Fire Pits and Fire Tables

What’s the Best Option to Enliven My Outdoor Space?

Fire Pits for Rustic Simplicity

When choosing between a fire pit and a fire pit table, consider how you enjoy spending time outdoors. A fire pit is an obvious choice if you’re all about a laid-back conversation where food and drink are secondary. The primary use of a fire pit is as the focal gathering point of your outdoor space. The inviting glow and warmth they provide make them a perfect place for hosting small parties with your closest friends and family. 

Round fire pits make it easy to set up chairs around while you and your guests share stories and make new ones. Rectangular or square fire pits are still great for sitting around, though they limit the seating options. They can also accent an outdoor movie area and provide needed warmth while everyone enjoys the film.

Fire Pit Tables To Wow Every Night

Fire pit tables take everything to another level, integrating the fire element into the table. Combining a functional table and an artistic centerpiece means you never have to sacrifice style for functionality. A round fire pit table can replace a patio table, while rectangular options can serve as a fire pit dining table. 

The variety of fire tables available, round, rectangular, large, and small, means there’s one that perfectly matches your space and needs. Consider bar-height fire tables perfect for sharing a coffee, cocoa, or cocktail or a complete fire table patio set that lets you cook, converse, and eat from the comfort of your fireside seat.

How To Turn On a Fire Pit or Fire Pit Table: Which Fire Fuel Source Matches My Space?

The right fuel source accounts for how hot the fire is, how cost-efficient you want your set-up, and how easily you want to start the fire. On that last point, there’s lots of variation. For natural gas and propane options, it’s as simple as turning a knob. The ease allows for complete control over the flame and the amount of heat it emits. Bio-ethanol-burning tabletop fire pits will require you to pour the fuel into the container, and then you can use a grill lighter to set the fuel aflame. Wood-burning fire tables, meanwhile, require all the same knowledge and know-how as starting a fire anywhere else. So which fuel type fits your outdoor needs?

Opt for a natural gas fire pit or fire table if you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space permanently. These are long-term options because you’ll need a professional to install the gas fire table or pit. They must connect it to your home’s natural gas line for proper use. Though it depends on your local area, this might be one of the most cost-effective options given how cheap this fuel source is in the long run.

If you’re looking at fire pits and tables because you want the look, feel, and authentic experience of cozying up beside a fire—nothing beats a wood-burning fire pit or table. That crackling sound makes the perfect soundtrack to any autumn evening. Dryer hardwoods will save your eyes and nose from the worst the smoke offers. Be aware, though, that this isn’t the cheapest fuel source available.

A propane fire table or fire pit balances the ease of use of a natural gas fire pit table with the simple installation of a wood-burning one. The propane fire table will offer more flexibility in where you put the table than a gas table because the fuel source is contained within the table. Unlike a wood-burning fire table, there’s no risk of stray sparks, and you don’t need a scout’s badge to get it started. 

Bioethanol and gel-burning fire pits or table top fire pits burn clean and smokeless, offering a comfortable and relaxed experience for everyone around the fire. However, they don’t offer as much warmth as other fuel types. 

Some fire pits may be compatible with multiple fuel sources. People looking to maximize the use of their fire pits may be drawn to this level of versatility.

How Do Smokeless Fire Pits Work?

Smokeless fire pits are an increasingly popular option, especially for people who want to spend long hours by the fire. Brands like Solo Stove and Breeo have created innovative designs that limit or even eliminate smoke altogether.

Smokeless fire pits work by maximizing ventilation to the fire. Smokeless fire pits are double insulated, creating space for airflow. Cold air is allowed to pass into the bottom of the fire pit, where the oxygen becomes fuel for the fire. Not all of the air will immediately flow to the bottom. Some air will heat up and rise within the interior and exterior walls of the fire pit. This air will exit through holes at the top of the interior wall, meeting with smoke and burning up. This is called secondary combustion, and it’s essential to smokeless fire pits. 

The double-insulated design and elevation of some smokeless designs also make them excellent patio fire pits or ideal fire pits for decks.

Fire Pit Materials

Once you’ve narrowed down your fuel type, size, and shape, you’re ready to find the one that blends into your space as if it’s always been there. The right fire pit or fire table will depend on the look and feel that already exists in your outdoor space. You’ll find boundless potential if you’re building your outdoor space around a fire table. 

Metal Fire Tables for Durability and Style

If your outdoor space already includes metallic furniture, a metal fire pit table is the logical next step. But if you’re looking for something that can withstand the rigors of year-round exposure to the elements, you, too, should consider a metal-based fire pit table. With coatings and treatments on many options, you don’t even need to worry about rust. 

Stainless steel fire pits, for example, are lightweight and durable, capable of withstanding years of outdoor use. Cast iron is another classic option for fire pits that provides heft and durability. Copper fire pits capture the warm glow of the fire and can even acquire a rich patina when left untouched. Aluminum fire pits are an affordable option that requires little maintenance while still handling the rigors of a fire.

Concrete Fire Tables for Modern Flare

Ultra-modern and ultra-durable. A concrete fire pit or fire table makes a statement in any outdoor space. Smooth details and bold shapes lend a contemporary feel to any outdoor gathering. Concrete fire pits and tables are often lower to the ground than other options because of the sheer weight that comes with these tables. Incredibly durable, they can withstand years of use and heat. 

Unique to Fire Tables: Sophisticated Tempered Glass

Looking to achieve a sleek, upscale environment? A tempered glass fire table offers a premium look without sacrificing durability. The heat-treated glass can withstand heat up to almost 500 degrees Fahrenheit.