Fire pits are a safe and easy way to create the rustic feeling of a campfire in your back garden, patio or deck. Used year-round, a fire pit offers a cosy focal point outdoors where family and friends can come together. With a list of the best fire pit styles and features, our fire pit buying guide will help you bring a style home that fits your outdoor decor.

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Outdoor Fire Pit Guide

From standard fire pits to pagodas, there is a style of outdoor fire pit for every garden.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is either a wood or gas burning structure that is designed to contain a fire. A fire pit keeps the fire off of the ground and inside of the fire pit structure. Whether you are looking for a traditional campfire or cosy ambience, a fire pit will safely let you enjoy a campfire.

Fire Pit Table

Similar to a fire pit, a fire pit table creates a place to enjoy a small fire. A fire pit table adds a sense of luxury to a traditional campfire by adding a table around the fire pit. They're stylish and practical, allowing you to use it for a table as well.

Table Insert:

If you're looking for a fire pit table, chances are you'll need a fire pit table insert. Table inserts are commonly gas fire pits and can be used on their own or within a table. For a tabletop fire pit, opt for a small fire pit table insert.

Fire Ring

While similar to a fire pit, a fire ring is used to contain a fire that has been built on the ground. Fire rings are round and keeps the campfire from spreading and are best used on flat, level ground and away from buildings and overhanging trees.

Chimineas

Chimineas are traditionally made of clay and designed to resemble a vase form. A chiminea has a wide opening for the fire and a chimney to help direct smoke. This intriguing design lets you enjoy your fire in the rain without worrying if the flame will be extinguished.

Pagodas

Pagodas are freestanding fire pits that keep the fire enclosed. Typically square in shape, pagodas have a curved roof and chimney to let the smoke escape from the top. The fire is enclosed by mesh screens on all sides, helping to keep sparks contained. With a square shape and see-through screens, the fire can be enjoyed on all sides.

Best Outdoor Fire Pit Materials

Fire pits are available in various materials, and the material you choose will depend on where and how often you will use it. From steel to stone, there is a fire material that will fit your needs.

Steel

Steel fire pits often use a corrosion-resistant metal to coat the fire pit, making for an extra-durable fire pit when handling the elements. The steel material makes the fire pit lightweight, making it easy to pick up and move.

Cast Iron

For a classic but rustic choice, opt for a cast-iron fire pit. It's sturdy and heavy, giving you peace of mind knowing that it won’t be easily knocked over. Cast iron is an excellent heat conductor and is efficient at spreading heat.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a popular option for fire pits. This material is affordable, lightweight, durable, heat-conductive and requires little maintenance.

Stone

For masonry detailing, opt for a stone fire pit. Stone fire pits are a great way to tie in materials that are used in your outdoor home decor (like brick or stone detailing). While it isn’t susceptible to rust, the stones can crack if exposed to extreme changes in temperatures.

Stainless Steel

A contemporary (sometimes industrial) look, stainless-steel fire pits are durable, lightweight and great for handling the outdoor elements.

Iron

Iron offers a rustic, traditional look to a fire pit. A great conductor of heat, iron fire pits aren't sensitive to outdoor weather conditions, but that's not to say they're not susceptible to rusting. Be aware that iron is very heavy, so you may need an extra pair of hands if you're looking to move it around your garden.

Concrete

Whether made from poured concrete or concrete blocks, this heavy material offers durability and strength while being a low-maintenance option. Concrete is heavy, so be sure to place it in an area you want it for the foreseeable future.

Clay

Clay fire pits cool off quickly and tend to be constructed as one piece, making it easy to move around. Because they cool off quickly, you won’t have to worry about getting burns after the fire is out.

Outdoor Fire Pit Fuel Types

Fire pits can be fueled in a variety of ways. Wood-burning fire pits are the most common, but there are other options that call for an easier cleanup. Choose the fuel type that best fits your needs.

Wood

The most popular fuel source we see in most fire pits is wood. Wood is natural, generates warmth, is fairly inexpensive and gives you the nostalgic glow and smell of a campfire. However, wood-burning fire pits produce more smoke and can be harder to get started and maintain. Be sure to have a stack of wood nearby in case the fire starts to go out.

Charcoal

Charcoal fire pits are great if you're looking to grill food on your fire pit. Charcoal will give your food a similar texture and taste, and the charcoal produces a controlled, even heat with a smaller flame.

Propane:

These fire pits have propane tanks attached to them, often making them portable. A propane fire pit gives you more control over the fire than a classic wood or charcoal fire pit. Keep in mind – propane doesn't produce the same amount of heat and warmth.

Natural Gas

Fire pits that run on natural gas generally need to be built in and connected to a natural gas line located in your home. Natural gas is significantly less expensive than other fuel options but may cost more upfront, as it must be installed by a professional.

Bio-Ethanol

Bio-ethanol is a biodegradable, clean-burning and efficient fuel that emits no smoke, ash or embers. It's a pourable liquid, letting you continuously refill the burner pan to keep the fire going for as long as you need. It is an excellent option if you want to add ambience, but it does not produce a lot of warmth.

Additional Outdoor Fire Pit Features

Spark Screen Included

A spark screen keeps burning embers and sparks inside of the fire pit. The protective screen helps to block sparks, giving you peace of mind while enjoying the fire.

Cooking Feature Included

If you love to grill food on a fire, opt for a fire pit with an included cooking feature. A slatted insert, similar to a grill, allows you to lay food over the fire without putting it inside the fire.

Gas-Conversion Kit Included

If you’re looking for the ability to change to gas for your fire pit at some point, opt for a fire pit with a gas-conversion kit included. This kit can manually adjust your fire pit to run on gas. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions to manually adjust it properly.

Safe for Wooden Deck

Looking to enjoy your fire pit on your wooden deck? No problem! Opt for a fire pit that is safe to use on a wooden deck. These fire pits are safe to be used and kept on wood surfaces, making it easy for you to sit back and relax on your outdoor deck.

Portable

If you find yourself moving your fire pit around your back garden often or traveling with it, opt for a portable fire pit. It'll be lightweight and smaller in size, allowing you to move it around with ease, no matter where you plan to enjoy the fire.

Tip: The placement of your fire pit is crucial for safety. Place your fire pit at least 10ft away from your home or any other structures and trees in your garden. Giving enough space between your fire pit and other items will keep them from getting too warm. Be sure to check in with your local council's rules and regulations on setting up a fire pit in your garden.

Hidden Fuel Tank

If you don’t like the look of a fuel tank attached to your fire pit, opt for a fire pit with a hidden fuel tank. Once the fire pit is assembled, the fuel tank is hidden within, so guests won’t even notice it is there. While still easily accessible, it will help keep the focus on your fire pit.

Tip: Discover more ideas for your outdoor space with:

• 8 Fire Pit Seating Styles for Cosy Autumn Nights
• The Ultimate Guide to Installing Outdoor Lighting
• Dining Al Fresco? Give These Outdoor Table Setting Ideas a Try