Fire Pit Buying Guide: Gas vs Wood, Fire Tables and What to Know

A fire feature is the highest impact upgrade per dollar you can make to a patio: it extends evenings, extends the season, and gives the space a center of gravity. The market splits into wood burning pits and gas fire tables, and the right answer depends on how you actually plan to use it.

Gas or wood: decide on smoke and effort

Gas (propane or natural gas) lights with a knob or a switch, produces no smoke or embers, and can be turned off instantly when the evening ends. It is the right answer for entertaining, for decks, and for most HOA and burn-ban jurisdictions, which commonly allow gas when wood is prohibited.

Wood burning gives you crackle, real smoke flavor for the occasional marshmallow, and no fuel plumbing. It also gives you ash cleanup, ember watch, and neighbors who smell your fire. Choose wood only if the ritual itself is the point.

Fire pit, fire table or fire bowl

• Fire tables put the flame in the middle of a usable tabletop surface at dining or chat height. The most popular choice for entertaining patios.
• Fire bowls and pits sit lower, throw heat wider, and read more like a campfire.
• Column and linear features suit modern landscapes and pool surrounds.

BTUs and real heat

Gas fire features run 40,000 to 100,000 BTU. Around 50,000 to 60,000 BTU warms a conversation circle of four to six chairs in mild weather. If your evenings are genuinely cold, size up or add a patio heater; an open flame loses most heat straight up.

Materials that survive outdoors

Powder coated aluminum and 304 stainless burners last longest. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) gives the cast stone look at manageable weight. Corten steel develops a stable rust patina on purpose. Cheap thin steel bowls rust through in 2 to 3 seasons; this category rewards buying once.

Safety and placement

• Keep 10 feet of clearance from structures and overhangs for wood; gas units typically allow closer placement, check the manual.
• Never run a propane tank inside a sealed enclosure without vents.
• On wood decks, use a heat shield pad under wood burning pits.
• Natural gas hookups need a plumber and a shutoff valve; the payoff is never swapping tanks.

What should you spend?

Serious gas fire tables from brands like The Outdoor GreatRoom Company and American Fyre Designs run $1,500 to $5,000, with architectural pieces beyond that. Quality wood burning pits in heavy steel run $500 to $2,000. Budget for a cover; it is the difference between a 3 year and a 15 year lifespan.

FAQ

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last?

At 50,000 BTU on high, roughly 8 hours. At half flame, 15 or more. Frequent users route natural gas.

Can I roast marshmallows over gas?

Yes. Gas flames are clean burning. Cook over the flame, not the media stones, and keep sugar drips off the burner ports.

What goes in the burn area, lava rock or fire glass?

Either, as long as it is rated for fire use. Never use river rocks or gravel: trapped moisture can make them crack or pop violently when heated.

Shop fire features

We stock over 2,000 fire pits and fire tables in our fire pit collection. Free shipping over $499.99. Speccing a commercial patio or multiple units? Request a quote or call (866) 777-2590.