Ultimate Fire Pit Buying Guide

Adding a fire pit is one of the best things you can do to enhance your backyard or patio. It’s no wonder, since everybody loves sitting around a mesmerizing fire while enjoying good company and campfire stories. In addition, they are relatively affordable, easy to install, maintain, and use.

With countless styles and options to choose from, it’s not always easy to know what to look for when buying the fire pit. This helpful Fire Pit Buying Guide will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Click the button below to view a printable PDF version of this fire pit buying guide.

View the PDF Booklet

Ultimate Fire Pit Buying Guide

Click the button below to view a printable PDF version of this fire pit buying guide.

View the PDF Booklet

Click the button below to view a printable PDF version of this fire pit buying guide.

View the PDF Booklet

WHICH FUEL TYPE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Wood Burning Fire Pits

Pros: The quickest and most affordable option, wood burning fire pits are easy to setup and start using right away. Simply choose the style that fits your design, set the fire pit in place, add your wood, and enjoy! Wood will give you the largest flame and most heat, when compared to gas.

Cons: Most of us know how to enjoy an old-fashioned wood fire, but it’s still a good idea to think about potential hazards. Wood fires will create smoke and soot, often leaving an odor in hair and on clothes. Depending where you live, wood can be expensive. Make sure to place your fire pit on a non-combustible surface like concrete or stone. Always use a spark screen to prevent accidental fires. Open fires are dangerous and should always be supervised. You also should check with your local governing authorities, as many do not allow wood burning fires. Wood fires also leave ash and soot, which will require cleanup after use.

Natural Gas or Propane "Direct Plumbed" Fire Pits

Pros: There are lots of positive reasons to choose a gas fire pit. Running a natural gas or propane hard line to your fire pit creates a convenient way to enjoy family night without all the hassle that comes with a wood burning fire pit. Simply turn on the gas, light, and enjoy! Some gas fire pits have electronic ignition options which offer added safety and convenience. You can even use an app or add to your home automation! You can add colored fire glass, ceramic fire balls, ceramic logs, or an array of other decorative options that helps to personalize your design. Speaking of design, “direct plumbing” your fire pit allows you to choose lower, more modern fire pit designs since there are no height restrictions. It’s nice not having to worry about smoke blowing in your face every time the wind picks up, or adding more logs as the fire begins to die. And in most areas, natural gas is sold as “therms” which is quite affordable, often costing less to burn than wood.

Cons: Although gas fire pits are the most popular option amongst consumers, there are still some added costs to consider. Gas fire pits are typically more expensive because they have engineered burner systems, valves, hoses, and ignitions that wood burning fire pits don’t have. Running a gas line from your meter or whole house propane tank can cost anywhere from a few hundred, to a few thousand dollars, thus adding higher up front costs.

Hidden Propane "Tank" Fire Pits

Pros: If you’re sold on getting a gas fire pit, good choice! But perhaps your patio was already built without a gas line. Or maybe where you live, they don’t offer natural gas. That’s okay, because you can still enjoy all the benefits of a gas fire pit mentioned before, by using a “portable propane tank”. Hidden Propane Tank Fire Pits can be placed just about anywhere outdoors, even on combustible surfaces like wood decks (check your owners manual to verify). This is very convenient for most people, plus you can take it with you if you ever change your patio design or move!

Cons: A typical 20lb BBQ propane tank can only burn a maximum of 60-90k BTU’s an hour, which is good for around 4-8 hours of continued use, depending on how high of a flame you burn. At around $20 per tank, this can start to add up over time. If you’re wanting a huge flame, you will be limited by what a small propane tank can offer. If you have a weak back, it can sometimes be difficult to lift a tank to set it inside the fire pit, although there are some very nice options that offer glides that make swapping tanks a breeze. For all you designers out there; in order to store a propane tank, most fire pits are 24” high, or “chat table height”. Most people don’t mind this, but if you’re going for a lower modern and contemporary “coffee table height”, you may want to keep your propane tank off to the side and use a longer hose.

Ethanol Fire Pits

Pros: Most people don’t think of ethanol as a fuel option for fire pits, but this clean burning fuel has really made some great strides in the last few years. Believe it or not, Ethanol fuel is made from natural sources, so it’s renewable and green, plus it can be used outdoors AND indoors! That’s right, put it wherever you want! No gas lines, no heavy propane tanks, just fill the burner with the appropriate ethanol, light, and enjoy! Because the ethanol burners are sleek and low profile, the decorative fire pit, or “vessel”, can be a variety of designs. This is perfect for interior or exterior designers or architects that want the beauty and ambiance of fire, without all of the hassle of running gas lines or specifying ventilation or air control. A great option indeed!

Cons: The biggest thing to consider is cost of fuel. The cost to burn ethanol each hour is greater than gas or wood. Ethanol is similar to all fuels, in that there is a minimum cost and will constantly need to be maintained.

WHICH FIRE PIT STYLE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Once you've chosen the fuel that will power your fire pit, you need to decide on what purpose the fire pit will serve you. There are many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from. We’ll help you find the fire pit style that’s perfect for you.

Common Fire Pit Sizes

36" or Less

These are typically referred to as fire “bowls” or fire “urns”. The purpose of these smaller fire features is more for decorative use, such as accent fire bowls around a pool.

36" - 45"

This is a very popular size that fits on most patios. Large enough for 6-8 people to enjoy. Think about adding a nice deep seating sectional or club chairs to make this your nightly go to spot!

45" - 60"

If you have a large backyard or patio, consider a larger fire pit in this size range. Guaranteed smiles and fun, you can easily have between 8-12 people around a fire pit of this size. The only question is, who has the best campfire story to tell?

36" or Less

These are typically referred to as fire “bowls” or fire “urns”. The purpose of these smaller fire features is more for decorative use, such as accent fire bowls around a pool.

36" - 45"

This is a very popular size that fits on most patios. Large enough for 6-8 people to enjoy. Think about adding a nice deep seating sectional or club chairs to make this your nightly go to spot!

45" - 60"

Common Fire Pit Shapes

Round

If your backyard design incorporates curves, consider a round fire pit. This will go great with 4 deep seating club chairs to make your patio the perfect 4 person party pit area!

Square

If your patio has straight or hard lines, a square fire pit is a great choice. You can go with 4 deep seating club chairs, or consider a love seat with 2 club chairs.

Rectangle

If your patio is narrow or long, you can get extra length out of a rectangle fire pit. These also look great with a sofa or love seat and 2 swivel rockers, or even a sectional outdoor sofa!

Round

If your backyard design incorporates curves, consider a round fire pit. This will go great with 4 deep seating club chairs to make your patio the perfect 4 person party pit area!

Square

If your patio has straight or hard lines, a square fire pit is a great choice. You can go with 4 deep seating club chairs, or consider a love seat with 2 club chairs.

Rectangle

If your patio is narrow or long, you can get extra length out of a rectangle fire pit. These also look great with a sofa or love seat and 2 swivel rockers, or even a sectional outdoor sofa!

36" or Less

These are typically referred to as fire “bowls” or fire “urns”. The purpose of these smaller fire features is more for decorative use, such as accent fire bowls around a pool.

36" - 45"

This is a very popular size that fits on most patios. Large enough for 6-8 people to enjoy. Think about adding a nice deep seating sectional or club chairs to make this your nightly go to spot!

45" - 60"

Manual

The most popular seller is the fire only bowl. Choose a fire only bowl. The most popular seller is the fire only bowl. Choose a fire only bowl. The most popular seller is the fire only bowl. Choose a fire only bowl.

Spark

Electronic

Common Fire Pit Shapes

Round

If your backyard design incorporates curves, consider a round fire pit. This will go great with 4 deep seating club chairs to make your patio the perfect 4 person party pit area!

Square

If your patio has straight or hard lines, a square fire pit is a great choice. You can go with 4 deep seating club chairs, or consider a love seat with 2 club chairs.

Rectangle

If your patio is narrow or long, you can get extra length out of a rectangle fire pit. These also look great with a sofa or love seat and 2 swivel rockers, or even a sectional outdoor sofa!

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Fire Pit Styles

Traditional Fire Pits

Practical in every way, traditional fire pits fit in just about any backyard décor. No matter what design you choose, these designs stand the test of time.

Modern Fire Pits

Sometimes simple, clean designs are the best. Consider a contemporary or modern fire pit for your patio if you like a fun and eclectic look.

Fire Pit Grills

If you love to cook food on an open flame, consider a fire pit grill. Of course, most double as a fire pit too so you can have the best of both worlds!

Traditional Fire Pits

Practical in every way, traditional fire pits fit in just about any backyard décor. No matter what design you choose, these designs stand the test of time.

Modern Fire Pits

Sometimes simple, clean designs are the best. Consider a contemporary or modern fire pit for your patio if you like a fun and eclectic look.

Fire Pit Grills

If you love to cook food on an open flame, consider a fire pit grill. Of course, most double as a fire pit too so you can have the best of both worlds!

Fire Pit Tables

Offering a ledge all the way around the fire, fire pit tables are great if you’re looking to have a meal or snacks at your fire pit.

Chimineas

Derived from the French word “chimney”, these freestanding front load fireplaces designs have been used for over 400 years! An oldie, but goodie!

Fire Bowls

A perfect accent to your pool or banister, add a fire bowl or water bowl to your design for added ambiance and fun.

Fire Pit Tables

Offering a ledge all the way around the fire, fire pit tables are great if you’re looking to have a meal or snacks at your fire pit.

Chimineas

Derived from the French word “chimney”, these freestanding front load fireplaces designs have been used for over 400 years! An oldie, but goodie!

Fire Bowls

A perfect accent to your pool or banister, add a fire bowl or water bowl to your design for added ambiance and fun.

Traditional Fire Pits

Practical in every way, traditional fire pits fit in just about any backyard décor. No matter what design you choose, these designs stand the test of time.

Modern Fire Pits

Sometimes simple, clean designs are the best. Consider a contemporary or modern fire pit for your patio if you like a fun and eclectic look.

Fire Pit Grills

If you love to cook food on an open flame, consider a fire pit grill. Of course, most double as a fire pit too so you can have the best of both worlds!

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Fire Pit Tables

Offering a ledge all the way around the fire, fire pit tables are great if you’re looking to have a meal or snacks at your fire pit.

Chimineas

Derived from the French word “chimney”, these freestanding front load fireplaces designs have been used for over 400 years! An oldie, but goodie!

Fire Bowls

A perfect accent to your pool or banister, add a fire bowl or water bowl to your design for added ambiance and fun.

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Fire Pit Heights

Occasional/Coffee Height - less than 23"

A lower fire pit has a more traditional feel, since you can prop your feet up on the edge or see across to your family on the opposite side. There are many sleek, fun designs available in this height, since there are no doors or drawers to increase the height. There are also an array of round “bowl” or “cone” shaped fire pits that beautifully accent any outdoor space.

Chat Height - 24"

Equally as popular as occasional height, this feels comfortable to many people as you can easily rest a snack or drink on the ledge of a fire pit, prop your feet up, and enjoy a conversation from across the dancing fire. Many chat height fire pits are tall enough to allow a BBQ propane tank to sit inside, which makes it easy to set this fire pit just about anywhere.

Dining Height - 29"

Combining a fire pit with a dining table is a wonderful way to enjoy a meal “alfresco”, while saving space and money! Many fire tables have a Lazy Susan option which allows you to play games or enjoy a nice charcuterie board, before kicking back for a nice scotch or glass of wine around the fire.

Counter Height - 38"

This is a must have for the king and queen of their castle! Get all of the same benefits of a Dining Height fire table, just take it up a notch! Adding a counter height fire table is a great way to add different sections to a patio, as it creates “levels” often found in premium designs. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the evening!

Occasional/Coffee Height - less than 23"

Chat Height - 24"

Dining Height - 29"

Counter Height - 38"

Occasional/Coffee Height - less than 23"

Chat Height - 24"

Dining Height - 29"

Counter Height - 38"

Materials

Concrete or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) Fire Pits

Available in a limited variety of colors
Often a solid, one piece unique design
Very durable and weather resistant
Heavy and difficult to move

Steel Fire Pits

Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
Not ideal in wet or humid areas, steel can rust quickly when exposed
Affordable and easy to get designer look for less money

Stainless Steel Fire Pits

Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust resistant
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
More expensive than steel

Wicker Fire Pits

Often combined with aluminum frame
Beautiful coastal or traditional look
Transitional design

Wine Barrel Fire Pits

For the ultimate wine lovers
Made from real wine barrels
Fun conversation piece

Stone & Tile Top Fire Pits

Often combined with a steel or aluminum powder coated base
Requires sealing
Durable and easy to clean

Aluminum Fire Pits

Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust proof
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
Lightweight and durable
More expensive than steel

Cor-Ten Fire Pits

Stronger than steel or stainless steel
Natural, beautiful orange rust patina
Surface rust can stain your deck
Little to no maintenance, can last for years

Copper Fire Pits

Considered the very best in materials
Often hand crafted
Beautiful patina that compliments any design
Requires more maintenance to keep patina consistent

Concrete or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) Fire Pits

Available in a limited variety of colors
Often a solid, one piece unique design
Very durable and weather resistant
Heavy and difficult to move

Steel Fire Pits

Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
Not ideal in wet or humid areas, steel can rust quickly when exposed
Affordable and easy to get designer look for less money

Stainless Steel Fire Pits

Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust resistant
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
More expensive than steel

Wicker Fire Pits

Often combined with aluminum frame
Beautiful coastal or traditional look
Transitional design

Wine Barrel Fire Pits

For the ultimate wine lovers
Made from real wine barrels
Fun conversation piece

Stone & Tile Top Fire Pits

Often combined with a steel or aluminum powder coated base
Requires sealing
Durable and easy to clean

Aluminum Fire Pits

Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust proof
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
Lightweight and durable
More expensive than steel

Cor-Ten Fire Pits

Stronger than steel or stainless steel
Natural, beautiful orange rust patina
Surface rust can stain your deck
Little to no maintenance, can last for years

Copper Fire Pits

Considered the very best in materials
Often hand crafted
Beautiful patina that compliments any design
Requires more maintenance to keep patina consistent

Top Fire Pits Brands

Concrete or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) Fire Pits

Available in a limited variety of colors
Often a solid, one piece unique design
Very durable and weather resistant
Heavy and difficult to move

Steel Fire Pits

- Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
- Not ideal in wet or humid areas, steel can rust quickly when exposed
- Affordable and easy to get designer look for less money

Stainless Steel Fire Pits

Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust resistant
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
More expensive than steel

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Aluminum Fire Pits

Available in a limitless variety of powder coated colors
Ideal in wet or humid climates, rust proof
With proper maintenance, can last for years
Great for commercial applications
Lightweight and durable
More expensive than steel

Cor-Ten Fire Pits

- Stronger than steel or stainless steel
- Natural, beautiful orange rust patina
- Surface rust can stain your deck
- Little to no maintenance, can last for years

Copper Fire Pits

Considered the very best in materials
Often hand crafted
Beautiful patina that compliments any design
Requires more maintenance to keep patina consistent

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Wicker Fire Pits

Often combined with aluminum frame
Beautiful coastal or traditional look
Transitional design

Wine Barrel Fire Pits

- For the ultimate wine lovers
- Made from real wine barrels
- Fun conversation piece

Stone & Tile Top Fire Pits

Often combined with a steel or aluminum powder coated base
Requires sealing
Durable and easy to clean

Manual

Spark

Electronic

Top Fire Pits Brands

HOW DO I BUILD MY OWN FIRE PIT?

StarfireDirect.com offers hundreds of complete pre-made and custom fire pits for your convenience. Many of these designs have been engineered with safety and functionality in mind, which can save you stress, time, & money. But perhaps you are a DIY guru and love building things on your own? Great!

We have everything you need to get started:

Fire Rings

Connection Kits

Complete Drop In Burners

Key Valves

Vents

Fire Rings

Connection Kits

Complete Drop In Burners

Key Valves

Vents

Fire Rings

Connection Kits

Complete Drop In Burners

Key Valves

Vents

Fire Glass

Ceramic Logs

Ceramic River Rocks

Lava Rock

Burner Pans

Fire Glass

Ceramic Logs

Ceramic River Rocks

Lava Rock

Burner Pans

Fire Glass

Ceramic Logs

Ceramic River Rocks

Lava Rock

Burner Pans

View DIY Guide

We Are Here To Help

Our website also offers plenty of helpful resources to help you with your project, such as How-To videos, product reviews, owner’s manuals, inspiration galleries, and assembly instructions. We suggest taking a look at some of our most popular fire pit videos to help you find the perfect option for you.

Agio Vendor Spotlight

The Best Copper Fire Pit

OW Lee Vendor Spotlight

Agio Vendor Spotlight

The Best Copper Fire Pit

OW Lee Vendor Spotlight

Who Do I Call if I Still Have Questions?

Give us a call at 866-578-8538 Monday thru Saturday, and let our team help you with your DIY fire pit project. You can even send us pictures or video of your backyard, and we can offer suggestions that will help you build the perfect fire pit for your backyard oasis!