Fire Pits
Fire pits as the social anchor of your outdoor space
Fire pits are less about raw heat and more about creating a place people naturally gather. A good firepit gives you enough warmth to stay outside longer, plus the kind of light and movement that makes every conversation feel a bit more memorable.
Once you know you want that open-flame focal point, the key questions are which fuel makes sense for your space, how permanent you want the setup to be and how close it can safely sit to the rest of your outdoor life.
Choosing the right fuel for your firepit
- Natural gas Best when you have or can add a plumbed gas line and know the fire feature’s location won’t change. Running costs are low once it’s installed, but you’ll need a licensed pro and a layout that respects clearances and local code.
- Propane A flexible option that relies on portable tanks rather than hard piping. Propane fire pits are easy to place and move, though you’ll be swapping tanks and finding clever ways to hide them.
- Wood-burning The most traditional feel, complete with crackle, scent and live embers. Wood fires can produce more smoke and sparks and ask more of you in terms of local regulations, fuel storage and safe distances from structures and trees.
- Ethanol Very clean-burning and easy to light, with no visible smoke and far fewer particulates than wood. Ethanol firepits typically produce less heat, so they’re better for ambiance and gentle warmth than for replacing a serious heater.
If you’d like a deeper dive into fuel behavior, pros and cons and emissions, our fire pit fuel types guide breaks down the tradeoffs in more detail.
Built-in vs freestanding fire pits
Built-in pits feel like part of the architecture. They’re usually integrated into patios, outdoor rooms or landscape designs and make a strong visual statement in one specific spot. They also require more planning, hardscaping and a clear answer to “do we really want the flame here for the long haul.”
Freestanding bowls and rings offer more flexibility. You can adjust their position as you live with the space, store them when not in use and change styles more easily over time. The tradeoff is that you’ll need to pay closer attention to what they sit on, how far they are from structures and how chairs migrate toward the flame on a cold night.
As a general safety baseline, many fire safety resources recommend keeping open flames a generous distance from buildings and combustible materials and giving trees and overhead structures respectful vertical clearance. The exact numbers depend on the model you choose, so the manufacturer’s guidelines and your local rules should have the final say.
If you’re still deciding between a built-in design and a movable pit, our outdoor fire pit buying guide walks through layouts, sizing and installation in more depth.
Pro tips: choosing a fire pit that fits your space
- Match the fuel to your patience and surroundings Wood is ritual and drama but comes with smoke, embers and more local rules. Gas and ethanol burn cleaner and are easier to live with, especially in tighter neighborhoods and near seating.
- Scale the fire to the seating, not just the patio A huge bowl on a small terrace can feel overbearing, while a tiny burner in a big yard gets lost. Think about how far people will sit from the flame and how many chairs you realistically use at once.
- Choose materials that suit your climate and your household Heavy concrete, stone and steel can handle weather and heat well. Glass and sharp metal edges look great in photos but may be less friendly if kids, pets or bare feet are part of the story.
- Plan for accessories up front Lids, spark screens, glass wind guards and covers can make a big difference in day-to-day use. It’s easier if you pick a design that supports the accessories you’ll actually want.
- Know your local rules before you fall in love Many municipalities have guidance on where and how open flames can be used. A quick check now is better than discovering your dream firepit isn’t allowed on your deck.
Frequently Asked Questions – Fire pits
Which fire pit fuel is best for my space?
There isn’t one winner for every backyard. Natural gas is usually best when you want a permanent, plumbed feature in a fixed spot. Propane is a strong choice when you want flexibility and the ability to move or replace the fire pit later.
Wood-burning setups deliver the most traditional campfire feel but demand more smoke management, spark control and compliance with local rules. Ethanol models burn very cleanly and are easier to site, but they’re better for ambiance and light warmth than for heating a large, cold patio. Our fuel types guide goes deeper if you’re still weighing options.
How much smoke should I expect from a wood firepit?
All wood fires produce some smoke, even in well-designed pits. You can usually reduce it by burning dry, seasoned hardwood, keeping the firepit clean and giving the fire enough airflow so the wood burns hotter and more completely instead of smoldering.
Even with good fuel and technique, shifting wind can carry smoke across seating areas, so placement and chair layout still matter. If low smoke is a priority, consider gas or ethanol models or look into “smokeless” wood-burning designs that reburn more of the particulates.
Can I put a fire pit on a deck or near my house?
Sometimes, but you’ll need the right base, generous clearances and a green light from your local rules. Many safety guidelines suggest keeping firepits well away from buildings, railings and overhangs and never placing wood-burning units directly on a combustible deck surface.
If you’re working with a deck or a tighter yard, look for non-combustible pads or pavers under the firepit, confirm the manufacturer’s distance and clearance requirements and check local regulations. In some setups, a gas or ethanol burner designed for closer installations is the safer choice than a traditional wood fire.
Should I choose a built-in fire pit or a freestanding bowl?
A built-in pit makes the fire feature a permanent part of your outdoor layout. It’s a great choice when you know exactly where you want the gathering zone and are ready to commit to hardscaping and a fixed flame location.
A freestanding bowl or ring gives you more flexibility. You can experiment with placement, adjust for wind or seating changes and swap designs over time. If you’re still learning how you use the space or expect things to evolve, starting with a movable firepit usually makes more sense.