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Tidal Fire Pits offers handmade outdoor fire pits for backyards

Owner Doug Ritter sees an untapped market for high-quality product in Sussex County.

A custom fire pit by Tidal Fire Pits owner Doug Ritter. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Chris Flood

June 22, 2023

Story Location:

Harbeson, DE 19951

A year after selling his Millsboro-based construction business Tidal Homes, Doug Ritter is back in business. This time he’s started Tidal Fire Pits, a custom-made, artisan fire pit business.

 

“I have a lot more time on my hands and am ready for something new,” said Ritter.

Ritter said he got into the fire pit business after doing research on one for himself. He said he researched the parts and ended up making his own to fit his taste and needs.

 

“This is an untapped market with very basic models available locally, and they are hard to get,” said Ritter. “I checked out what is readily available online and saw that once again most of the inventory out there is generic, cheaply made and very expensive.” 

The pandemic started a home improvement trend that’s never been seen before and it continues today, said Ritter. New home trends are littered with bright, white accent pieces and vertical accent siding, he said. 

“We designed our units to fit right in as a showpiece for new homes and old,” said Ritter.

This is a high-end product that might not fit everyone's budget, said Ritter. Nevertheless, he continued, for people looking for a custom piece to spice up their entertainment area, Tidal Fire Pits will fill that need.  

Tidal Fire Pits is offering a few different versions and color options, with custom designs and sizes. Ritter said he’s working with a client right now to design a custom unit that will fit on their new patio. This particular model will be a pub height unit with a beer fridge, stacked stone sides, LED lights and cup holders built in, he said.

 Tidal Fire Pits offers free delivery in Sussex County and will set up the unit, with all of their other options included, said Ritter. However, he said, if the client has a direct feed gas line, they should contact a licensed individual to perform that gas connection. 

Ritter said the fully licensed and insured company will be based out of Harbeson. For more information on Tidal Fire Pits, go to tidalfirepits.com or email tidalfirepits@gmail.com.