The best fire pit for your outdoor space: Our tips
Your perfect fire pit
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, fire pits and fire tables provide numerous benefits, including extending the outdoor season, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and serving as a focal point for entertaining.
When considering a fire pit for your outdoor space, there are several factors to consider. Whether you have a large backyard, a petite patio, or an open-air rooftop, follow these expert tips to find the best fire pit for your outdoor oasis.
The best fire pit fuel type
When it comes to fuel type, there are two types of fire pits: gas fire pits and wood-burning fire pits. Gas fire pits offer superior convenience compared to wood-burning options. They provide an instant flame with the push of a button, eliminating the need to build and tend to a wood fire. Gas fire pits also produce a consistent and controllable heat output, making them ideal for cooler evenings when you want reliable warmth.
There are two types of gas fire pits: liquid propane and natural gas. Propane fire pits
are fueled by refillable propane tanks, which are readily available at gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hardware stores. A whole-house propane tank is also an option for some gas fire pits. These can be used for heating homes, as well as various appliances. Natural gas fire pits
require a natural gas line connected by a certified professional. This is a particularly ideal option for commercial spaces.
Classic, wood-burning fire pits require firewood and hands-on tending. All wood-burning fire pits should only be used in open spaces that are safe from other flammable materials. In terms of fuel costs, wood-burning fire pits can be more economical if you have access to an inexpensive or free supply of firewood. It’s also worth noting that gas fire pits are generally more environmentally friendly, producing less smoke and particulate matter than wood fires
Ultimately, the choice between gas and wood-burning fire pits depends on your priorities. Gas offers convenience and consistent heat, while wood provides an unparalleled ambiance and potential fuel savings but requires more effort and maintenance.
The best fire pit brands
To ensure your fire pit or fire table lasts for years and throughout the seasons—from fall festivities to summertime soirees—it’s important to choose one from a reputable brand that specializes in producing beautiful, long-lasting fire features made from premium materials and using quality construction methods. AuthenTEAK is a great one-stop shop for the best fire pits and fire pit accessories in the industry. Our team of experts ensures that we only carry outdoor products from leading, industry-trusted brands believed by designers, commercial clients, and homeowners alike. Some of our top fire pit brands are:
DEKKO Concrete
DEKKO Concrete - Through years of research, development, and refinement DEKKO has created a concrete that is uniquely lightweight yet strong enough to withstand nature’s elements. DEKKO’s modern concrete fire pits offer timeless design and are crafted to endure the elements even after seasons of use. DEKKO’s fire pits and fire tables are less than half the weight of regular concrete, making them easy to ship and install on any project, from patios to rooftops to commercial applications.
Elementi and Elementi Plus
Elementi and Elementi Plus - A team of professional engineers design and build Elementi’s burner systems in-house, outfitting each fire pit with burners of the precise size and shape. Elementi’s R&D team is composed of designers from the United States, Australia, France, and Germany who devote themselves to the research and development of new products. Elementi fire pits are composed of high-density concrete or natural stone, making fire pits and tables stronger and more durable. A specially designed burner system ensures long product life and performance.
Fire Pit Art
Fire Pit Art - After purchasing a fire pit that promptly fell apart and caught the yard on fire, artist Rick Wittrig turned to his wife and said, “I can build a better one.” That’s when Fire Pit Art was born. Handcrafted in Tennessee, Fire Pit Art’s sculptural fire pits are made from heavy-duty, mild-carbon steel, with an outer, iron-oxide patina that’s virtually maintenance-free and only gets better over time. An inner bowl features a high-temperature-resistant coating and 1.5-inch diameter rain drain, allowing these fire pits to be left outside in all weather conditions.
Modeno
Modeno - Modeno’s gas fire pits and tables are handcrafted from durable (yet lighter-weight) glass-fiber reinforced concrete, lending a minimalist, organic aesthetic to outdoor spaces. Choose from natural gas or propane-fueled fire pits featuring a battery-powered ignition with a shut-off valve.
Prism Hardscapes
Prism Hardscapes - Handcrafted using a custom patina finishing process, Prism Hardscapes fire pits offer superior craftsmanship and style. Designed to last outdoors, each Prism Hardscapes fire pit features a unique finish and one-of-a-kind appeal. Each Prism Hardscapes fire pit is made from high-quality concrete and finished with a custom patina process, creating unique variations within each piece.
The Outdoor Plus
The Outdoor Plus - With a goal to provide the highest quality handcrafted products, The Outdoor Plus offers luxury fire pits, fire pit components, and water features in innovative finishes and modern designs. All products are 100% made in the U.S., and all production methods are in-house, ensuring optimal quality, efficiency, and price.
The best fire pit size for your space
To ensure you choose the right size fire pit, it's crucial to consider factors like the available patio or yard area, desired seating capacity, and the heat radius. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides and 4 feet of space per person seated around the fire pit. This ensures ample room for comfortable seating—and safe clearance from the heat.
For round fire pits, your patio should have a diameter of at least 15 feet to accommodate seating and movement around the pit. Larger fire pits may require even more space. Make sure to keep objects or furniture 7-10 feet away from your fire pit to ensure safety.
Fire Tables vs. Fire Pits
The classic fire pit is usually lower to the ground and features an open-topped bowl containing a wood-burning or gas fire. Fire pits also provide a 360-degree seating are. Fire tables feature burners built into a tabletop. This surrounding ledge is the perfect place for food or drinks. Fire tables also usually come with a lid that covers the burner, creating additional surface area. It’s most common to see a fire table in front of a deep-seating group of furniture. Get inspired by our top fire tables for 2024.
The best fire pit for a backyard or patio
When it comes to finding the perfect fire pit for your patio or backyard, consider both size and portability. For patios with limited space, opt for a fire pit with a smaller footprint and consider shapes like squares or circles that can be tucked neatly into corners. You’ll also want to consider what fire pit material works best for your space and needs. For more information on fire pits, review our Fire Pit Buying Guide.