Choosing the Right Fire Pit for Your Outdoor Space

When you think of a fire pit, you probably think of a hole in the middle of a backyard. This image might conjure up memories of smoke, ash, and popping embers. Campfire lovers, rejoice! This is no longer your only option to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire in the great outdoors. Exciting changes in the Hearth industry have resulted in a multitude of options for firepits. These options range from a metal fire pit ring for a wood fire to a custom firepit table built to your specifications. In this blog, we will cover a few different options.

History of Fire Pits

Humans have been using fire pits for hundreds of thousands of years. Historically, a hole was dug in the ground and lined with rocks to prevent the fire from spreading. The firepit from your earlier memory is probably similar; a hole lined with masonry blocks or large rocks. Recent innovations have given us more options, we now have portable steel firepits, steel firepit rings, as well as factory-built gas fire pit tables.

Which one is right for you?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right type of firepit. Where will you put your fire pit? A gas fire pit table can be installed almost anywhere in your yard. It could also sit on your deck provided you have proper clearances and your deck can support the weight. A wood fire pit must go on a non-combustible surface (concrete, gravel, or dirt). If you have a large back yard you might enjoy having both. You could put a wood fire pit in your backyard for the ambiance and smoky flavor that only real wood can provide. Hello, fire-roasted hot dogs and s’mores! Your deck might be a great location for a gas fire pit table. Many factory-built fire pit tables have the option to hide a propane tank inside the body of the unit, so no worries if you can’t run a dedicated gas line. These appliances offer lots of flexibility.

Types of Fire Pits

Wood Fire Pit

Wood fire pits come in several variations. A DIY fire pit might be a hole in the dirt lined with masonry or rock. You could also consider a steel firepit bowl for smaller fires. Wood fires must be placed on a non-combustible surface (dirt, gravel, or concrete)

Gas Fire Pit

Very similar to a wood fire pit, you can dig a hole and build a masonry, or rock wall around it. There are options for a “match light assist” which would allow you to still burn wood, but the convenience of lighting the fire with propane. The propane is burned along with the wood for more complete combustion. The other more common option is a masonry fire pit with a gas burner tray installed. The burner tray is then filled with media. Media options vary from glass beads or crushed glass to stones. This option does not allow for any wood burning.

Gas Fire Pit Table

 fire table is a very popular option due to its ease of use, portability, and the ability for flexible installation options. Fire pit tables come in a multitude of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Where to Find the Perfect Fire Pit for You

Mountain View Hearth Products offers a selection of gas fire pit tables as well as gas burners for DIY fire pits. We have various sizes, shapes, and colors. You’re sure to find the perfect firepit to complement your backyard.

Not sure where to start? Our team of helpful pros would be happy to help you choose the perfect unit for your needs.