The hottest trends in backyard fire pits.

More sizes available, the materials are lighter, and wind isn’t a problem

Face it, here in South Texas, there are only a fewdays of the year when you really, truly need a fire pit to stay warm while sitting outdoors. Most of the time you simply light it up and enjoy being mesmerized by the enchanting flames.

While you can pick up a wood-burning fire pit decorated in some clichéd cowboy motif at most any highway rest stops, to truly make a statement, you have to go with natural gas. Gas fire pits are easier to light and burn steady, and there’s no ash to clean up in the morning.

They’re also pretty. “It’s aesthetics that sells most fire pits here in South Texas, not the cold,” said Travis Ponder, operations manager for Cozy Outdoor Escapes on Rhapsody Drive.

Like a lot of home goods during the pandemic, fire pits are a hot item this year as people stay closer to their own backyards. So don’t wait until the temperature drops to go shopping.

“If you order online or from a catalog, you might have to wait several months,” said Adam Kelley of Home & Patio, on Loop 410 between Nacogdoches Road and Broadway. “Fortunately, we’re still getting shipments in.”

Here are some some trends in free-standing gas fire pits to look for when shopping:

Rectangular design: Emulating an aestheticmade popular at spas and resorts, a rectangular fire pit provides a luxe look to even the most basic backyard patio. Usually 75 inches ormore long, these pits have room formore chairs or can run the length of the longest outdoor sofa.

Etched aluminum: After a sheet of aluminum is made malleable by exposure to acid, an etching plate is pressed into it to give it the physical texture of wood, concrete and other materials. An ink jet-type printer adds color. The result is a lighter-weight fire pit that can blend with virtually any outdoor decor.

Lower heights: Traditional fire pits stand 24 inches or taller, what’s known as “chat height.” In recent years, however, “occasional height” units standing 15 inches to 20 inches tall— put-your-feet-onthe-coffee-table height— have become popular with homeowners who don’t want their view impeded. The lower profile oftenmeans the propane tank must sit on its side, often in a drawer that slides out of the unit’s base.

A variety of sizes: Some fire pits are bigger as homeowners seek to make design statement. These might include making them large enough to accommodate custom, fireproof sculptures. At the same time, pits are also becomingmore compact— while still attractively designed— for those who live in homes or apartments with small yards. Be aware, however, that the lower profile make these pits problematic for use on wood or other combustible surfaces.

Wind guards: Transparent tempered glass shields surround the burner, adding an element of depth to the flames while preventing the fire from “dancing” too much or being extinguished in high winds. Wind guards can be added to most fire pit models, and they are the top-selling fire pit accessory.

Ebel Inc. Only 20 inches high, this fire pit measures 30 inches wide and 50 inches deep. Lucca Rectangular Fire Pit from Ebel Inc., ebelinc.com, $3,511.

Patio Renaissance New materials allow fire pits to complement virtually any style of outdoor furniture. Florence Aluminum Faux Concrete Firepit by Patio Renaissance, patiorenaissance.net,42-inch round, $1,799.

American Fyre Designs Wind guards protect flames in the Contempo Rectangular Firetable by American Fyre Designs, americanfyredesigns.com, $2,650.

HPC Fire Inspired This large fire pit is a custom creation by HPC Fire Inspired, hpc fire.com, $1,000 for the burner, plus cost of construction and art.