Types of Fire Pits

Fire pits come in almost any size, shape, or style you can imagine.

The simplest form may be nothing more than a hole dug in the ground and surrounded by rocks, similar to a traditional campfire.

Or the most elaborate permanent structure designed and constructed from stone or other high-end material, filling your backyard or patio with the peak of luxury, including gas fired push button convenience.

If you are not really prepared to take the DIY approach, there are many options for purchased fire pits. Many of these also have the added advantage of being portable.

Before you get too deep into the planning for your new fire pit, it would be a good idea to check any local ordinances to make sure that fire pits are allowed, and to see if there are any restrictions on the type or use of the fire pit. We have some general information about the most common residential fire pit regulations, but laws vary from one location to the next.

There are two major decisions you will need to make when researching your new fire pit. The actual type of fire pit is certainly a major decision, but the fuel type it uses may influence that decision.

Fire Pit Fuel

Traditionally, backyard fire pits have been wood-burning. And this mostly holds true for the basic DIY fire pits. But there are many other options available now, including natural gas, propane, and ethanol gel. They each have their pros and cons. And the type of fuel used may also be determined by the type of fire pit.

A wood burning fire pit is probably as close as you can get to the feeling of a traditional campfire. The sounds, sight, and smell of a true wood burning fire all add to the ambiance we all love. They also typically produce more heat than other fuel types, making them the perfect gathering place on a chilly night. Also they are safe to cook over, so get those marshmallows and s'mores ready!

Of course, there are disadvantages too. They typically require more maintenance, and often have more safety regulations. Only seasoned hardwoods should be burned, and they do generate more smoke and sparks.

If you are planning a permanent fire pit construction, then natural gas fired may be a good option. This eliminates much of the maintenance and preparation required in a wood burning fire pit, and replaces it with push button convenience and a smokeless environment. Though they typically produce less heat and are not portable.

If you like the convenience of a gas fired pit, than propane may a good choice. It offers the same convenience and smokeless operation as natural gas, but many are portable. This not only provides the flexibility to take the fire pit with you away from home, but it also may by a good option in areas where fire regulations are too restrictive for a wood burning fire pit. The down side to this option is the propane tank. It will obviously need to be refilled, and also may not be the nicest thing to look at.

The most environmentally friendly choice today is the ethanol gel fire pit. That is certainly an important advantage, but only you can decide if that outweighs the drawbacks. They are an expensive alternative and they produce the lowest heat output of all the other options.

Smokeless Fire Pits

A variation on the typical wood burning fire pit is the smokeless fire pit. These fire pits give you the best of both worlds - the ambiance of a traditional wood burning fire, but they burn cleaner and produce an almost smokeless fire. They are typically made of stainless steel with a double wall construction and added ventilation.

There are a few companies making smokeless fire pits today, but one of the most popular brands sold lately are the Solo Stoves.

 

Fire Pit Construction

Along with the fuel type used, there are still other decisions to make. Portable or permanent? Size and shape? DIY, purchased, or professionally designed and constructed? Cost?

If you are thinking of building your own, this video from Home Depot will give you some great concepts to help you do that

Portable fire pits are usually made of lightweight metal and may come with wheels to make it easier to move them around the backyard. They also make it easy to take it 'on-the-road' - on your next camping trip, to a friend's house, or to a tailgating party.

Permanent fire pits can range anywhere from a DIY backyard project to a professionally designed and constructed beautiful stone work fire pit or beautifully engineered fire table.

The size and shape of your fire pit will likely depend on whether you choose a portable or permanent design. Your design and size choices will most certainly be more limited if you choose a portable fire pit. Whereas your options become almost limitless in a permanent fire pit. Of course, those decisions would be limited by the scale of your backyard, and definitely by your budget.

Fire Pit Cost

Costs for a fire pit can range from almost nothing up to many thousands of dollars. At the low end of the budget is your basic campfire type fire pit. Dig a shallow hole in the ground, surround it with a circle of rocks or bricks for safety, pull up some chairs, and get the marshmallows!

At the other end of the spectrum is the professionally designed and constructed permanent backyard stone masterpiece.

Fire Pit Ideas

Still can't decide what type of fire pit you want? Take a look at this video for lots of design ideas!