Wood or Gas Fire Pits: Which is Best for Me?

A fire pit for your outdoor oasis is always a great idea and addition, whether it’s a wood or propane burning fire pit.

Choosing the right fire pit, and the right fuel, depends completely on your preference. To pick the one that suits you best, let’s look at each and see how they compare so you can make the best selection.

It’s also important before purchasing a fire pit (or building one) to check on your local ordinances are for open burning fire pits as some areas prohibit these completely or during certain times of the year.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Wood fire pits used to always be the way to go, but advances in technology have paved way for propane fire pits. Let’s check out some of the benefits and possible cons of a wood burning fire pit.

Cost

When it comes to cost for fire pits, it comes down to materials and installation. The cost of a wood burning fire pit depends on the materials you want to use, such as stone, brick, or other, as well as how much you’ll need.

While wood-burning fire pits are typically lower in cost initially, you also have to consider the ongoing cost of wood. If you don’t live in an area with accessible firewood, you’ll have to buy and store your wood for use, which adds on cost.

Efficiency

While you would think that natural wood would be more efficient, it’s quite the opposite. Wood burning fire pits are not very efficient and produce more emissions in the atmosphere than natural gas. 

While wood is a renewable resource, it’s not a clean one. For those who also have respiratory issues like asthma, wood burning fire pits may exacerbate symptoms because of the possible smoke inhalation.

Installation

Installation of wood burning fire pits is easy seeing as you don’t have to add in a gas line, but there are specific rules that need to be followed, such as where you can place a wood burning fire pit. For instance, it can’t be close to a home. It needs to have a metal frame, and of course, you need a place for wood storage.

So, while it’s easy to put together and install, you may be limited in where you place it.

Maintenance

Wood burning fire pits are much more involved when it comes to maintenance because of the soot, logs, and ash. While you don’t need to clean it out after every use, you need to shovel it out often. 

You also need to ensure you’re using a clean, dry wood, which can be more maintenance to find. 

Safety

Safety is a priority with any fire pit. Regarding wood burning fire pits, ensuring it’s not close to other structures and making sure it’s always completely put out after use are the two biggest concerns.

Because of the possibility of ash or embers coming out of the fire, you can also be more limited in use because of wind or too-dry conditions that make it unsafe.

Environment

For many who prefer wood burning fire pits, it’s the smell and sound. The crackle of the wood as it burns, and the smell of the smoke enhances the experience of the great outdoors. But while these are enjoyable aspects of a wood burning fire, the remnant smells of smoke in your hair and on your clothes is not as enjoyable. Not to mention smoke constantly shifting with the slightest wind changes that can get in your eyes.

Gas Fire Pits

Propane fire pits have become more and more popular for good reason. They are easy to use, less mess, and now come in a variety of styles to match any décor. Read on to learn what else you can expect when selecting a gas fire pit for your outdoor oasis.

Cost

While typically more expensive initially than a wood burning fire pit, in the long run, they are comparable seeing as you don’t need to purchase wood. The factors that determine your cost is the size, cost of a propane tank, and the materials used. In addition, many models now come with more amenities, such as this Plank & Hide functional fire pit with an easy slide top to create a full table when not in use. 

Efficiency

Propane fire pits use natural gas as a fuel source, which is a cleaner, more efficient fuel source. If you’re environmentally conscious and want to ensure less emissions into the atmosphere, a gas fire pit is what you’re looking for. 

Installation

Installing a gas fire pit is simple and fast because of the plug and play ease of propane tanks. This also means you have more flexibility in where you can place your fire pit because you don’t need to worry about a gas line or having it too close to other structures like with a wood-burning fire pit.

If you’d rather not hassle with propane tanks, you could purchase a natural gas conversion kit and run a gas line, but that would take some extra time for installation and professional set up. 

At Watson’s, we make it easy for customers to start using their products as soon as possible, which is why we offer propane fire pits, which are more convenient and easier to use.

Maintenance

For most people who opt to add a fire pit, the almost maintenance-free aspect of a gas fire pit is the biggest benefit. No logs or ash or soot to worry about. The most you have to do with a gas fire pit is check your gas line before use each season (if only using seasonally) and cover when not in use. 

If you opt for a fire pit that has an extended table surrounding it, you’ll want to wipe that down occasionally as well.

Safety

A propane fire pit is a safe option because you don’t have to worry about a natural gas line that could potentially leak. All you need is a propane tank to get up and running. And unlike wood burning fire pits that could cause burns or damage from debris and ash, propane fire pits don’t have this concern.

If you opt for a natural gas conversion kit, it’s important to check your gas line thoroughly before each season to ensure there aren’t any leaks. 

Because gas fire pits can be either electronic ignition or match-light to start, you’ll also want to make sure young children never play with the ignition or turn it on.

Environment

While we already know the gas fire pit is environmentally friendly, it’s also a great addition to enhance your outdoor environment. The smokeless flames provide instant ambiance and warmth without the accompanying smoke smell. 

Because they are convenient to start and use, more people get more use out of their gas fire pits because they can be quick to turn on and off, which means no waiting to start or waiting to go out. So, a s’mores dessert after dinner or a quick evening fire after a long day in the pool are simple and easy with a gas fire pit.

Gas fire pits can also easily be used year-round. Not that wood-burning can’t, but it’s much more hassle. In those cooler fall evenings and early spring days, a gas fire pit can quickly be turned on to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and warmth. 

Picking What’s Right for You

There’s no right or wrong with the type of fire pit you add. It really comes down to your overall preference, amount of maintenance you want, and any additional amenities you may want.

If you’re environmentally conscious and looking for a convenient and easy to use option with a variety of designs that can accommodate any get-together, then a gas fire pit is likely what you’ve love.

If you can’t have a fire without the smell of wood and the sound of crackling, plus you have ample room for both the fire pit and wood storage, then a wood burning fire pit may be your top pick.

Either way, you won’t go wrong. 

At Watson’s, we stock the largest selection of propane fire pits to fit any style. Our fire pits come in a variety of sizes and shapes to complement your outdoor space and ensure everyone has a spot around the fire. 

Other Considerations with Fire Pits

Safety: In general, there should always be adult supervision around a fire pit and safety precautions taken to eliminate any concerns, regardless of fuel type.

Size: Consider the size and shape you want for your own family as well as for guests. Circular fire pits will allow for more people to sit around it, but larger rectangle options may fit your space better.

Extras: When considering a gas fireplace, think about any extras you may like. An extended surrounded table or a slide over tabletop may be good if you also host others often and need more table space. 

To check out Watson’s collection of fire pits, stop into any of our nine superstore locations today and talk with one of our experts. We’ll help you with everything from materials and suggested BTUs to installation and more.