Patio Heating Options From Backyard Fire Pits to Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fire pits come in so many sizes, styles, and types, from fire tables to fire bowls. There are two types of fire pits to choose from: a propane fire pit or a wood burning fire pit. Consider these pros and cons when determining the type that’ll work best in your space:

Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Pros:

• Can be set up easily
• Are portable
• Can be used to grill food
• Produce more heat

• Require routine cleaning and maintenance
• Produce more smoke
• Can heat slowly and may be difficult to use in inclement weather
• Can be expensive to fuel with wood, especially in urban areas

Propane Fire Pits

Pros:

• Need to be connected to a propane gas line or tank
• but no smoke
• Aren’t suitable for cooking
• Require less maintenance (no ash)

• Aren’t portable
• Produce less heat
• Heat quickly and are easier to ignite in bad weather
• Are more affordable to fuel

If you’d rather build your own fire pit, here’s an easy tutorial that shows how to build an outdoor fireplace with concrete blocks and a fire pit bowl. If a full DIY feels like a heavy lift, try a fire pit project kit. It comes with everything you need and step-by-step instructions.

A fire pit table or an outdoor fire table is a combination of a patio table and either a gas or wood fire pit. It works like a patio fire pit and can be used for the same purposes — to provide warmth and light. It comes with a surrounding table, which provides a convenient place to put plates, games, drinks, cooking equipment and more. It’s a great option if you love entertaining friends and family outdoors.

Based on the type of fire pit you choose, you’ll need the right accessories. If you choose a propane fire pit, you’ll need a liquid propane tank. Backyard fire pits need covers to protect burners and structural elements from the weather. Lava rocks or fashionable tempered glass are additional items you can purchase for your propane fire pit or fire pit table. If you buy a wood burning fire pit you’ll need tools like a poker, tongs and a spark screen for safety.

Like fire pits, you can choose between an outdoor propane fireplace or an outdoor wood burning fireplace. Styles range from sleek and modern to embossed models with an old-world feel. Outdoor fireplaces are generally more expensive than a fire pit or chiminea, but they can heat a larger area and create a cozy environment for entertaining. An outdoor fireplace is heavier than a chiminea or fire pit, so it’s not a good choice if you want a portable heat source.

Originally created in Mexico, the chiminea was designed to keep rain and dew off the fire and maximize heating potential while requiring minimal wood for fuel. While you can find some chimineas made from clay, more common materials include steel and cast iron.

When you’re not using your chiminea, remember to protect it with a cover.

Patio heaters offer a different look for outdoor heating. Choose between an outdoor propane heater or an outdoor electric heater. Patio heaters are available in freestanding models, wall-mounted models and more, offering a variety of options for different outdoor spaces. Take a look at our Patio Heater Buying Guide to find the style, fuel type and options that work best for your home.