There’s nothing as magical and alluring as the dancing flames of a fire. Fire adds color and movement, warmth, and instant class. It’s a focal point for whatever space it occupies, something to gather around for conversation and shared warmth with family and friends.
These days, adding fire to your backyard space has never been easier. From traditional wood burning fire pits to fire pit tables with hidden propane tanks, there are many styles and options available. Here’s a quick guide to finding your perfect fire source.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
This is the ideal choice for people who enjoy the crackling, the glowing embers, the sweet smoky scent of burning wood. Wood burning fire pits feel most like a campfire and require the same effort: assembling sticks and logs, building the fire from scratch, and maintaining the fire as it burns, e.g. adding more logs, unnecessarily poking at it with a long stick. For some, this is the essence of the outdoor fire experience and they would have it no other way. For others, the process is inconvenient.
Pros: A natural fire experience with scent, sound, and feel; generally warmer than a gas fire pit.
Cons: More effort required to start and maintain the fire, requires regular attention while lit, more potential for fire hazard.
Tip: Make sure the wood burning fire pit you purchase includes a fire screen and fire screen hook. This will reduce the chance for floating embers to cause a fire hazard.
Gas Fire Pits
Fueled by a standard propane tank (like the one on your gas grill) or a plumbed gas line from your home, gas fire pits offer easy On/Off convenience without the mess associated with wood burning options. Propane tanks are easy (and relatively inexpensive) to refill, and are discreetly hidden within the body of the fire pit or under a decorative cover nearby.
Gas fire pits are available in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials to fit your outdoor décor. Personalize yours with fire rocks or glass material, available in a myriad of colors and textures.
Pros: Convenient, no mess.
Cons: More for decorative use than as a source for warmth, propane fire not as mesmerizing as real fire.
Tip: Consider your space and how the fire pit will be used. If dining and entertaining are in your plans, consider a fire pit table.
Fire Pit Tables
A step up from your standard fire pit, fire pit tables offer generous table space in addition to the fire feature for food, drinks, your tablet, etc. Fire pit tables are available in three heights:
- Chat height (think coffee table height), which is perfect when surrounded by lounge chairs, outdoor sofas and sectionals, Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, and more.
- Dining height, encircled with your favorite dining chairs for romantic outdoor meals.
- Bar height, great for entertaining with that pub or beer garden feel.
A fire pit table is a great feature to plan an outdoor space around and will draw people like moths to a flame.
The Shape of Fire
Fire pits and fire pit tables are by far the most popular means of adding fire to your outdoor space, but if you’re looking for a striking statement piece, consider on of these unique fire features:
- Fireplaces – The look and feel of an outdoor fireplace but with a gas log.
- Firewalls – These resemble a standalone fireplace except that the back wall behind the fire is covered in reflective or mirrored stone for a dazzling effect.
- Firefalls – A firewall with the addition of a thin stream of water rolling down the back wall for a magical fire and water effect.
- Fire Urns – A slender fire feature with the propane tank hidden inside; use multiple units for the corners of a patio space, for instance.
