If you’ve spent the last couple summers mulling over an upgrade to your backyard experience, have you considered something as easy as shopping around for firepits? Most people get the itch to tear up their lawn or dump thousands of dollars into outdoor additions from the house, but simple purchases escape them. The reality is that throwing something unique into the mix can redefine and entire patio or deck. There’s no need to break the bank with costly renovations when your guests will just as readily gravitate to a good looking pit as easily as they would a new in ground pool.

The first priority should be figuring out how much you’re willing to spend to make improvements. Budgeting ahead of time means you won’t be tempted to splurge on eye-catching gas fire pits when the salesperson at the store has you securely fastened on their hook. Most homeowners find the classic black pit with a screen and top suites their needs perfectly. If you are willing to spend a little extra, though, copper or stainless steel make for great touches on any product. The distinguished patina of a copper rim rivals any other craftsmanship to be found on a patio. It brings a whole new dimension to basking in the ambience of a fire’s mellow, midnight flames.

More unconventional alternatives to traditional patio fire pits are chimineas and outdoor stoves. Think of both as you would a fireplace, but outside and with the ability to cook. Chimineas require a thicker enclosure, typically made of brick, and feature an exhaust pipe. Their unique appearance makes for a great conversation piece, and what’s cooler than being able to sit around a fire and cook some hotdogs right in your own backyard? Chrome-platted forks are nice accessories for roasting wienies and marshmallows with your family should you opt for the more budget-friendly models. For once your kids won’t be bothering you to go camping.

No matter what style of pit you settle on, taking proper care of it ensures that it will outlast its life expectancy. Covers are especially important because they help prevent moisture from collecting in areas where it shouldn’t, and slow down the process of oxidation and rusting. Specially designed vacuums are crucial for getting ash and soot sucked up before it can collect at the base of a bowl. After all, why bother spending money on a nice backyard amenity if you aren’t going to take proper care of it?