link that teaches you how to make one. It's interesting and attractive. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #17

Now THAT is nice! n/t cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #19

Well, at that price, I'll have to wait 'til next year. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #18

I just got us an outdoor heater. Not so romantic but it keeps you warm. nolabear Dec 2012 #7

If it's cheap, it might be an easier sale with the hubby. Baitball Blogger Dec 2012 #11

You might consider a propane heater for your porch. Incitatus Dec 2012 #20

They're known as "portable outdoor fireplaces" -- Google for that (this link is for images). MiddleFingerMom Dec 2012 #21

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)

1. Put a grate over the DU meta forum....

Reply to Baitball Blogger (Original post)

Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:12 AM

Dec 2012

But keep some distance and a water spray bottle to keep things cool!

cherokeeprogressive

(24,853 posts)

2. Yeah, but all that toxic smoke will be hazardous in the long run! n/t

Reply to NYC_SKP (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:13 AM

Dec 2012

Baitball Blogger

(46,761 posts)

3. Oh! If only. We would have a source for a perpetual heater.

Reply to NYC_SKP (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:14 AM

Dec 2012

littlemissmartypants

(22,837 posts)

13. ...

Reply to NYC_SKP (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:23 AM

Dec 2012

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)

4. Seriously, bricks. Don't even need to be fire bricks, though they are better.

Reply to Baitball Blogger (Original post)

Thu Dec 20, 2012, 12:15 AM

Dec 2012

Get cinder blocks, aka concrete block, if you like.

Buy some gravel for the bottom, design a way for air to come in to the bottom, but with a way to block the air flow.

There must be a diagram or a youtube for this.

Kiss the pretty girl for me, once it gets toasty!