How to Choose an Outdoor Fire Pit or Table: A Homeowner's Guide

One of the most popular trends in outdoor enjoyment is sitting around an open fire pit or fire table with friends and family. Whether it’s a rustic wood fire pit or a sleek, modern fire table, an outdoor fire feature brings joy and comfort to homeowners — while transforming an ordinary patio into a year-round destination for connection and relaxation.

Today’s designs go far beyond the simple fire ring of the past. Homeowners can now choose from smokeless fire pits, eco-friendly fuels, and styles that double as elegant tables for outdoor entertaining and dining. However, with so many choices, it can be challenging to know where to begin.

This guide shows you how to choose an outdoor fire pit or fire table that best suits your space. You’ll learn about modern fire pit fuel types and materials, as well as outdoor heating trends, and what to look for when planning your own outdoor escape. Plus, we’ll cover essential safety considerations and maintenance tips to help keep your outdoor retreat cozy and worry-free.

Considerations Before You Buy

When it comes to selecting an outdoor fire table or fire pit, there’s a lot to think about. Before making a purchase, review the buying tips at the end of this blog. They’ll help you select a fire feature that fits your lifestyle, outdoor space, and taste — making it a perfect addition to your backyard.

1. Check Local Regulations

Be sure to check what’s allowed in your area. Local fire codes, HOA rules, and state safety regulations often affect the type of fire pit or table you can have — and where you can place it.

• Know your local rules: Some municipalities restrict open flames, especially wood-burning fire pits, or require specific clearances from homes, structures, and fences. If you live in a condo or planned community, your HOA may have additional guidelines about permanent fixtures or smoke restrictions.
• Pick the right surface: Most safety codes recommend placing your fire fixture on a non-flammable surface such as pavers, concrete, or gravel. Avoid placing one directly on a wood deck unless the model is specifically rated for that use.
• Be aware of your spacing: As a general rule, you should keep any fire feature at least 10 feet from walls, furniture, or overhanging branches.
• Have a fire safety plan: Always keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby and never leave an open flame unattended. Extinguish it completely before heading inside, especially for wood-burning fire pits. If your fire pit or table uses gas or propane, ensure the fuel valve is fully turned off.

Taking these precautions early can save time, money, and stress later — and ensure your new outdoor fire table or pit becomes a source of comfort, not concern.

2. Choose the Right Fuel Type

When selecting an outdoor fire pit, choosing the fuel type is possibly the most crucial decision you’ll make. Each option offers its own look, feel, and maintenance level.

Wood-Burning

The classic choice for a crackling, campfire feel:

Pros: Natural warmth, cozy sound, authentic flame experience, and you can cook over it

Cons: Smoke, ash cleanup, need to store dry firewood, restricted in some regions

Best for: Spacious yards or rural settings where open burning is permitted

Propane

Clean, quick, and easy to control flame height:

Pros: Instant ignition, no smoke or ash, safe for decks and patios

Cons: Requires tank storage, needs ventilation, tanks can run out mid-use

Best for: Urban and suburban patios where convenience matters most

Natural Gas

Low maintenance and always ready to use:

Pros: Consistent fuel source, no tank storage, quick ignition

Cons: Requires professional installation and gas line hookup

Best for: Permanent installations or built-in fire features

Ethanol, Gel, or Biofuel

Modern and decorative, perfect for small spaces:

Pros: Portable, low-smoke, stylish tabletop designs, and eco-friendly fuel options available

Cons: Lower heat output, must keep fuel canisters stocked

Best for: Balconies, small patios, or design-focused homeowners

Smokeless Options

A growing trend, smokeless fire pits use double-wall airflow designs to burn fuel more efficiently:

Pros: Minimal smoke, efficient combustion, easy cleanup

Cons: Typically, for wood-burning pits only; they also can cost more upfront

Best for: Homeowners seeking the ambiance of real flames without the smoke

3. Pick Durable, Weather-Friendly Materials

The material used to manufacture your fire feature significantly affects its appearance, longevity, and maintenance requirements. Here are some considerations when choosing the best fire pit material for your home:

• Steel: Affordable, durable, and modern-looking. Powder-coated steel resists rust better than raw finishes.
• Stainless steel: Sleek, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting — ideal for humid climates.
• Cast iron: Retains heat beautifully, making it great for cooler regions. Requires seasonal upkeep to prevent rust.
• Stone or masonry: Natural and timeless; perfect for built-in fire fixtures.
• Concrete and GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete): Growing in popularity for its strength, modern look, and ability to mimic stone or metal.
• Copper or Bronze: Develops a beautiful patina over time but requires polishing to maintain sheen.

Pro tip: Consider how you plan to use your fire pit or fire table and choose a material and fuel type accordingly. Be sure the material you select suits your local climate and complements your existing outdoor furniture or hardscaping.

4. Understand the Difference Between a Fire Pit vs. Fire Table

Both create ambiance — but serve slightly different purposes.

• Fire Pit: Lower to the ground and typically circular, designed primarily for warmth and visual appeal.
• Fire Table: Taller, often featuring a ledge or surface for placing drinks or food, making it an excellent feature for entertaining.

Fire pits are best in open yards, where people tend to gather around them in casual conversation, evoking a “sitting ‘round the campfire” vibe. Fire tables are ideal for patios or decks where space is limited, or for more formal settings. Because they incorporate the fire feature in a tabletop design, they’re considered more functional outdoor furniture.

You can even find newer designs that combine the cozy feel of a fire pit with the functionality of a fire table. If this appeals to you, look for a convertible model with a removable top that turns the fire pit into a table when not in use.

5. Make It Fit Your Space

Choosing the right shape and size ensures safety, comfort, and flow of movement.

• Small patios (2 to 4 people): 24 to 30 inches in diameter
• Medium gatherings (4 to 6 people): 36 to 42 inches
• Large spaces (6+ people): 48 inches or larger

Try to create at least 5 to 6 feet of clearance between the seating area and the flame, and check the wind direction to minimize smoke drift.

6. Consider Outdoor Design Trends

Today’s fire fixtures are as much about design as they are about function. While you have many backyard fire pit ideas to consider, be sure to think about these newer design features:

• Smokeless technology continues to dominate, thanks to improved combustion systems.
• Mixed materials, such as concrete with wood or stone accents, create a high-end custom look.
• Matte black and neutral finishes remain popular for minimalist outdoor spaces.
• Eco-friendly fuels and recycled materials are in high demand as homeowners seek sustainability.
• Integrated lighting and water features blend fire and ambiance for resort-style outdoor living.
• Built-in seating walls and sunken patios are increasingly popular in many new backyard designs and layouts.

Integrating many of these designer-inspired features into your outdoor oasis can turn your fire pit or table into the focal point of your backyard. But before you start scheduling barbeques and s’mores nights around the fire, read on for important safety guidelines.

Fire Pit Safety Tips and Maintenance Considerations

A few extra precautions can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe while enjoying your new fire fixture:

• Keep children and pets at least 6 feet away from the flame.
• Never use lighter fluids or accelerants.
• Avoid burning pressure-treated or sealed wood, as it can release toxins.
• Check burners and gas lines periodically for leaks.
• Use a spark screen or protective cover when the fire feature is unattended.
• In windy areas, consider installing a wind guard around fire pit burners.
• Clean ash and debris after each use (for wood-burning models).
• During the off-season, cover your fire pit and store accessories in a dry area.

Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your fire pit or fire table and help ensure that it’s ready for use whenever you are.

Related: Use our guide covering Year-Round Exterior Home Maintenance Tips to check off essential tasks outside your house.

Your Fire Pit Decision Guide

Before you click “buy” on a new fire pit or table, be sure to ask yourself these questions:

• How much space do I have in the area I plan to place a new fire feature?
• What fuel type do I prefer to use?
• What kind of material and design am I drawn to? Does it match my lifestyle and existing home décor?
• Who will use it and how often?
• Do I have storage space for wood or propane tanks?
• Is smoke a concern for me or my neighbors?

If you can answer these questions, you’re ready to shop with purpose and pick a fire pit or table with confidence.

Create Your Own Backyard Retreat

A well-chosen fire pit or fire table turns your yard into a warm, welcoming retreat — no matter the season. From sleek propane fire tables in matte finishes to rustic wood-burning “campfires,” today’s designs offer endless ways to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style.

Start with safety, consider your space and fuel options, and choose a design that reflects your lifestyle. Once your fire feature is in place, all that’s left to do is light it up, sit back, and enjoy the warm glow.

Relax Even More with a Home Warranty

Outdoor entertaining with a new fire table or fire pit can create a warm and welcoming ambiance outside your home, and the positive effects feel endless. You can recreate those positive feelings for your financial well-being by investing in home warranty coverage as the cornerstone of your household budget protection plan.

A First American home warranty works by covering your home’s essential appliances and systems, and can also include pools and spas, plus other distinct features of your home. When a covered item breaks due to normal wear and tear, you have an easy-to-use repair/replacement solution at your fingertips.

Want to learn more about our coverage and the valuable budget protection and peace of mind it offers? Get a quote today.

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The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.