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Gas Fire Pits vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pits

by Yardzen

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Modern metal bowl fire pit — Image via Curonian

Who doesn’t love an outdoor fire pit? Particularly after the sun goes down, people are drawn to the ambiance of a glowing fire like bees to honey. Once you decide you want one, you’ll need to learn about the types of fire pits to choose from. The biggest decision is the fuel source: do you want a gas-burning or wood-burning fire? And if you go with gas: would an installed gas line or a fuel tank make more sense?

WOOD BURNING FIRE PITS

Modern chiminea fire pit in back yard — **PROS**
It’s real fire. If you like to camp and get all the feels sitting around a burning fire roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, this might be the way to go
Image via Terrain

Roaring fire in modern bowl fire pit near pool — **CONS**
The smell. And the smoke. And you, of course, need to have wood on hand.
Image via Terrain

YARDZEN’S PICK

A stainless steel fire pit with two chairs and some fire wood around it — Solo Stove’s Yukon Ultimate Bundle
Hassle free and smokeless, create the ultimate backyard fire pit experience with this stainless steel firepit and accessories bundle. Featuring Solo Stove’s Signature 360° Airflow Design™, this 27” wood burning fire pit will give you a smoke free, roaring fire in minutes.
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Environmental impact of wood-burning fire pits

Burning wood does release emissions into the atmosphere, but you can greatly reduce the amount released by choosing seasoned fire wood. Wood is also technically a renewable resource, which is not true for gas. You should also source salvaged wood for your fire—from trees downed by a storm, for example. Some tree maintenance or landscaping companies will give salvaged wood to homeowners—or look for neighbors giving away wood on Craigslist or Nextdoor.

INSTALLED GAS LINE FIRE PIT

Modern gas line fire pit in back yard — **PROS**
Fire at the push of a button? Sign us up. Also, no smoke or smells. Image via Checkatrade

A fire pit in an outdoor sitting area — **CONS**
More costly to run a gas line. Yardzen customers on average pay $1,000 to run the line, depending on how close the fire pit is to gas. Image via Wayfair

YARDZEN’S PICK

A modern fire table by RH — RH’s Yountville Rectangular Fire Table
Pairing minimalist geometry with rustic, hand-hewn texture, the Yountville gas fire pit table offers a bold, elemental presence outdoors. Masterfully crafted of concrete composite for the look of weathered stone with natural lava rock, it is a durable, lighter-weight alternative to pure concrete or stone, and is rated at 65,000 BTUs.
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GAS TANK FIRE PIT

Modern propane fire pit — **CON**
Depending on just how much you enjoy sitting by the fire pit, you may be running to the hardware store often to refill your natural gas or propane tank. Image via Pottery Barn

YARDZEN’S PICK

A round fire pit in a fenced yard with wall plants — Williams Sonoma Home’s EcoSmart Fire Table Ark 40
Masterfully crafted from composite concrete, the Ark 40 operates with three fuel-type options: plumbed natural gas and liquid propane for outdoor use, or eco-friendly bioethanol for indoor/outdoor use.
The round fire table yields a clean-burning flame and ample surface space for holding glassware and appetizers, the modern fire table creates an inviting space for relaxation.
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MORE MODERN FIRE PITS >

Environmental impact of gas-burning fire pits

Gas-burning fire pits are generally more efficient, and release fewer emissions and potentially harmful particles into the atmosphere than an open-air wood-burning fire—but many modern smokeless wood-burning fire pits are designed to burn more efficiently and release fewer emissions via smoke. Neither burning wood nor gas is completely emission-free. If your home’s electricity is not sourced from fossil fuels, the most environmentally-friendly option would be to use an electric patio heater to create warmth in your yard.

CREATING A COZY BACKYARD DESIGN TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

Yardzen’s award-winning online exterior and landscape design service is tailored to homeowners with both large and small yards in all fifty states in the U.S. Our design process begins with understanding your outdoor space, style, and a discussion of your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build.

Our top-notch designers then develop a personalized vision for your yard, shared through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and plant and material lists. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, all while keeping costs within range.

Once your design is complete, we’ll help you connect with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional contractors to install your new design.

Ready to enjoy some s’mores around the fire pit in the outdoor living space of your dreams? Create your design profile or explore our professional backyard landscaping and exterior design packages today!

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