Fire pits are all the rage these days for families across the U.S., but they’re more than just metal bins used for crackling wood fires and roasting marshmallows. Outdoor fire pits are a great way to liven up your property and bring the family together while enjoying a peaceful evening outdoors, away from devices and electronic screens. Installing a fire pit is a great idea, but few realize the many options available today or the work that goes into choosing that perfect spot in the yard.
It’s always a good idea to read before you buy an expensive product. How prepared are you really before clicking the purchase button? To help you broaden your knowledge in your buying journey, we’ve put together this helpful fire pit buying guide.
Do You Know Local Fire Pit Laws and Ordinances?
It’s important to note that before you begin the fire pit buying process, you should consult your local town or municipal ordinances and laws regarding the installation of open outdoor fire pits.
Checking with your local city or county office is an important first step before you make a decision and buy anything. Anyone with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) should also check those specific rules and regulations as well. The last thing you want is to purchase a fire pit that you won’t be able to use or have the fire department come through and shut the party down because your fire pit is too close to a building or your neighbor’s property.
Be safe and check those local laws and ordinances. Go to Google and search for “local laws and ordinances for fire pits,” which should provide you with links from your city or state (if you allow Google to use your location). Once you’ve covered your local laws, it’s on to the fun part – shopping for fire pits.
Choosing the Right Type of Fuel for Your Fire Pit
Fire pits are designed to burn wood, gas, or an alternative fuel source such as pellets or gel and each offers unique benefits. It might sound contradictory but you’ll want to consider the type of fuel source you prefer before looking at different types of fire pits for your yard. The fuel type dictates your fire pit experience so choose wisely.
• Wood
Anyone looking to recreate those campfire experiences from their childhood will love a wood-burning fire pit. Wood fire pits create a rustic atmosphere and require little to no maintenance other than sourcing the firewood, lighting the fires, and keeping them lit, which are all challenges in their own right. Wood-burning fire pits are great for rural areas and large outdoor spaces.
• Gas
Gas fire pits have skyrocketed in popularity over the years. Gas fire pits can run on natural gas or propane gas, which takes us back to checking your local ordinances regarding outdoor gas fire features. Some gas fire pits are designed to hold a small propane tank similar to your gas grill while others will need a gas line run to the fire pit. Gas fire pits also give you the creative options to choose a decorative medium such as ceramic logs or decorative fire glass. It’s best to also check with a certified gas technician before trying to install one of these on your own.
• Alternative Fuels
Alternative fuel fire pits have come a long way and they’re rising in popularity among homeowners. Alternative fuels include pellets, gels, and ethanol. Pellet-burning fire pits are becoming a popular fuel source as pellets give you a similar experience to a wood-burning fire pit without the hassle of chopping wood and lighting logs.
Some fire pits use a fire gel as a fuel source. Gel is an environmentally friendly fuel source and it’s also extremely safe. Although most of the alternative-fuel fire pits don’t burn as hot as gas or wood, these are still a great way to enjoy the outdoor areas around your home.
Different Types, Sizes, and Styles of Fire Pits
When you hear the term fire pit, you probably think of a small hole in the ground or the industry-standard metal stand that holds wood logs for burning. Fire pit technology has come a long way though, and there are some truly spectacular choices out on the market.
From simple wood-burning fire pits to extravagant poolside fire and water features, chances are you can find a fire pit to meet your outdoor needs and preferences. Here are a few of the different types of fire pits you’ll find on the market.
• Simple Wood Fire Pits
Again, your basic fire pit is typically made of powder-coated steel or copper and is usually round or rectangular. Basic fire pits are wood-burning features that sit in a level spot in your yard. Throw some chairs around one of these and you have a great outdoor space for spending summer nights outside. You have a lot of choices with simple wood fire pits and you can truly create a customized outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy.
If you’re looking for the ambiance and atmosphere of a wood-burning fire pit but don’t want to deal with potentially harmful smoke and other wood byproducts, then you can consider a smokeless wood-burning fire pit. Even wood-burning fire pit technology has come a long way in recent years and there are plenty of options on the market for smokeless fire pits – more on that later.
• Fire Bowls
Fire bowls have rounded bodies and are shaped like a bowl. These pits are typically made of concrete and are currently the trendy and stylish choice for many homeowners.
Fire bowls are typically designed to burn gas, but there are other options available. These are a great option for a permanent patio or poolside area, and come in all different sizes so you don’t necessarily need to commit to this as your outdoor focal piece. They can be complementary fire decorations or the centerpiece of your patio depending on your needs and preferences.
• Fire Pit Tables
Fire pit tables are an elegant way of sprucing up your outdoor space. Shaped like outdoor tables but with a fire pit in the middle for added luxury and ambiance, fire pit tables are typically gas-burning with a propane tank underneath for convenience.
These are the largest fire pit options available and you’ll have plenty of choices for different styles and types of fire pit tables. Most are “set-it-and-forget-it” options for homeowners or property managers looking for a quick and simple fire feature solution.
• Fire and Water Bowls
If you’re looking to take your outdoor space to the next level, then consider a fire and water bowl. These complex fire pits combine the warmth of a roaring fire with the serenity of a waterfall for a truly magical experience that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Fire and water features are great around the swimming pool or as the main focal point of your outdoor space. These are gas-burning fire pits and, given the complexity of these features, you should consult a professional before trying to connect one of these on your own.
• Fire Urns
Fire urns are small outdoor fire pits and fire features that are similar to fire bowls. They’re generally a bit taller and more slender than fire bowls but work in the same way.
Fire urns are perfect for anyone looking to add some outdoor decoration to their patio, deck, or poolside area without necessarily making the fire pit the focal centerpiece. These gas-burning pits use small propane fuel sources like most products, though some are designed for natural gas.
Consider Gas Fire Pit Ignition Types
If you choose a gas fire feature for your property, the next decision you’ll need to make is the ignition type you prefer on your fire pit. Lighting a fire pit can be an intimidating experience, so you’ll want to choose your ignition type carefully. There are three types of gas fire pit ignitions – match-lit, single spark, and continuous spark.
• Match-Lit Ignitions
Match-lit ignitions are just that – you light the fire pit with a match. These ignitions require you to turn on the fuel source, propane, or natural gas, and use a long match to start the fire pit. This process scares a lot of homeowners as it can be a bit dangerous and intimidating to knowingly hold a flaming match next to a gas fuel source.
• Single-Spark Ignitions
Single-spark gas fire pit ignitions work similarly to a propane gas grill. You’ll turn on the fuel source or open the valve to allow natural gas to flow to your fire pit before turning the knob to create a spark and ignite your fire pit. These are the most common types of electronic ignition systems for a gas fire pit or outdoor gas fire feature.
• Continuous Spark Ignitions
Continuous spark ignition systems work just like a single-spark ignition system but in a two-part system. The spark is created with an electronic system that’s connected to a rod that provides a continuous spark until your fire pit is started. Some of these ignition systems are also available in smart systems that allow you to control the lighting process with an app on your phone. Fire up your outdoor fire pit with the touch of a button so it’s nice and cozy by the time you sit down to enjoy your evening outside.
DIY Fire Pit Kits and Burners
For anyone who wants complete control of their fire pit installation, you can consider a do-it-yourself (DIY) fire pit kit. These kits offer everything you need to create your own fire pit.
DIY fire pit kits typically include a burner, a pan, natural gas or propane gas hoses and fittings, and an ignition system. Burners come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes so you can create a unique outdoor fire feature that fits your yard and your outdoor preferences. Choose from star-shaped burners, linear burners, round burners, and more.
From there, you can build your custom fire pit area in the yard or have a contractor build a pit that’s ready to house these components. Several online retailers offer these DIY fire pit kits with all of the components you need to get started. You can even find prefabricated shells of fire pit bowls and tables that will work with some of these fire pit burner kits. If you choose the DIY route, you’ll have plenty of possibilities for developing a unique, customized luxury fire pit area.
Installing a Fire Pit
Once you’ve decided on a fuel source and the type and style of fire pit you’d like to buy, it’s time to choose the right spot on your property to install your feature and get to work. Of course, if you choose a fire pit table or fire bowl, that decision simply comes down to where you’d like to place your fire pit on your property.
As long as you can safely run gas lines or connect a propane fuel source, and local laws allow, you can place your fire pit pretty much anywhere you’d prefer.
For wood-burning fire pits, you’ll want to develop a piece of ground to place your fire pit. Developing the area in your backyard can be as simple as leveling the ground and placing some chairs around an area or as intricate as installing a new patio and designing an in-ground, permanent fire pit area with concrete, pavers, or cinder blocks. Be sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your fire pit or fire pit burner kit and always maintain proper clearances to trees, buildings, and other combustibles. Remember, when in doubt, consult with a professional contractor or certified gas technician, or both, regarding proper fire pit installation and gas line connections.
Popular Brands of Fire Pits
Hampton Bay
Hampton Bay produces a wide variety of outdoor fire pits and fire features. This brand offers everything from simple wood-burning fire pits to lavish outdoor gas fire features including fire bowls and fire tables. You can find Hampton Bay products at most outdoor retailers including Lowes and Home Depot as well as online retailers such as Amazon.
Tiki
One of the original outdoor fire brands, Tiki offers a variety of fire pits and fire features. Tiki even offers fire pit kits so you can design your own outdoor space to meet your preferences and needs. You’ll find a wide range of fire pit accessories such as pokers, screens, and fire pit covers. Tiki brand products can be found on Amazon and at retail stores such as Lowes and Home Depot.
Prism Hardscapes
Prism Hardscapes is one of the leading luxury fire brands on the market today. They offer everything from wood-burning fire bowls to elaborate gas fire features including fire bowls and fire pit tables. Prism Hardscapes also produces a wide range of outdoor furniture and accessories to help you develop the outdoor space of your dreams.
Breeo
Breeo is one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor smokeless fire pits. The company offers a wide range of outdoor fire pits including wood-burning fire pits and portable fire pits that you can take with you anywhere you go. Breeo is one of the top two brands of outdoor smokeless fire pits on the market.
Solo Stove
Solo Stove is another leading manufacturer of outdoor smokeless fire pits, offering a wide range of fire pit options to meet your outdoor needs. Their fire pits are instantly recognizable, featuring a stainless steel body and an unmistakable design. Solo Stove even offers small, tabletop fire pits that make the perfect addition to your backyard gathering. You can find Solo Stove fire pits at a variety of retailers and online shops.
As always, we’re interested to find out what you wind up choosing in your fire pit journey. If you’ve gone through the process and wound up making a purchase, let us know what you bought and why you chose it in the comments section. These notes are always helpful for our readers.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article contains affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.