There’s just something about a backyard fire that brings people together. Many outdoor living space designs now include a fire pit. Here’s a look at the three types of fire pits based on what kind of fuel they burn: wood, ethanol or natural gas/propane.

Wood Is a Classic Choice

Whether it’s a simple, portable bowl or a permanent installation, a wood burning fire pit creates the classic sight, feel, sound and smell of a campfire. If you have easy access to logs and kindling—along with some fire-starting know-how—wood can be a great choice. Built-up stone walls and a mesh screen cover can help reduce flying sparks.

Choose this type of fire pit and you’ll have the added bonus of coals for roasting marshmallows.

Ethanol for Your Fire Pit

Ethanol is a clean-burning biofuel that can be used to light some types of fire tables, vessels or pits. The benefits to ethanol are that it lights quickly and doesn’t create any smoke, ash or flying embers. Because it’s supplied in tanks or as a gel, no gas line is required, as with natural gas fueled units. Unfortunately, ethanol is not widely available and the flame created tends to be fairly small.

Fire Up with Natural Gas or Propane

If you want the beauty and warmth of fire and ease of use, a natural gas or propane fire pit might be best for you. Ignition is easy: Just push a button and you’ll have dancing flames. Gas-fueled units can take many forms, from vessels to fire tables to more traditional-looking fire pits.

To finish your gas-fueled fire pit, you can choose lava-type rocks, crushed glass or a set of ceramic gas logs. Log sets (like the one shown below) come in a variety of styles and are meant to be viewed from all angles, making them perfect for gathering around.

Choosing from Three Types of Fire Pits

Sorting through all the options for a fire pit can feel overwhelming. We’re happy to help you design the perfect spot for you to enjoy evenings outside with friends and family. Just contact us for a consultation.