Fall has arrived, and the window for enjoying your outdoor space is closing. However, you can enjoy your patio long into the winter with an outdoor heat source.
You have a few options for heating your patio but none are as popular as fire pits and fire tables. That said, it's not always an easy decision to pick between the two. Fire pits are more effective, but they take up room. Fire tables are neater, but they don't get as hot.
I spoke to fire pit experts about all the pros and cons, and they revealed everything you need to know about which option is best for your yard.
Fire pit benefits
A fire pit is a metal or stone bowl which can hold a bonfire. Unlike a fire table, it's usually fuelled with firewood and sits at around knee height. Unlike a fire table, it can also be hardscaped into your patio.
Firstly, a wood-fuelled fire pit is less expensive in the long run than a gas-fuelled fire table, because buying logs is cheaper than filling up a propane tank.
Fire pits can also get much hotter than a gas-powered fire table, providing more effective heating.
It's not for everyone, but many people like the homely smell of wood smoke, whereas a gas fire table is like a stovetop, and doesn't always do much for ambiance.
While you can cook on both fire pits and fire tables, fire pits are easily converted to grills. Fire tables tend to be limited to toasted marshmallows and s'mores, but a fire pit can grill everything you can make on a charcoal grill.
Fire pit ideas come in a huge range of styles, from ornate, traditional styles to clean, hard-edged contemporary styles. Fire tables tend to be a little one-note, with either poly rattan or concrete designs.
A hardscaped fire pit can even help you sell your home. Landscaping expert Joe Raboine told me 'A fire pit can increase a home’s value, especially if they are installed as part of a defined area such as a paved patio.'
This simple fire pit is all you need. The handles make it easy to move around your space, and it comes with a spark screen to reduce the risk of fire.
If you don't like the smell of smoke, try a Solo Stove. Their fire pits are totally smokeless, bringing all the benefits of wood fires without the drawbacks.
I love the beautiful leaf design in this stylish boho fire pit. However, bear in mind that it's large, so it may not be to code in every county.
Fire pit drawbacks
Fire pits are much more dangerous than fire tables. Fire tables can be switched on and off, but fire pits are much harder to extinguish. If you add too much wood to your fire pit, it can quickly become too hot, whereas this can easily be adjusted on a fire table. On top of that, because fire pits are lower to the ground, they're a trip hazard and pose a particular risk for young children. Fire pit expert Andrei Newman told me that 'An open flame always poses a risk and can be dangerous particularly if there are small kids or pets around.'
Fire pits take up more room than fire tables. Fire tables can be incorporated into your outdoor furniture, but a fire pit has to be the focal point of a social space. Andrei Newman says 'Fire pits can consume more space and may not be suitable for smaller backyards.'
Andrei adds that 'Fire pits can also require special care when it comes to maintenance like removing ash and clearing the areas surrounding the fireplace to avoid fire hazards.' Fire pits are also prone to rusting. While it's simple to restore a rusty fire pit, it's not an issue with a fire table.
If you opt for a hardscaped fire pit, you'll find that it's a lot more work than buying a fire table. Landscaping expert Joe Raboine told me that 'A fire pit requires installation. Some can be installed by a skilled DIYer, but it may be best to consult with a professional contractor to ensure it is installed correctly.'
Whichever option you choose, fire pits can be subject to local ordinances. Unlike a fire table, different municipalities have different laws about the size and height of a bonfire, so not every fire pit is legal in every county. Joe says 'Homeowners should also consult with their local municipalities to ensure they understand local ordinances for installing a fire pit.'
Fire table benefits
Fire tables are a pretty simple concept. Joe Raboine says 'Fire tables are exactly as they are described – tables that incorporate fire elements, combining a table’s functionality with the warmth of a fire pit.'
This means they have a utility that a fire pit can't match. Andrei Newman says ' In addition to bringing heat, fire tables can be used for placing drinks or snacks and can also be built to provide a warm surface to the users.' Unlike a fire pit, which doesn't have a spot for drinks or plates, a fire table is perfect for hosting dinners.
Fire tables are much safer than fire pits because they usually run on propane. Joe Raboine says 'Fire tables are available with additional safety elements compared to fire pits, with controlled flames or other built-in safety elements.'
On top of that, fire tables are better for smaller spaces. Andrei says 'Generally, they come in a smaller size making it possible to fit even in crowded places such as balconies and patios.'
This simple fire table is archetypical. Made from poly rattan, it's inexpensive and easy to control.
At the higher end of the market, you're more likely to see concrete tables like this. UV resistant, it won't rust if you leave it in the rain.
Lots of fire tables come as outdoor furniture sets. These combine chairs and fire tables into a single bundle, saving you a lot of money.
Fire table drawbacks
However, fire tables have some significant drawbacks. The first is that they're rarely effective for heating. They're great for warming up hands, but they can't warm a space like a wood-fuelled fire pit. Andrei Newman says 'Fire tables do not offer sufficient warmth or cooking compared to fire pits.'
Fire tables are also much more expensive than freestanding fire pits. Andrei says 'The fire table’s price is one of its main disadvantages. These tables are usually more costly than standard fire pits.' While they're cheaper than hardscaped fire pits, Joe Raboine says that 'Fire tables won’t necessarily increase your home’s value like a fire pit, as it is not a built-in feature of the home. Higher-end fire tables can be expensive and compared to a built-in fire pit, may not provide the same level of sophistication for a space.'
Fire pits are much more stylish, with many more options. Fire tables all tend to look the same. Cheaper models are black poly rattan, and more expensive options are modern, concrete slabs. They also tend to have the same dimensions, so you have fewer options if your yard has an irregular layout.
FAQs
Can fire table rocks explode?
Fire table rocks can pop and shatter, but only under certain conditions. If the fire table rocks are left in the rain, they'll absorb water. When this water is heated, it expands, shattering the rock. It's easy to avoid - just don't leave your fire pit rocks in the rain.
Fire pits and fire tables aren't your only option for heating your space. It's also worth considering a patio heater for more practical warmth, though there are some big environmental factors to bear in mind.
