If you’ve been spending the last few summers wondering about ways to improve your backyard social gatherings, look no further than a good firepit. Many homeowners hem and haw over whether or not they should build a fancy deck or splurge on an above ground pool, but the reality is the best gathering places and conversation starters are usually the simplest. Planting a few shrubs, getting some patio chairs with character and installing or making improvements to your firepit can make all the difference towards night-time ambiance and you don’t have to spend much to do it.

Now is the time to shop around and capitalize on seasonal sales if you don’t yet own a pit. They’re generally inexpensive and provide hours of entertainment when the grill has been put away and the pool is closed. If you are already a pit owner, maybe it’s time to up the ante and think about researching gas fire pits. Instead of the cumbersome process of lighting and kindling logs over the course of the evening, propane fires are as simple as flipping a switch and watching a clean-burning flame for as long as your heart desires. There’s no troublesome smoke blowing every which way, causing discomfort to your guests, and you don’t have to worry about keeping a stockpile of timber nearby if you want to keep the good times rolling.

If you think propane fire pits is the right way to go, you have to make safety your paramount priority. A pit is only as good as its usability and safety, so don’t cut corners in order to have a cheaper and easier installation process. You’ll regret not taking the time to ensure everything was up to code when something does go wrong. Propane pits aren’t cheap, so doing the job properly only makes sense for the amount of money you can end up spending. Once you’ve ensured that everything is up to code, either by consulting your local authorities or relying on the expertise of contractors, you want your pit to look as good as possible.

Many homeowners like to incorporate propane into the existing décor of their patio, often by incorporating a pit into concrete or brickwork. A flame is best placed in a location where people can sit in a circle around it, providing maximum warmth and entertainment. You’ll also end up saving a lot of money on energy costs because gas burns far cleaner than wood, and lasts considerably longer.