A lovely fire pit can be one of the most valuable investments for your backyard. Not only does it make for the ideal gathering place for roasting marshmallows or casually sipping wine with your friends, but fire pits are also a very charming detail that will boost the overall aesthetic and the ambience of your outdoor space.

So, if you were about to hit the market to search for the perfect fire pit for your backyard, we put together a couple of tips to help you choose the best option.

Pick a Fire Pit Style

Fire pits come in a plethora of different styles, so make sure you choose the one that will work best once you place it in your outdoor space.

Fire Tables

Fire tables look similarly to outdoor coffee tables, with the only difference being that they feature a campfire in the middle. Except for that, they’re elevated like all the coffee tables and feature a flat surface that can accommodate drinks and snacks. However, make sure you don’t place them too close to the middle since you’ll expose them to the heat from the pit.

Tabletop Pits

Tabletop pits are one of the most commonly chosen styles due to two reasons- they look very elegant and petite and they don’t cast as much heat as the other types. And since they‘re typically diminutive, portable and mainly designed to fit at the top of your outdoor table, they’re perfect for households with small outdoor areas, apartment patios as well as for those who don’t want as much maintenance.

Fire Rings

If you want to incorporate a nice fire pit into your backyard, but you still love the idea of the traditional campfire, fire rings are the ideal option for you. They are very lightweight and easy to move and can come with or without bottom bowls.

If your fire ring features a bottom bowl, it makes it ideal for larger fire tables and constructions. On the other hand, smaller fire rings without bottom balls will rest directly on the ground, making it perfect for the nights when you feel like "camping’ in your backyard.

Choose a Fire Pit Fuel

Except for choosing the right style for your outdoor space, don’t forget to consider the type of fuel. In fact, fire pits can use two types of fuel- wood and gas.

Wood Fire Pits

Wood fire pits are considered the traditional type that brings the nostalgic warmth and glow of the classic campfire. Not only are these fire pits very cheap, but they’re also natural and eco friendly.
However, have in mind that wooden fire pits produce smoke that can bother some people’s eyes. They’re also slower and difficult to start and require more maintenance than a typical gas fire pit.

Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits offer a plethora of benefits for every outdoor space. Not only are they flexible when it comes to the size of the fire, but they’re also very easy to control with just a flip of a switch. The best thing about gas fire pits is that they’re environmentally friendly since they can run on ethanol, propane or natural gas that don’t leave ashes, soot or any harmful products.

Ethanol Fire Pits

Talking about different gas fuels, if you’re only looking for a nice aesthetic solution without the heating properties, don’t hesitate to get an ethanol tabletop fire pit for your outdoor space. Not only do they make for a gorgeous element for every backyard, but an ethanol tabletop fire pit is also very easy to control when it comes to the flame size and burner area that is filled with flammable liquid.

So, whether you choose fire logs, lava rocks or shades of fire glass, you can change the look of your ethanol fire pit for every season with just a small swap out.

Propane Fire Pits

Except for the outdoor ethanol fire pits, propane ones are also a popular option. These pits are powered by propane tanks that can be conveniently bought in your local hardware store and need to be constantly refilled. But once you install the tank, you can get a warm and adjustable flame within a couple of seconds, only with a click on a switch.

However, propane fire pits require the propane tank to be located nearby or within the pit, which means that some of them are bulky. The ones that don’t have a tank inside require a gas hose which can ruin the aesthetic of the entire space if you don’t camouflage it with a tank cover.

Natural Gas Fire Pits

Finally, natural gas fire pits are fuelled by the same natural gas supply that runs to your home. But in order to use it, you’re going to need a new gas line to be run by a gas plumber. However, once the installation is finished, you’re getting a gorgeous gas pit that is available for use anytime, unlike propane tanks that need to be refilled.

Get the Right Size

When it comes to the fire pit’s size, the market is overflowed with different models- from the small portable store-bought pits to the large built-in models. Smaller store-bought pits typically range from 60 to 75cm in diameter, while built-in ones from 90 to 150cm. So, make sure you choose something that suits your outdoor area’s size and consider that a too-small fire pit won’t deliver the desired effect while a too-large one will overwhelm the entire place and make the area appear stuffed.

When it comes to the fire pit’s height, it can range from low to the ground to the taller models. For instance, if you want to rest your feet on the lip of the pit while casually sipping a glass of wine, make sure you choose a model that is even with or a little bit lower than standard seat height (typically around 45cm). Such low fire pits are also great if you want to get the most out of the heat since they reflect warmth and direct it straight towards your body.
On the other hand, if you’re going for built-in seats, it’s recommended to keep the distance between the back of the seat’s wall and the fire between 100 and 120 cm, to provide enough space for movement as well as for safety reasons.

Consider the Material

Finally, fire pits can be made of a plethora of different materials, and not all of them are equally good.

Starting from the most popular ones, concrete fire pits are strong, heavy and very durable. On top of that, concrete is also a water-resistant material that won’t crack, warp or show stains even if you spray it with a hose on a daily basis. This makes concrete fire pits very easy to clean and maintain.

On the other side of the horizon, stainless steel fire pits are rust and corrosion-resistant. Not only do they come in a plethora of gorgeous finishes, but they’re also lightweight and easy to move around, as well as often powder-coated for extra durability.

Finally, cast iron is a heavy and solid metal that is very efficient in spreading heat. And as much as they’re stationary since once you place them you won’t be able to move them anymore, these fire pits will give every backyard the traditional rustic look. They’re also difficult to knock over, which adds to their safety.


Now that you know what features to look for, don’t hesitate to go and get a nice fire pit and enjoy your outdoor area whenever you want it.