Choosing a Gas or Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Rustic, traditional or contemporary – fire pits are all the rage. From the most utilitarian fire bowls to exceptional, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits are cropping up in backyards all across America.

Although fire pits are constructed of many materials and boast many different designs and features, the main difference is whether you prefer a gas or wood-burning fire pit.

The oodles of fire pits available may make the process of choosing a fire pit a difficult one. But deciding whether you’d like a gas-powered or fire-powered fire pit is a good place to start.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Many people enjoy wood-burning fire pits for their ambiance and rustic feel. The crackling fire and the dancing flames are both soothing and beautiful, especially against a dark sky on a chilly evening.

The beauty of a real fire often brings back fond memories of childhood, and sitting around a wood fire pit fire is both cozy and comfortable. Add a few steaks or marshmallows on a stick and you have a full-fledged, camp-out experience in the comfort of your backyard!

Wood-burning fire pits are also a popular choice for those who want to build their own fire pit. A fire pit is essentially a hole in the ground with firewood inside it.

Turning a wood-burning fire pit into a grill is also a popular choice. Purchase a grill grate and you’re ready to go. Grilling any type of food on an outdoor fire infuses it with the smoky, wood flavors that are so flavorful and delicious. Choose a fruit or nut hardwood and experience the rich, woodsy flavors.

Perhaps the only downside to using a wood-burning fire pit is the time and patience it takes to get a good fire going. The preparation and the effort it takes to get the fire started is well worth it to many wood fire pit enthusiasts.

Gas-Burning Fire Pits

New homes everywhere are sporting gas fire pits. Gas fire pits, which use either propane or natural gas, are appealing because of their convenient, instant fire. No muss, no fuss. Light it and enjoy.

Gas-burning fire pits are also available in an impressive array of designs, from sleek and contemporary, to warm and rustic. You can buy a pre-designed gas fire pit, or if your budget allows, a custom-built one.

Typically constructed of clay, stone or metal, gas-burning fire pits may be built into a deck or patio, or adorned with decorative glass. The sky’s the limit when it comes to gas fire pit design.

You’ll need to call in the services of a qualified plumber to make the natural gas connections if you plan on purchasing a gas fire pit. Although this can be costly, it is well worth it to many gas fire pit owners because of the convenience of never needing to purchase fuel. Many gas fire pits are also capable of using propane tanks.

Permanent gas fire pits are ideal for year-round use, and often feature contemporary designs, thanks to stainless steel and copper construction, both of which have become very popular with the increase in gas fire pit popularity.