A fire pit, or outdoor fireplace, can really bring together your yard or patio and serve as the centerpiece for your patio furniture set. It brings you heat and light on chilly nights and creates a cozy atmosphere for your backyard parties and barbecues.

When it comes to picking the best fire pit for your space, start by considering what type of fuel you want to use. Most outdoor fire pits use either gas or wood to produce fire. A gas fire pit is a great choice if you want to avoid building and feeding a fire and dealing with smoke. Simply turn a switch and you have a flame for as long as you want. Meanwhile, a wood fire pit gives you a more rustic feel, which is perfect for camping trips and backyards alike.

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are also available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and aesthetic styles. When choosing a size and shape, make sure you measure the space available and leave plenty of room for you and your guests to navigate around the fire pit. A round fire pit can be convenient if you want to avoid hard corners, but a rectangular fire pit might be preferable in front of a long outdoor sofa or loveseat.

Adding an outdoor fire pit to your space allows you to make better use of your yard or patio at night. In fact, it can put you well on your way toward creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams: a space where you can easily entertain guests or enjoy some solo relaxation.

If you want to continue improving the experience of hanging out in the backyard, consider what other little perks and additions will put you right at home. Comfortable outdoor seating is certainly a must, but maybe you want to take relaxation to the next level with a hammock or hanging chair. If you want to make use of the space during colder times of the year, you will also benefit from augmenting the heat of the fire pit with a patio heater or two.

You might get the most use out of your fire pit if you choose one that also utilizes a table design, like a fire pit table. This kind of fire pit gives you a convenient rim for placing drinks or snacks. Metal fire pits   are also a popular choice because of their durability and heat retention properties. Whatever you choose, ensure you take care of your fire pit so you can continue to get the most of it for years to come.