Gas vs Wood-burning Fire Pit: Which is Better for Your Outdoor Space? by Shop4Patio Support March 15, 2022 Everyone has their own ideal version of a relaxing space in their home. Some prefer taking a quick swim in their swimming pool, some prefer unwinding in a hot tub whereas some would resort to spending time amid nature in their outdoor patio, sitting beside the warmth of a gas fire pit. If being in the open while munching on some s’mores and hot chocolate is your kind of winter paradise, then investing in the right patio amenities can enhance your experience even more. One of the most essential additions in your patio ( especially during winter) can be a fire pit. It will not only add to the appeal of the place but it will also make your patio more warm and inviting. Since there are a lot of options available in the market, we thought we’d compare two of the most popular options out there. The dilemma is age old. Wood vs propane fire pit- which one is better? So we thought we’d mention all that we know about both these fire pit types. Below is a detailed breakdown of the two fire pits based on various aspects that you’d consider before investing in either of the options. A generalized breakdown of various aspects that you’d consider before buying a fire pit Cost The first thing that you consider before buying anything is to decide your budget and then determine whether the fire pit is in your budget or not. This will help you filter out the options that aren’t in your budget range. The cost of a wood fire pit is subjective to the type of material being used. But usually, you can expect it to range from $500 to $1300 depending on what all additions you choose to go for. On the other hand, gas fire pits can range from $400 to $3000. The price will vary on the size, functions and the material of the fire pit. Keep in mind that for both, gas fire pit as well as wooden fire pit you’ll have to pay extra installation charges. Maintenance You don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining the newness of your fire pit or setting it up rather than enjoying it. So it is better to choose a fire pit that is easy to maintain and durable. Even if you have to pay a little extra for that convenience. Comparatively, wood fire pits are harder to maintain as they hold ash and logs. Hence, they require deep cleaning frequently. On the other hand, gas fire pits are extremely low maintenance as they do not involve burning of wood or any other materials. The maximum you’ll need to do is wipe out the outer area of the gas grill in case it rains or snows. Safety You don’t want to select a fire pit just because it looks good. Make sure you’re not compromising on safety. When it comes to gas fire pits, you need to look out for a sturdy model that won’t cause any gas leaks which can turn into a disaster. Same with wood fire pits. You always want to make sure that you’re maintaining safe distance from the fire. Both fire pits have their own precautionary measures tagged along with them. You can make the right choice depending on the available space and use. Installation Gas fire pits are harder to instal since they require gas lines to be run for the fire pit. You will obviously need a professional’s help while installing a gas fire pit since there are a lot of technicalities involved. If you’re more inclined towards a wood fire pit, they are easy to instal and cheaper than the gas variant. However, you’ll need to order, stack and carry all the wood throughout the year which makes the process a bit elaborated. The best part about a gas fire pit is that it is extremely easy to operate and can be turned on simply by pressing a button. You don’t need any extra materials to get it started. Fuel and storage As their respective names suggest, a gas fire pit requires gas ( propane) as a fuel to get started. Whereas wood fire pits require dry wood logs. You need to make sure that your wood fire pit has proper storage where you can keep the logs in a way that they can remain dry and do not hold any termites. Gas fire pit will also require adequate storage space as you’ll need a large gas storage tank so that the fire pit can operate for hours without running out of gas. Now that you know about some of the basic aspects that you need to know before you buy a fire pit, you can compare the two fire pit variants to get a better idea regarding what suits your needs the best. Let us move on and answer some questions that will help you bring in further clarity. Gas Fire Pit Do gas fire pits keep you warm? Even the smallest gas fire pit can produce flames that are upto 2 feet high! Hence, it is safe to say that gas fire pits do the job of keeping you warm. However, it won't get super hot with a gas fire pit. The amount of heat gas fire pit generate will depend on the burn media that you choose. The larger the burner the more warmth you’ll get. Are gas fire pits dangerous? Gas fire pits are much safer as compared to wood fire pits. They will burn clean without the need of feeding wood or any other material to keep up the fire. Unlike a wood fire pit, there won’t be any flying fire sparks or unpredictable fire flames. Do gas fire pits keep mosquitoes away? While this is not a perfect pest control solution, the heat generated from the gas fire pit table will help in keeping mosquitoes at bay. How long does a gas fire last? Depending on the BTU rating, an average gas fire can last for as long as 28 hours on low heat setting. How much does it cost to install a gas fire pit? The average cost of installing a gas fire pit is $700. However, it depends on the model you choose and the level of technicality required during the installation process. At Shop4Patio, you’ll find some of the most functional and aesthetically pleasing gas fire pit tables that will add value to your patio or backyard. Confused which one will be the right fit for your patio? Have a look at some of the best selling gas fire pit tables that’ll revamp the way your patio looks. Top Gas Fire Pits for 2022 1. Square fire pit Add a touch of elegance to your outdoors with our square fire pit. With seamlessly cut edges and a sleek design, square fire pit tables are the best choice if you have quite some space in your outdoors. It comes with electronic ignition, SS burner lid, lava rocks and protective cover. Check Price 2. Rectangular fire pit A rectangular fire pit is perfect for spacious outdoors. You can even use it to place small and light weight items on its extended corners, but make sure not to stack up a lot of stuff. A rectangular fire pit will come with a stainless steel lid so you can cover it after you use it to protect it from environmental degradation. Check Price 3. Fire pit round bowl Ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, the fire pit bowl can adequately warm up the area without occupying a lot of space. It can be used for uptil 10 hours straight under high setting and for warmer months you can change the setting to low and it will last for up to 28 hours. Check Price 4. Fire pit square bowl With a contemporary design, our square bowl fire pit table will add that touch of uniqueness to your patio. With some room in the corner of the actual fire pit, you can even use that to place your drinks while you relax. Check Price Product Features Price Pros Cons Gas fire pit Precise heat control $900 to $3800 Environmentally friendly Expensive Rectangular fire pit Electronic ignition $850 to $1500 Enhanced safety features Longer installation time Fire pit round bowl Ignition can last upto 28 hours* $850 to $2000 Clean burning & easy to light - Fire pit square bowl Durable $850 to $1500 Low maintenance - Some great reasons to add a gas fire pit to your patio One of the best reasons to add a gas fire pit to your outdoors is that you’d be able to enjoy your time amid nature all year round. You don’t have to refrain from sitting outside just because the evenings are starting to get chilly. Gas fire pits will radiate 360 degree heat so no matter where you and your guests are sitting, you can enjoy the warmth. A gas fire pit will also act as a focal point of your patio and add that touch of intimacy. You’ll get a lot of varieties suiting your budget and style preference. Whether you need a compact fire pit for a smaller patio or you need a massive fire pit near your outdoor dining area, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. It is easy to use, multi-functional and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. Wood Burning Fire Pit Let us begin by addressing some of the most common questions about wood burning fire pits. Can I burn wood in a gas fire pit? Since wood requires intense heat to be burned, you should never burn wood in your gas fire pit. If you try so, your gas fire pit will crack. What do you put in the bottom of a wood burning fire pit? You can use lava glass beads as a filler of your fire pit. Make sure you don’t put any material such as rock, gravel or sand. These materials will heat up real fast and it might cause a disaster. How do you start a fire in a wood burning fire pit? Make sure the fire pit is away from trees and the forest. Build a small fire pit and once you have a fire ready structure you can light it and enjoy the warmth! Top 5 Wood Burning Fire Pit for 2022 1. Outdoor wood burning fire pit A budget friendly yet highly effective fire pit, this type will serve the purpose just right without costing you a fortune. Outdoor wood burning fire pit is perfect for a bonfire. But you need to be careful about any fire sparks flying around. Check Price 2. Crossweave outdoor fire pit Crossweave outdoor fire pits are durable and are resistant to dust and rust. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is that since the structure of this fire pit is made up of metal, the outer area of the pit will get extremely hot. Check Price 3. Solo stove bonfire fire pit Compact and mobile, this fire pit can be carried anywhere and is perfect if you have limited space available you can even carry it around to the beach and enjoy less smoke and more heat. Since this fire pit is pretty small, it won’t be very durable or functional as compared to other gas fire pit options. Check Price Product Features Price Pros Cons Outdoor wood burning fire pit Generates more heat $300 to $1500 Faster installation High maintenance Crossweave outdoor fire pit Storage room Affordable Can cause fire hazards Solo stove bonfire fire pit High temperature resistance Needs storage area Some great reasons to add a wood fire pit to your patio A wood fire pit will add to the appeal of your patio. It will add an earthy touch to your entire set up. A wood fire pit is the best way to add warmth and aesthetics to your outdoor area. It is a great way to keep your outdoor seating area warm during the colder months. A wood fire pit is worth investing if you are up for a little hard work that includes stocking up on wood lodges and maintaining them in a good condition. A wood fire pit is a great choice for you if you’re more into DIY and don’t mind spending a significant time setting up the fire. Propane v/s Wood Fire Pit: Which One Should You Choose? Now that we’ve laid out enough information about two of the most popular types of fire pits, it is time to announce the winner. Both these variants have their own unique features, pros and cons. But when we need to pick one, the gas fire pit has an upper hand. The ease of use, functionality, features, durability and safety aspect is something that cannot be overlooked. Also you get a wide variety of options when it comes to gas fire pits. Regardless of the available space, your budget and the kind of feel you want to incorporate- a gas fire pit checks all the boxes. Choosing an ideal fire pit takes time and consideration. Make sure you don’t rush into and do proper research before investing. At Shop4Patio, we have brought together a collection of some of the most functional and durable fire pits that will not only make your patio look good but also add to the vibe of your patio. Whether you have a small garden area or you have a massive backyard, our patio furniture is designed to suit various outdoor layouts. From modern patio furniture to retro style furniture- you can choose whatever suits your preferences. Go ahead and explore our website to find your ideal patio furniture that’ll breathe in new life into your outdoors. Share Share on Facebook Tweet Tweet on Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest
