Before buying a fire pit and making a new addition to your backyard, you should consider material, style, fuel type, location, cost and safety. To help guide your buying decision process, take a look at the following considerations so you know you're buying a fire pit that suits all your needs and your budget. 

Safety regulations and codes

First things first: Are you even allowed to have a fire pit? If you own a home, check with your homeowner's association or city codes to make sure you're allowed to have a fire pit, and if so, read about where it should be located and other restrictions for burning wood in your area. 

If you live in a rental or apartment complex, check with your building administrators or landlords for any restrictions or regulations regarding outdoor fire pits.

There are often specific rules about placement for safety, such as setting a fire pit at least 10 feet away from buildings and fences or having a water source nearby. Some counties and states may even require an inspection by local fire officials or may regulate fuel type. 

Size

Fire pits range from small portable models to larger permanent styles. Choose a size that fits within your backyard or patio space, keeping in mind how much space you'll need for circulation and seating around the fire pit. Models can range from 24 inches to more than 58 inches in diameter, and for movement and safety, you'll want to keep your pit five to seven feet away from your home and other objects. 

Budget

Fire pits can range greatly in price. You can find inexpensive, $50 models and high-performance pits that'll set you back hundreds of dollars. You can even spend $1,500 or more on a fancy propane fire pit. For custom and built-in models, you'll likely need to budget $1,000 to $5,000 or even more.