Firepit

Wood, natural gas, or propane?

The fuel you choose shapes everything else about a fire pit. Wood burning pits give you real flame and that campfire smell, but they need room away from the house, dry log storage, and a cleanup after every fire. Gas pits light from a switch, run with no smoke, and go out the moment you are done, which is why most of the pits we sell now run on natural gas or propane. Propane lets you set the pit anywhere and move it later. Natural gas runs off your home line so you never swap a tank, though it has to be plumbed in first.

How much heat you need

Gas pits are rated in BTUs, and most land between 40,000 and 60,000. That is enough to take the chill off an evening for a ring of four to eight chairs. If your patio catches wind, aim for the higher end or pick a pit with a wind guard. Wood pits are not rated in BTUs, so go by bowl size instead: a 30 inch bowl suits a small group, while 40 inches or more is better for a crowd.

What holds up outdoors

A fire pit sits outside all year, so the build matters as much as the look. Cast aluminum never rusts and stays light enough to move. Heavy steel and Corten weather into a patina and last for years. Copper ages into a deep finish and shrugs off rain. Whatever you pick, budget for a fitted cover. It is the cheapest way to add seasons to the pit.

Brands we carry

Our lineup runs from Napoleon gas fire pits and fire tables to American Fyre Designs cast features and AZ Patio Heaters fire pits, so there is a fit for a small balcony or a full patio build. Not sure which size or fuel works for your space? Call us at 1 (866) 850-3450 and we will sort it out before you buy.