You might dream of cozy evenings and beautiful summer nights around a fire when designing the perfect outdoor space. But before you can enjoy those glowing nights, you’ll need to make a big decision: should you go with a gas or a wood fire pit?
Both have their appeal, and your choice can significantly influence your hardscape’s comfort, style, and functionality. To make the right decision, you need to consider how you plan to use the space, what kind of maintenance you’re willing to take on, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.
Local hardscape and softscape outdoor living experts will have professional advice on making the most of your home’s outdoor space, especially for your specific zone.
As you transform your backyard into a personal retreat or entertainment haven, choosing the right fire feature can set the tone for how you’ll enjoy that space for years to come. So, let’s explore the key differences between gas and wood fire pits, what each offers, and how to decide which option best fits your lifestyle.
The Appeal of Fire Pits in Outdoor Living
A fire pit is an experience. It draws people in, encourages conversation, and extends the usability of your yard well into the cooler months. Whether you’re hosting friends for an evening hangout or unwinding alone after a long day, the presence of a fire adds comfort and ambiance that no other feature quite matches.
You might consider a fire pit as part of a new bespoke hardscape installation or as an upgrade to your current outdoor setup. Either way, it can quickly become the centerpiece of your design. The trick is making sure you pick the right type for your needs so you don’t end up with a feature that looks great but doesn’t fit how you live.
Wood Fire Pits: Classic Charm and Crackling Warmth
If you’re drawn to the traditional feel of an outdoor campfire—the smell of burning wood, the snap and crackle of the flames, the ritual of building and tending the fire—a wood-burning fire pit may be the choice that speaks to you. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about gathering around a real wood fire. It’s primal and grounding and creates a rugged atmosphere that many homeowners love.
A wood fire pit typically comes with fewer upfront costs than its gas counterpart, especially if you already have access to firewood. Installation is often more straightforward since it doesn’t require a gas line or complex connections. You have more flexibility in where you place it, and you can often build one using natural stone or metal kits that match your yard’s design.
However, this option comes with responsibilities. You’ll need to source and store firewood, clean out ash regularly, and be mindful of local burn ordinances or seasonal fire bans. In some parts of the country, fire bans may prevent you from having a fire for months of the year. Starting and maintaining a fire also takes more time and effort, which may not appeal to everyone.
Still, if you value a natural flame’s authenticity and romance and don’t mind the occasional mess or maintenance, a wood fire pit can offer a truly memorable outdoor experience.
Gas Fire Pits: Clean, Convenient, and Contemporary
On the other side of the spectrum is the gas fire pit, a modern, efficient, and low-maintenance alternative that offers a very different kind of experience. Instead of lighting wood and dealing with smoke, you simply turn a dial or flip a switch, and your fire is ready. There’s no waiting for kindling to catch, no smoke clinging to your clothes, and no ashes to clean the following day.
Gas fire pits are ideal for quick, reliable heat and clean-burning flames. They’re especially popular in upscale hardscape designs, where precision and sleek aesthetics are top priorities. With gas, you can incorporate fire features into more refined spaces. Imagine a custom stone fire table surrounded by cushioned chairs and a glass wind guard, all perfectly coordinated with your outdoor kitchen or patio.
There are two main types of gas fire pits: natural gas and propane. Natural gas requires a fixed line and is best suited for permanent installations, while propane offers more flexibility and portability. Both options provide steady flames and temperature control, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and glow of a fire without all the work.
The trade-off, of course, is cost. Gas fire pits typically have a higher price tag, especially if trenching and gas lines are required. And while they don’t offer the scent or texture of burning wood, they make up for it in convenience, control, and design flexibility.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Fire Pit
Before deciding on a fire pit, consider how you want to use your outdoor space and what kind of experience you aim for. Ask yourself a few guiding questions:
- Do you enjoy the smell, sound, and process of building a wood fire, or do you prefer the convenience of instant flames?
- Are you willing to handle maintenance regularly, or do you want a low-effort feature you can use frequently?
- Are there any local restrictions on wood fires or gas connections in your area that could impact your decision?
You should also consider your overall design goals. A wood fire pit might feel more natural if your hardscape leans rustic. Gas might be the better match if you’re going for a more polished or modern aesthetic.
Additionally, your budget and long-term plans should play a role. While wood fire pits are more budget-friendly initially, gas options offer long-term ease and may increase your property’s value due to their permanence and sleek design.
Create the Right Ambience
You’re not just adding a heat source but setting a tone for your outdoor gatherings. A wood fire pit encourages a casual, laid-back atmosphere where guests gather close and conversations stretch late into the evening. It feels spontaneous and a little rugged, like being at a cabin retreat.
On the other hand, gas fire pits offer a more curated vibe. They’re great for elegant dinner parties, quick gatherings, or even quiet nights alone. You can control the flame, avoid the mess, and shut everything down with minimal effort.
It’s worth noting that many homeowners incorporate seating and lighting around their fire features to enhance the mood. Whether it’s string lights above a wood-burning stone pit or integrated lighting near a gas-powered fire table, you have endless opportunities to personalize the space to reflect your lifestyle.
Safety and Regulations Matter
Safety must be at the forefront of your planning, regardless of your chosen fire pit. Both gas and wood fire pits must be installed correctly and with the proper clearances from structures, trees, and other flammable materials.
You also need to think about surfaces. Placing a fire pit directly on a wood deck, for example, may not be safe without special barriers or insulation. Make sure you use a trusted hardscape contractor who can create a safe and stylish setup that will bring you joy for many years.
Wood fires require more attention during use. You’ll want to keep extinguishing materials nearby, monitor the fire at all times, and fully extinguish embers before leaving it unattended. With gas, you reduce the risk of open embers, but you still need to ensure all connections are secure and that your ignition system functions reliably.
Always check with your local municipality to see what rules or permits may apply to your outdoor fire pit. Some areas have strict burn regulations, and choosing the wrong type could result in a beautiful setup you’re not allowed to use.
Make the Decision That’s Right for You
Choosing between a gas or wood fire pit ultimately depends on your priorities. If you love tending a fire, appreciate the authenticity of real wood, and don’t mind a bit of cleanup, a wood fire pit can give you a rustic, immersive experience. If ease, cleanliness, and modern design are more important to you, a gas fire pit may be a better fit.
The right choice complements your home, enhances your outdoor lifestyle, and brings joy to your time outside. Consider how often you’ll use it, what kind of effort you want to invest, and how it fits into your broader luxury landscape design.
No matter which direction you go, a well-designed fire pit can elevate your outdoor space from simple to sensational. You’re creating a backyard feature, but you’re also crafting a destination where memories are made and comfort meets style in every flickering flame.