Outdoor Fire Pits
Whether you decide you want a ready-made gas fire pit or prefer something custom-built, it can be tough to know where to start. Our collection contains some superb examples of Fire Pits and Fire Tables, Fire Bowls, and spectacular Fire and Water features.
To ease your journey through the decision process, we have outlined some advice and suggestions about how to narrow down the choices to help you find the right outdoor gas fire pit that best suits your needs.
To help you along the way we have categorized our range of fire pits into four groups:
- Fire Tables – dining height fire pits with large table tops providing plenty of space for dining and entertaining:
- Fire Pits – chat height and coffee table height fire pits.
- Fire Bowls – great for smaller spaces, setting on a pedestal
- Fire and Water Features – a beautiful combination of planet Earth’s two most powerful elements
A wide 'shelf' design provides room to put plates and glasses
Before any decisions about buying an outdoor fire pit is made, check with your local authorities regarding codes and regulations applicable to the installation of an outdoor gas fire pit.
Manufacturers Recommended Clearances - Local Codes may differ!
On some occasions, these recommendations may not align with each other. Fortunately, that is an easy dilemma to resolve. In every situation, ensure that the local codes and regulations are applied, first and foremost.
If the manufacturer recommends a greater clearance to other installations and objects than the codes and regulations, follow the manufacturer’s guidance. By doing this, you have complied with both the local codes and recommendations and the manufacturers.
Codes and regulations may also regulate the type of gas and the equipment specifications.
In some circumstances, or places outdoor gas fire pits require a license and may be subject to a site inspection by the local fire department.
Be sure to follow the regulations to the letter. Otherwise, expensive mistakes and disappointment may result.
Now that we have the bureaucracy out of the way let’s get to the fun part.
An inviting outdoor scene featuring cozy fire pits and fire tables, perfect for gathering around on chilly evenings and creating unforgettable memories.
With so many shapes, colors, textures, and designs of outdoor gas fire pits, it can be bewildering trying to decide what would be the best for your specific requirements.
A great way to start narrowing down the options is to consider the overall style of the outdoor gas fire pits that best suit your patio or backyard.
You are looking for a style that coordinates with the look or feel of your outdoor space, taking into account colors, textures, and shapes.
For example, a traditional backyard setting with lots and stone and timber prominent in its design probably would not be best served by a shiny, stainless steel gas fire pit with ultra-modern lines as its centerpiece.
Something more subtle with earthy colors and perhaps a textured finish might be more appealing.
The Outdoor Plus Color Swatches
Conversely, the sleek, smooth lines of the stainless steel fire pit would look awesome on the terrace of a modern Manhattan all glass and steel condo.
Next, you can consider how you and your family would use the fire pit. Seek out fire pits that provide the features you need. For example, would you like to be able to put down a plate of food or a glass of wine on the edge of the fire pit?
If so, look for an outdoor gas fire pit with a wide lip, or perhaps you may think that a fire pit table might better suit your family’s needs.
Something to keep in mind is that a lower gas fire pit, sub 20 inches tall, will provide more heat to people setting around it than taller fire pits.
Continue to whittle down the options by style and functionality, and you will quickly have a much smaller range of suitable outdoor gas fire pits from which to choose.
The Billow Stainless Steel Fire Pit from The Outdoor Plus
The shape of the fire pit you finally settle on will be influenced by how you plan to use it, available space and perhaps the style of its surroundings.
However, some practical considerations apply to the shape.
If space is limited, then round fire pits are best. No one wants to be the person who has to sit at the corner of a square or rectangular shaped table.
We’ve all been there, and it is never quite as comfortable as sitting at a round table.
The same applies to fire pits and fire tables. The circular shape provides the most comfortable seating for the smallest footprint.
A square or rectangular shaped outdoor gas fire pit requires more space but provides a great entertaining environment if you have space.
The shape can also be a design theme. Some years ago, a customer of ours created an elaborate patio seating area based on hexagons ready for his hexagonal fire pit to sit as the project’s centerpiece.
The Trilogy Fire Pit from The Outdoor Plus
A gas fire pit has a harsh life. It’s operating temperature can be as high as 800 degrees, and after it has been off for a few hours, the surrounding air temperature could be -30 degrees
In such a potentially extreme working environment, the materials used in the construction of an outdoor gas fire pit need to be robust.
At The Magic Of Fire, we only offer fire pits from manufacturers who have a proven track record and are prepared to stand behind their products.
Concrete is a popular material for fire pits. The end product is, however, heavy and prone to cracking. Leading manufacturers have addressed both of these issues, by casting the concrete with glass fiber strands reinforcement. This is Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, often referred to as GFRC, and is ideal for an outdoor gas fire pit.
The resulting product is approximately 50% lighter than pure concrete, and stronger too. The glass fiber strands prevent cracking.
During the manufacturing process, the color is often infused into the mix. Any scrapes or chips are far less visible because the color goes right through the material.
Another new material utilized is Corten Steel, a copper chromium alloy steel. It is weather-resistant, and its finish is best described as ‘rusty.’ Corten looks great in traditional settings, but it can also be very impactful in very modern styles.
Outdoor Fire Pits operate at extreme temperatures ranges
Outdoor Fire Pits FAQs
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, we aim to address some of your most pressing questions about fire pits, helping you make informed decisions whether you're looking to install, purchase, or simply understand more about fire pits.
Ask a questionWhere is the best place to put a fire pit?
- Safety First: Always place your fire pit in a spot that’s away from your home, structures, and overhanging trees to prevent fire hazards. A clear area on all sides is ideal.
- Wind Direction: Consider the prevailing wind direction in your yard to avoid smoke blowing into your seating area or inside your home.
- Stable Ground: Opt for a flat, stable surface to ensure your fire pit is level and secure. This prevents accidental tipping.
- Local Regulations: Check with your local fire department or municipality about regulations or restrictions regarding fire pit placement.
Is it better to custom build or buy a ready to use fire pit?
The decision between custom-building and buying a ready-to-use fire pit depends on several factors:
- Customization: If you have specific requirements or want a fire pit that blends seamlessly with your outdoor space design, a custom-built fire pit might be the better choice.
- Cost: Ready-to-use fire pits generally cost less upfront compared to custom-built options, which require professional design and installation.
- Convenience: Ready-to-use fire pits offer the convenience of immediate use with minimal setup, while custom-built pits may involve a longer preparation and construction period.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference regarding design, budget, and convenience.
Does my fire pit need CSA certification?
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification is a mark of safety and quality. While not always mandatory, having CSA certification for your fire pit ensures that it meets rigorous North American safety and performance standards. For gas fire pits, CSA certification is highly recommended to ensure the appliance is safe to use. Always check your local regulations as some areas may require CSA-certified products for installation.
What is fire pit media?
Fire pit media refers to the materials placed inside the fire pit which can withstand high temperatures and add aesthetic appeal to the fire pit’s appearance. Common types include:
- Lava Rocks: Known for their excellent heat retention and natural look.
- Fire Glass: Tempered glass pieces used in gas fire pits that create a reflective, modern appearance.
- Ceramic Logs: Designed to simulate the look of real wood logs in gas fire pits while providing the convenience of gas.
Do I need a cover for my fire pit when not in use?
Technically speaking, no, but covering your fire pit when it’s not in use is highly recommended. A cover protects it from the elements, reducing wear and tear from rain, snow, and sun exposure. It also helps prevent debris from filling the pit, which can be a fire hazard and affect performance. For gas fire pits, a cover can keep the burners and ignition system in good condition, ensuring longevity and reliability. As an alternative to fabric covers, which spread over the whole fire pit, some manufacturers supply stainless steel fire pit lids which just cover the burner area of your fire pit.