Many homes now have a gorgeous fire pit outside that provides warmth during those chilly nights spent outdoors. A fire pit is one of the best things you can purchase for your outdoor living space. You will find that you have a lot of fun gathering around the pit with family and friends. Choosing the right fire pit makes all of the difference. Also, it is important that you take good care of the product so that it will last you for a very long time. While most fire pits are durable, they can become ruined over time if they are not properly used. First, it is important to purchase a fire pit that fits your lifestyle and home well. There are a variety of pits for you to choose from. Clay pits are great for giving an outdoorsy and eclectic appeal to your home. Metal or brick pits are just as nice, but they give a more modern look to the home. Clay pits are also more fragile than metal or brick varieties. You will find that your clay fire pit is more apt to crack if it is not properly taken care of. Brick and metal pits will last a very long time when they are used properly. Lighting and using your fire pit is an important step in how well it functions. Clay pits will need to have special types of wood used within them. You should never use a wood that burns too hot, like red cedar, because the clay can actually crack from the heat. You will also want to line the bottom of the clay pit with gravel so that it protects from wood burns. Any fire pit, whether metal or clay, needs to be cleaned out as soon as you are finished using it. The fire should be fully extinguished before you start removing the ashes and transferring them to a garbage pail. Having an outdoor fire pit is one of the best ways to ensure that your summers are spent having fun with your loved ones. Fire pits are also relatively inexpensive no matter which type you choose to buy for the home.