Outdoor entertaining season doesn’t have to end with the warm weather. Continue al fresco dining and enjoy bonfires throughout the year with a stylish outdoor fire feature.
Fire pits and fireplaces come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your home and lifestyle, and are distinguished by the type of fuel they burn.
A wood-burning fire pit uses standard split firewood logs, offering rustic authenticity with the crackling sounds and aroma of burning timber.
Most gas-burning fire pits run on liquid propane, and provide the warmth and beauty of a traditional fireplace without high maintenance.
Deciding between gas and wood takes some consideration though. Let’s explore the differences to help you make an informed decision on what’s best suited for your family.
Emily Jenkins Followill
Fuel and Storage
Wood fire pits tend to be larger than gas fire pits as they need to contain the firewood. To ensure that it stays dry, it must be away from the home because wood can hold termites.
Gas fire pits need a large storage tank for the gas, and the tank requires creative landscaping to hide it.
Walker Interiors
Energy- Efficiency
A wood fire pit requires the effort of building a fire, though once going, it can put off continuous heat for some time until a new log is needed.
A gas fire pit is much more efficient at lighting and providing continuous heat. There is generally just a button that needs to be pressed to light the flames.
Gas fire pits are always going to be more energy-efficient because they burn more cleanly and produce fewer emissions into the atmosphere.
Christian Harder
Nathan Kirkman
Moller Architecture
Installation
A wood fire pit requires only a metal frame, brick or stone over top of that, and be a specific distance away from the home.
A gas fire pit has fewer rules to follow, but gas lines need to be run, requiring the use of a professional, and that means more time to be installed.
Jackson Paige Interiors
Jackson Paige Interiors
Costs
Gas outdoor fireplaces can be two or three times that of a wood burning fireplace, and you will need to invest in installing a natural gas line that runs from your main gas pipe to the fireplace area.
Wood is typically cheaper than gas as a fuel, but you’ll still have to spend time ordering and stacking it. The cost of a wood fire pit varies depending on the type of stone or brick surrounding it.
Surrounds Landscaping
Surrounds Landscaping
Maintenance
Wood fire pits are harder to maintain because they hold the soot, ash, and logs which need to be shoveled out from time to time.
A gas fire pit does not require much maintenance since it burns clean. The outside of the fire pit can be wiped down, and a cover can be placed over it for when it rains or snows.
Live Green Landscapes
Safety
With gas, there is always the possibility of leaks, though rare if the pit is professionally installed.
With firewood, safety measures should be taken when cutting the wood, building the fire properly in the pit, and extinguishing the fire when finished.
Live Green Landscapes
Environmental Concerns
Wood is a renewable resource, unlike gas, but gas is cleaner and a better choice for those sensitive to smoke.
Kane Landscapes
Resale Value
Both fire pits can increase the resale value of the home. Gas fire pits, because they are more eco-friendly and cleaner, have a higher return on investment.
Simmons Estate Homes
Permits
Some areas or neighborhoods may require a permit to have any fire pit on the outside of the property, and some have a burn ban that is in place at certain times of the year. Check your local laws.
Frankel Building Group
Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to design your outdoor living space before selecting a fireplace. Choose the furniture that best complements your entertaining style to create the perfect built-in seating and storage areas for wood or fire-tending tools.
Still not sure? Our design concierge is always available to help.
