Choosing the best hard surfaces to increase your home’s resale value

Light My Fire

Backyard fire pits

BY ASHLEY MCLELLAN

$269 - $599 $319.99 $349 - $1,149 $350

Cool Burn Solo Stove has perfected the smokeless fire pit, ideal for the smaller yards and patios often found in New Orleans. Available in three sizes (medium Bonfire pit pictured), the Solo Stove features a “Signature 360 Airflow Design” which allows for air to enter through specially placed openings creating a brighter glow with minimal smoke and ash. Each fire pit is made from 304 stainless steel, burns regular dry hardwood logs and can be easily moved from backyard to camping excursions. Price ranges from $269 to $599, and each fire pit can be accessorized with Solo Stove’s line of stands, weather covers, accessories, tools and more, from solostove.com. Color Coded The Asher wood-burning fire pit is designed to stand out, rather than blend in, with a modern patio, courtyard or backyard space. Made from weather-resistant ceramic, the Asher is available in eye-popping colors such as persimmon, aqua haze, bright white and more. This sleek, compact design comes with a 19-inch cooking surface, mesh dome, steel lid and a rain cover. All you’ll need is some firewood, marshmallows and friends. $339.99 from target.com. Grill Master Breeo’s line of smokeless fire pits have one mission in mind: serious backyard grilling. These sturdy steel fire pits go way beyond s’mores and hot dogs, and are designed to be paired with a range of Breeo accessories for grilling meat, fish, vegetables and even tofu. While each one is made for function, they are also designed to fit in with modern backyard settings, and can easily be moved when not in use. Choose between a standard or “searplate” rim, finish in stainless steel or industrial Corten which weathers to a natural reddish hue over time. Available in three sizes, prices range from $349 to $1,149, from breeo. co. Match Light Tiki Brand has moved way beyond those backyard bamboo lanterns from the 1970s with the instant light, low smoke Patio Fire Pit. Each is made from heat-treated stainless steel and powdercoated steel, which gives the design a sleek, contemporary look. It can be paired with either Tiki Brand’s no mess Wood Packs (specially made from natural wood pellets) or traditional dry, seasoned firewood. As a bonus, each Wood Pack is upcycled from leftover sawdust and wood byproducts, for a truly clean, green product that lights in less than 5 minutes and lasts for 30. Patio Fire Pit, $350; Wood Pack, $41, pack of four, from tikibrand.com.

$1,875 - $2,395

High Light The Plodes Geometric Fire Pit is as much a work of art as it is a place to gather round for warmth or for cooking. Created by Texas designer John Paul Plauché and his plodes studio, the fire pit is hand crafted from Corten steel, and is designed to weather and change with time and exposure to the elements. To get the party started, use standard firewood or charcoal, and specially designed accessories, such as a steel grate top and handmade cedar top, are available to customize your backyard fire experience. $2,145 from Design Within Reach, dwr.com.