Light My Fire: Backyard Fire Pits for Every Budget

Fire pits can create a beautiful, calming ambiance in your backyard. Regardless of your yard size or budget, you can find a fire pit option that fits right in. And your investment won't be going out of style anytime soon. Fire pits are expected to grow more popular over time. And although wood-burning fire pits are still the most popular, other types (like propane) are gaining traction.¹

While there are smaller DIY fire pits that you can make yourself or buy at a retail store, if you want to ensure your fire pit is safe, high quality and built to last, consider hiring a contractor to help you build and install one.

But where do you start? This guide will walk you through choosing the right fire pit for your budget and backyard space.

There are so many benefits to a backyard fire pit that you won't regret the investment:¹

• Creates a cozy, low-stress ambiance.
• Provides warmth on chilly evenings: With a fire pit, you can spend time in your backyard year-round.²
• Enhances the aesthetics of outdoor spaces.
• Facilitates outdoor cooking and roasting activities.
• Provides a potential 56% return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased property value to potential buyers.³ Generally, your ROI is higher if you choose a custom-built fire pit rather than a prefab unit.⁴

Your fuel choices include:⁵

• Charcoal: Cheapest, safer than wood (no sparks) and little smoke.
• Natural gas: Efficient but more costly to install. Produces less heat than wood, but it's low maintenance and brings a higher resale value.
• Wood: Traditional but messy (needing replenishing and ash disposal). You'll have to watch for embers and sparks.
• Propane: Gives off less heat than wood or charcoal but burns efficiently. Needs maintenance on the fire ring, plus replenished firestones for a traditional feel. You'll need to refill the propane tank.
• Electric: Efficient and safe.

Carefully consider the material used to build your fire pit. Below are the most common choices:⁵

• Stainless steel: Great for intense heat, inclement weather and colder climates due to heat conductivity.
• Concrete: The price increases as you choose more decorative concrete blocks.
• Brick: Appealing appearance, but requires fire-safe bricks on the interior. Bricks radiate heat, which is great for cold weather.
• Stone: Unique look with different colors and shapes.

There are more choices to make beyond fuel and materials:

• Prefab vs. custom.⁴
• In-ground fire pit: Costs more than above-ground due to soil excavation.⁷
• Above-ground fire pit: Creates a cozy feeling and costs less than in-ground.⁷
• Smokeless: Special inserts to reduce smoke. Includes double walls and secondary combustion that burns wood or charcoal to ash in order to reduce smoke.⁹

What style do you want your fire pit to be? Do you want a classic look or a more rustic campfire feel? Do you want an outdoorsy ambiance or something more elegant and modern? Should it be cozy and intimate, or larger and more ornamental?

The style also includes the seating area. Plan for two feet between a gas pit and the seating, or at least three feet between a wood fire pit and the seating.² The shape of your fire pit is another major style choice. Options might include circular, square, rectangular or hexagonal. Typically a rectangle is the most expensive shape and a hexagon is the least costly.⁷ You may also need to choose the color, depending on the material.¹⁰

Depending on your needs, you may want to add some features to your fire pit:⁴

• Fire glass
• Safety screens
• Fire grates
• Built-in seating⁷
• Outdoor hardscape⁸
• Landscape lighting⁶
• Lava rocks for a gas fire pit⁷
• Fire pit ring⁷

When choosing a fire pit, the size of your yard is important. Note that having a smaller outdoor space doesn't preclude you from enjoying the warmth of a fire. If you have an especially narrow yard, you might consider a long, linear fire pit.¹⁰

As your space opens up a bit, so do your fire pit possibilities. Some fire pits are freestanding, some can double as tables when not in use, and some have a removable cooking grate so you can use your fire pit in multiple ways.¹⁰ If you have even more space and a bigger budget, consider setting yourself up to lounge in front of a larger outdoor fireplace. These can cost considerably more but come in beautiful styles with the same fuel choices as fire pits. You'll need more workers and more time to get it installed, and you'll need to do yearly chimney sweeping.⁶

Here are a few additional factors to consider when choosing where to put your fire pit:⁴

• There should be no trees, overhanging branches or dry brush nearby.
• The ground should be level and not sloped.
• Ask your contractor if you need a permit, which is more likely for fire pits that require electrical ignition switches or gas lines.

If you want to maximize your fire pit's value and get the most out of your investment, consider these tips:²

• Invest in durable materials for longevity.
• Opt for a multifunctional fire pit with cooking features.¹⁰
• Incorporate seating and lighting for comfort and ambiance.¹⁰
• Consider long-term maintenance costs and ease of upkeep when choosing your fire pit, including the fuel type.
• Take precautions when it comes to fire safety, overhanging branches and possible embers.⁴

Fire pits can be a wonderful addition to your backyard, encouraging moments of relaxation as well as fun times with friends and family. Just make sure you do your due diligence before hiring a contractor so you can find the fire pit that's just right for your budget and space. There are plenty of options, from wood to propane, from brick to steel. With a focus on safety first, you can create a magical space that your entire family will enjoy.