| Gravel ground cover, four lounge chairs and a free-standing fire bowl is all it took to create a lovely spot for late-night chats in this clearing in the woods.
Private Comment
Tip 1: Consult with building officials, local codes and certified professionals before installing a fire bowl no matter what it uses for fuel — wood, natural gas, propane or gel. Codes vary from city to city so not all of the bowls pictured in this ideabook may be legal in your area. Check, check, check! |
| The simplicity of a fire bowl submerged up to its rim in the sand lends itself to the serene atmosphere in this outdoor sitting area. This one is wood burning, but it could also be fueled via natural gas or a propane tank out of view. For gas you would need to run a gas line to it, but the time spent setting it up pays off in ease of use. Just turn it on, light it and you're good to go!
Private Comment
Tip 2: Make sure the area right around your bowl is clear of branches or foliage that could catch fire. A good rule of thumb would be to allow at least six feet of cleared space from the bowl — but again, check what is required in your area. |
| Okay, this isn't a bowl, it is a concrete fire pit. But I included it because the cover over the fire is so decorative!
Private Comment
Tip 3: Most fire bowls made for burning real wood come with a mesh cover. Once your fire is lit and has burned down a little, be sure to use the screen. This keeps sparks from floating out of the bowl and any flammable debris from blowing in to the bowl. |
| This rusted steel bowl fits the rustic charm of this wide deck and rattan rocking chairs.
Private Comment
Tip 5: Even though you'd like to spend more time rocking and less time building the fire, never use accelerants like charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline to light the fire. |
| I love this sitting area overlooking a distant view. Higher bluffs like this can get very windy, so a gas-fueled fire bowl is a better idea than a wood-burning one. Since those aren't logs in the bowl, I'm sure that's exactly what this is.
Private Comment
Tip 6: Take wind into consideration when deciding placement and type of fire bowl. Burning embers can get blown out of the fire bowl, so choose a protected area if you are going with wood as your fuel. |
| I love that this fire bowl incorporates water, too. This one is also a nice choice if you want something beautiful with or without fire. I also really like the concrete blocks placed around it for seating. Private Comment
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| Just because it isn't shaped like a fire bowl doesn't mean it can't work like one. I believe this one may be fueled with gel. The sleek style definitely fits in with the furniture. Private Comment
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