With the wide array of fire pit options on the market, it can be tough to narrow down exactly which fire pit is right for your needs. Choosing the style, size, design and functionality of your new fire feature means making a lot of decisions, and you'll want to get each of them right so you can ensure maximum enjoyment and value from your new purchase. Many customers find this process a bit intimidating.
That's why the expert team here at Firepits Direct has assembled this handy guide to backyard fire pit ideas and fire pit designs, to help you select the perfect fire pit for your home or business. We've broken down a few of the key decisions you'll need to make regarding outdoor fire pit designs and patio ideas to help make the shopping process easier.
Backyard Fire Pit Ideas: Gas or Wood?
The first decision you'll need to make is whether you want a gas fire pit or a wood fire pit. Both have their merits, and there's not a right or wrong answer here; it all comes down to your personal preference. While we primarily specialize in gas fire pits here at Firepits Direct, we also love wood-burning fire pits. Here's a breakdown of the relative pros and cons for both types to help you decide:
Gas Fire Pits Pro/Con List
Pros
- Easy to start up
- Limited smoke and soot
- Safer to operate
Cons
- Limited heat output
- Generally more expensive
- More components/failure points
Wood Fire Pits Pro/Con List
Pros
- Puts out more heat
- More natural flame appearance
- Simple design for lasting utility
Cons
- Creates more ash and smoke
- Need to procure firewood
- have to build a fire each time
Outdoor Fire Pit Area Ideas: Big or Small?
Once you've decided on the fuel type for your fire pit, you'll need to make some design decisions, the first of which is how large of a fire feature you're looking for. Fire pits generally come in sizes ranging from small 24" fire bowls to impressive 100" linear fire pits and of course the whole gamut in between. The most popular size range is for fire pits in the 48" to 54" range.
While we'd all love to upgrade our home with a big fire pit, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on the right size for your needs:
- Space Constraints - The fire pit you choose needs to be suitable for the space you're adding it to. If you've got just a small patio or outdoor relaxation area, then a fire pit that's too large is going to cause issues.
- Budget - Larger fire features are going to cost more, generally speaking. If you're able to choose a smaller fire pit, you can open up space in your budget for a nicer model with more features.
- Fuel Consumption - A bigger fire pit will have a bigger burner, which means it will use more fuel. This is especially difficult to deal with if you want to run your fire pit off a standard 20 pound propane tank, which will run out quickly with a large fire feature.
- Weight - This only comes into play if you're planning to place your fire pit on a wood or composite deck, which may have a weight limit. Larger fire pits will weigh more, so be sure to keep this in mind.
DIY Fire Pit Ideas: Custom or Prefab?
One other thing to consider when shopping for a fire pit is that it's possible to design and build your own customized fire feature. If you've got backyard fire pit ideas that aren't covered by the existing units you can find in our inventory, then you might want to consider purchasing a DIY fire pit kit. These handy kits provide almost everything you need to start your dream fire pit project.
A DIY fire pit kit is perfect for homeowners looking to create their ideal fire pit, as it provides an extraordinary amount of flexibility in the finished appearance of your fire feature. Each fire pit kit will come with the internal plumbing, burner and ignition, leaving you to decide on the enclosure appearance and style. For more details, check out our fire pit kit buying guide or our guide to what's included in a fire pit kit.
More Help With Fire Pit Ideas
The info above is just a taste of the world of fire pits, just to get you started. If you're looking for more ideas for an outdoor fire pit area or fire pit designs, then you'll want to check out a few more of our guides:
For more personalized assistance, you may want to reach out directly to our expert team. They're happy to offer guidance and advice in selecting the perfect fire feature for your home. Get in touch today!