A place for a bonfire should be quiet, but also close to the house, so that it is convenient to bring firewood and food from the kitchen. For safety reasons and in the name of good relations with neighbors, the distance from buildings (min. 4 m), fencing (min. 3 m) and large trees is also important.Even if their limbs are not directly above the fire, hot air and sparks can damage plants or start a fire.
The circle in which the flames will bubble should be approx. 100 cm in diameter and 5-10 cm sunk into the ground. It can be paved with pebbles, clinker bricks or concrete blocks. Remember that the smoother the ground, the easier it is to collect the ash, but the more difficult it is to pile.
Place the seats around the prepared circle, preferably not fixing them permanently. Stumps made of hard wood, e.g. oak, are perfect for this purpose.Their bottom side, adjacent to the ground, must be impregnated, then they will serve for many years.After the party is over, pour water over the heat or cover it with sand.
Flames of fire can also play on the terrace. On the larger one, it is worth building an open hearth of bricks or stones. Its walls should be high enough to place the wood stably inside and to prevent sparks from escaping to a dangerous distance.It is worth planning the space so that you can sit comfortably around the fire.
On a smaller terrace or when we often change the arrangement on it, it is worth placing a portable fireplace or fireplace.The first, usually consisting of a large copper, steel or cast iron bowl on a rack, create the atmosphere of a real fire. Some, after adding the right gadgets, turn into a grill or … a comfortable table.
Fireplaces, biofireplaces, fireplaces
Fireplaces, mostly ceramic, concrete or cast iron, also have a lot of charm, they provide warmth long after the fire is out and, importantly, especially in built-up areas, do not smoke. Bio fireplaces, i.e. alternatives to traditional fireplaces, are also very fashionable.Fired with a special biofuel, they do not emit smoke or smell, while being an additional source of heat and an interesting, often designer element of the decor.
Biofireplaces usually resemble traditional fireplaces, although you can also find mini devices that look more like pots or garden lanterns. Wall or ceiling bio-fireplaces and recessed bio-fireplaces take up little space. Let's also remember about candlesticks, torches, lanterns and oil lamps.The fire playing in them in the blink of an eye will conjure up a magical setting for the evening under the cloud.
From deciduous or coniferous trees?
The best wood for a fire is conifers (pine, spruce, fir, larch), because it ignites easily and burns quickly with a bright flame. However, it is not suitable for longer cooking, e.g. on a cauldron, because it gives little heat and leaves a tar residue on the dishes.For cooking it is better to use hardwood (oak, beech, hornbeam, ash).
Because it is firm and compact, it is difficult to split and ignites slowly. However, it burns slowly and evenly, giving off a lot of heat.Cones are also a good kindling, but you have to add them carefully to the fire as they often "shoot" small hot splinters.
