Fire Pit Buyer's Guide

From fuel types to styles, we’ll walk you through every decision you need to make in order for you to get the perfect fire pit installed in your home.

Maybe it’s a breezy summer night… or a frosty winter afternoon—a fire pit can really tie the moment together. Especially when you’re surrounded by friends, all enjoying the heat coming from the center of your circle. The right fire pit is much more than a centerpiece to an elegant living room; it provides a place for everyone to come together and share some time, bonding over the pleasant heat.

What this scene looks like for you, however, is going to depend on your personal needs. There’s a wide range of considerations for anyone looking at fire pits, such as fuel, shape, and materials involved in construction.

By the end of this page, you’ll know everything you need to make the best decision for your outdoor space, so you can properly invest your time and money in the perfect fire pit.

FIRE PIT FUEL TYPES:

Wood Fire Pits – As traditional as it gets. There’s nothing more authentic than the crackling of real wood in a campfire. Some users can’t imagine a fire pit without wood; but others should be aware of the downsides to this classic number: wood fire pits require hands-on fire preparation, maintenance, and cleanup. It also requires the storage of firewood, which could be a non-starter for some folks.
Gas Fire Pits – Gas fire pits are powered by portable propane tanks at the flick of a switch. Although they are more convenient, the propane is more expensive than your standard firewood—and it also requires furniture to conceal the gas supply (unless you don’t mind it intruding on your scene), propane log lighter, and fireplace gas valve. A quality gas fire pit should hide the fire pit gas valve and log lighter. The same cannot be said for natural gas, which is usually fixed via a gas line, making your gas fire pit more or less a permanent fixture.
Other Fire Pit Fuel Types – If you’re in the market for a fire pit, it’s worth being cognizant of the alternative fuel types, such as wooden pellets, which are an efficient, renewable energy source. There’s also gel fuel, a clean-burning, portable fuel source.

FIRE PIT SYLES:

Fire Pits – The standard fire pit. Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes, with various features; such as optional legs to give the distance between the pit and the ground, interior storage for anything you could need, or even specialized storage for gas supply (if you have a gas fire pit). Consider the space you’re filling and read the tech specs. You never know, maybe legs will end up being a make-or-break feature for your personal requirements.
Fire Bowls – Somewhat less of a standard. You may find the clean, rounded designs of fire bowls more suited for your desired aesthetic. Fire Bowls generally are built for their looks and simplicity—so there are not many options with storage (which might not even matter to some users). The plus side of fire bowls is finer touches and attention to innovation; such as models that incorporate elegant water displays into its heat-producing.
Table-Top Fire Pits – If your dream is a contained fire pit that blends in perfectly with the decorative furniture around it, then you might want a Table Top fire pit. These models are smaller, exert fewer flames, and provide ambiance to an overall scene—opposed to the enlarged flames from a standard fire pit that turn any heat-producing into an event.
Fire Pit Tables – This one is pretty straightforward—the function of a table with the function of a fireplace—sold as one! Fire pit tables are great for gathering a small group around a pretty fire with some good food and drinks. Just like normal dining or coffee tables, fire pit tables are hoisted up on legs, keeping it rock-steady through time. Make sure you have enough space in your backyard for a fire pit table—it’s a gathering place for the area, just like any other table!
Fire Pit Grills – This one is for all the Eagle Scouts out there! A fire pit grill is great for rigging your own wood-burning fire and making some s’mores. Or, get a fire pit grill with a cooking grate insert, and you’ve got yourself a log-burning barbecue fit for full, meal-sized grilling!
Fire Urns – These intense little pits are for the historical-minded users, and they’re certainly sights to behold! This distinguished type of fire pit is mostly propane-fueled, and the designs incorporate hidden storage spots for the propane tanks (unless you have a gas supply line hooked up for unlimited supply). Although you won’t get the most flame from Fire Urns, you might get the most compliments!

FIRE PIT MATERIALS:

Steel – There are different types of steel, so be sure to understand their differences. Unenhanced steel without powder-coating will give way to rust over time, as well as some degradation from tough weather.
Stainless Steel – A step-up from its plain ole counterpart, stainless steel is resistant to rust, heat, and weather. With proper care, this pricier material should be able to survive years without much degradation.
Aluminum – This material is built to withstand the elements. Lightweight, little maintenance required, and won’t rust.
Cast Aluminum – The heavier aluminum materials—cast aluminum will survive the most severe outdoor climates without a chance of rust.
Copper – Although this material won’t rust, technically; a lime-green gossamer will slowly develop over copper. This can be avoided with surface treatments, so be sure to perform routine maintenance when you notice the beginning of oxidation.
Concrete & Faux Stone – Concrete fire pits are on the heavier side, but their sturdy construction is built for extreme weather resistance and long-term usability. Also worth considering is Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, which is a modification of the durable material at a fraction of the price.
Polyresin – Polyresin is an affordable imitation of natural stone, and is artificially built for durability. Anyone looking for an all-around affordable, jack-of-all-trades fire pit material, polyresin might be worth checking out.

FIRE PIT SHAPE

We’ve talked enough about the nitty-gritty, but you also need to think broader when considering fire pits. You can find fire pits in any shape and size, so it’s worth it to browse the catalog until you find something that fits your needs. For example, how many people do you see around your fire pit? Do you think you’ll be placing glasses, plates, or any other objects on the pit’s surface? If so, you should consider the dimensions you’re dealing with, the surrounding furniture, and your intentions—to land on a fire pit shape that works for you.

Square Fire Pits
Round Fire Pits
Rectangle Fire Pits
Oval Fire Pits

FIRE PIT DÉCOR

Here come the bells and whistles! If you thought there were a lot of functionality options in your fire pit, then just wait until you see the available aesthetic add-ons! The options are limitless when it comes to personal, non-functional considerations, which will really give your new fire pit the character it needs to make an impression.

An easy way to add style to your fire pit is with fire glass: Beautiful, heat-resistant glass that will add hue and dimension to your standard fire, like decorative pebbles in a fish tank. There are countless styles to spice up your fire pit: crushed, reflective, non-reflective—all running at sub-$100 price. Because fire pit décor is comprised of optional add-ons, they’re not permanent! Should you sprinkle some crushed glass in your installation, only to realize that you prefer lava rock—you can make that change whenever you’d like. Fire pit décor gives you the opportunity to experiment with your fire pit’s look, whether you’re changing its look to keep it fresh—or you’re searching for that perfect aesthetic.

Fire Pit Stones
Fire Pit Lava Rock
Fire Pit Logs
Fire Pit Geo Shapes
Fire Glass
Crushed Fire Glass
Reflective Fire Glass
Non-Reflective Fire Glass
Fire Beads
Fire Nuggets
Fire Jelly Beans
Fire Pit Branches

As you can see, there are practically countless options to your fire pit build. That’s why it’s best to do write up a brief list of your major priorities, and have that handy as you browse Fireplace Deals inventory.

We’re Here To Help!

If you have any doubts about getting to achieve your fire pit dreams, feel free to call us at 866-848-3473 or send us an email. Our NFI-certified experts are here to answer any questions or schedule an inspection for your existing fireplace or your covered patio to let you know if it is suitable for a fire pit. Browse our section or check out our other Learning Center articles to expand your fireplace knowledge.