Adding an outdoor fire pit to your landscaping can transform your backyard into a cozy, inviting space that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and warming up on a chilly evening. Fire pits come in a variety of styles, materials, and fuel types, each offering unique benefits. Here’s a guide to the different types of outdoor fire pits you can consider for your own backyard.
Fuel types
First, let’s take a closer look at the various options available when it comes to fuel types for an outdoor fire pit.
Wood-burning fire pits
The most traditional fuel option, wood-burning fire pits offer a classic campfire sensory experience and are fairly simple to operate.
- Styles: These fire pits come in various styles, including simple metal bowls, stone or brick constructions, and chimineas. From rustic to modern, wood-burning fire pits are available to fit almost any aesthetic.
- Pros: They provide a rustic, authentic ambiance with the sounds and smells of burning wood. They are fairly straightforward in terms of use, and they have a variety of uses, including cooking (from marshmallows to full meals!).
- Cons: Wood-burning fire pits require a steady supply of wood, which may not always be easy to come by. They also produce smoke, and need regular cleaning to remove ash and debris. Additionally, some areas may have seasonal restrictions on wood-burning, limiting the times you can use your fire pit.
Gas fire pits
Gas fire pits use either propane or natural gas as fuel. They are convenient and easy to use, and provide a clean, smokeless flame that lends itself well to an inviting ambience.
- Styles: Gas fire pits are an extremely popular choice for backyards, and they are available in modern designs and more traditional ones. They can be built-in or portable.
- Pros: Gas fire pits are easy to ignite and control, with no need for wood or cleanup of ash. They are ideal for urban areas where wood smoke may be restricted.
- Cons: They require a gas line or propane tank, which can limit placement options. Additionally, initial setup costs and maintenance costs can be higher than wood-burning pits.
Gel fuel fire pits
Gel fuel fire pits use cans of gel fuel, which burn cleanly without smoke or soot.
- Styles: As a more modern innovation, these fire pits often have more stylish designs, making them very suitable for decorative purposes.
- Pros: Gel fuel is easy to light and extinguish, making these fire pits highly portable and low-maintenance.
- Cons: The flame from a gel fuel fire pit is typically smaller and less intense than wood or gas fires. Also, keep in mind that gel fuel can be more expensive than other fuel types, and it may not be readily available everywhere.
Ethanol fire pits
Ethanol fire pits use bioethanol as fuel, which burns cleanly and produces minimal emissions.
- Styles: These fire pits are usually seen in modern, sleek designs that serve as decorative focal points.
- Pros: Ethanol fire pits are eco-friendly, easy to use, and require no ventilation, making them a decent option for semi-enclosed spaces like patios.
- Cons: Ethanol fuel can be costly, and these fire pits may not provide as much heat. These fire pits are really more about looks than functionality.
Fire pit models
Now that we’ve discussed fuel options, let’s explore options for the various models of fire pits.
Portable fire pits
Portable fire pits are designed for flexibility and convenience. Move it around your yard, transfer it to your driveway, or take it with you on a trip. Wherever you want it to go, it can probably go.
- Styles: Portable fire pits come in various shapes and sizes, from small, lightweight models to larger, more robust designs.
- Pros: These fire pits are highly versatile and easy to store when not in use. They are perfect for small spaces, or for renters who cannot install permanent fixtures.
- Cons: Portable fire pits may not be as durable or stable as built-in options. Plus, they typically offer less customization options in terms of design and materials.
Permanent/built-in fire pits
Permanent fire pits are custom-built into your landscape design, often made from materials like stone, brick, or concrete. These structures usually turn into focal points in a yard and can make a big impact on your yard’s overall aesthetic.
- Styles: The sky is the limit when it comes to designs. You can customize your fire pit to match your outdoor style, creating a seamless integration into your landscape. (Tip: Work with a professional landscape designer to help you configure a fire pit option that works perfectly in your space.)
- Pros: Built-in fire pits are very durable and customizable, providing a permanent and attractive feature in your yard. They can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and can use whatever fuel source you find most convenient.
- Cons: Installation can be costly and time-consuming, and your design will be limited by your space. Once built, they cannot be easily moved or modified.
Fire pit tables
Fire pit tables combine a standard table with a built-in fire feature, offering a multifunctional outdoor piece.
- Styles: Fire pit tables are available in a variety of designs, from coffee tables to dining tables.
- Pros: These tables are ideal for entertaining, as they provide a functional table surface and a warm firelight glow. They are often fueled by propane or natural gas, which means they burn cleanly and are easy to use.
- Cons: These tables are often more expensive than standard fire pits, and the table surface can limit the size of the fire feature.
Choosing the right fire pit for your landscape depends on your needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of your outdoor space. But no matter what you’re looking for, there’s almost certainly a fire pit option that will work for you. So take your time, explore your options, and get ready to enjoy the cozy comfort of your very own backyard fire pit.
If you’re looking for professional landscape design and installation to help create a custom fire pit for your yard, look no further than Rustic Creek Landscaping. Contact us to speak with one of our expert landscape designers and start your journey to a custom outdoor space today.
