If you feel a bit chilly these evenings and
not getting enough time outdoors, you may want to consider a fire table. Fire tables are an outdoor piece of furniture
that provides a bit of heat and makes your outdoor area feel luxurious with its
illumination.
Fire tables are hot right now (please
excuse the pun!) There are many models on the market – the most popular being
the coffee table. Other options include
dining tables or games tables (cards and board games). Regardless of how you plan to use a fire
table, it is essential to know about them before purchasing one. I am a firm believer in buying right the
first time. It saves you money, stress
and hassle. With this goal in mind,
let’s take a closer look at this piece of furniture growing in popularity.
The first thing to determine is whether you
want to use a fire table primarily for heat or ambiance? All options come with a BTU/HR (British
Thermal Unit) measurement, which shows how much heat the fire table will emit. The higher the BTU, the more heat the device
gives off. As a rule of thumb, up to
20,000 BTUs will keep guests comfortable around your fire table in our warmer
climate. Higher altitudes require more
BTUs (generally 50,000 to 70,000).
The height and controllability of the flame
are critical when it comes to your fire table.
It can be unsafe to use, especially on small patios and balconies. A high-quality fire table will offer a
controlled flame through its advanced gas delivery system. This is one of the main reasons why you
should not purchase low-priced fire tables.
The cheap ones do not have this controlled flame feature, so it means
you are putting yourself and others at risk.
The fuel for your fire table is also
necessary to consider. You can connect
some fire tables to a natural gas line.
Do not worry if you find the perfect fire table, but it does not come
with a conversion kit. You can purchase
one separately. A natural gas solution
is cheaper in the long run than using other fuel options, especially if you
plan to use it frequently.
If you do not have a gas line nearby, many
fire tables are fueled by propane. Most
tables have a compartment built into the table to conceal the tank. Propane is the most common fuel used for
outdoor grills and heaters. Propane is
relatively convenient and provides a clean-burning flame. The downside is that it can be expensive and
a hassle because you need to keep replenishing it.
The most environmentally friendly fuel
source for fire tables is bio-ethanol.
This solution emits no smoke, embers or ash. It is a clean-burning fuel that is efficient,
safe and therefore ideal for families.
Another option that does not emit smoke or odors is gel. Both options are more costly than propane or
natural gas.
When it comes to the look of the table,
this is all about personal choice. Fire
tables are available in woven wicker, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, faux concrete
and even antique copper finishes. They
can be rustic in design, contemporary styled or modern. What is most important to keep in mind when
looking at the options is that low-cost fire tables use thin sheet metal and a
quick powder coating. They tend to be
poorly waterproofed and often have improperly finished edges. Poor construction and materials mean your fire
table is not going to last very long.
You will be out buying a replacement before you have had a chance to get
much use from it. More important,
however, is that any fire table that uses subpar materials is a health and
safety hazard. Always look for the CSA
Certification or approval to ensure your product is safe.
Look for a fire pit built with materials
that last, such as stainless steel and aluminum. Look for a fire table made with Stainless
304. Stainless 304 is what is used in
industrial settings. It offers a high
heat-resistant grade and is much more resistant to corrosion.
To keep your fire table looking new, do not
forget to purchase a cover and a wind guard.
The cover will protect your fire table from the wear and tear of rain,
humidity and sun. A wind guard is
essential in windy locations, like on higher balconies. I prefer the fire tables with see-through
glass wind guards, not only because of their safety but also for how beautiful
they look.
Fire tables are an investment. A high-quality yet basic fire table STARTS AT
about 12,000 MXN / 600 USD. Any option
below that price is not worth buying since it will not last and is made with
materials that cause health and safety hazards.
As with any product, the more features you add, the higher the
price.
If you are looking for outdoor (or indoor)
furniture for your home in Mexico, we can help you buy right the first
time! Stop by our store at 363A
Constitucion just off Basilio Badillo (where the buses are). Visit us online at www.solutionsmexico.com or
Whatsapp us at (52) 322 136 5156.