Today, one of the trendiest patio accessories is the fire pit. These beautiful outdoor heaters come in many price ranges, styles, makes, and more. You will notice when researching fire pits that some are made to be used with logs, while others are equipped to be used with various types of fuels.

Real Wood

When people think of fire pits or fireplace, they often picture a bed of fire logs surrounded by flames. Wood logs are the most traditional option. However, they present many problems. Wood logs emit unhealthy smoke and particulate matter. Whether you are using an outdoor fire pit or an indoor fireplace, real wood is not the best choice because it gives off a ton of carbon dioxide and other harmful fumes. Particulate matter is the most dangerous material that burning wood releases. It is what causes red eyes, runny noses, and other symptoms that people experience when exposed to smoke from burning wood logs. In addition to this, particulate matter can aggravate conditions like heart and lung disease. Fire wood may have an old world charm but it steals non-renewable resources from the environment, pollutes the air, and has dangerous health effects.

Artificial Wood

Compared to real wood logs, artificial wood is a far better choice. The EPA conducted a study in 2006 which found that artificial wood logs produce far less carbon monoxide and particulate matter than real wood. Specifically, the study found that artificial logs produce 75 percent less carbon monoxide and 80 percent less particulate matter.

While artificial wood logs do not look like exact replicas of real wood, they are a good alternative if you want to stick close to the traditional look of fire logs. Still, it is important to note that they are made of chemicals. There is always the chance that the logs could explode when prodded, so it is important to be careful. In addition to this, artificial logs have been known to contain traces of the harmful mineral asbestos.

Fire Glass

If you are not absolutely tied to the traditional look of logs, then fire glass might be a great option for you. It offers homeowners a much more modern and beautiful alternative to fire logs. Fire glass absolutely glitters when engulfed in flames. It is also a safe product that has many great benefits for the green homeowner. It does not release carbon monoxide, particulate matter, fumes, smoke, odors, or soot. The product can also be used over and over and over again without ever melting or discoloring. You can use fire glass with gel fuel, propane, or bioethanol fueled fire pits, fireplaces, and fire tables.

Want to find out more about fire pits, then visit Jolene A Cruise’s site on how to choose the best propane fire pits for your needs.