There is nothing quite like spending a brisk evening outside next to a fire during the Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA spring days and nights. Spring brings that perfect weather to be outside, but it isn’t exactly warm enough to do so without being fireside. Most Ohioans turn to a fire pit as a solution. There are different fire pit options. We are here to review wood vs gas fire pits and to help you decide which one is right for you.
Regardless if you have a fire pit, fireplace, fire table or fire bowl; any fire feature you have for the outside of your home is sure to become a focal point and central gathering place of your outdoor living space. You need to find the one that is right for you and your home.
Outdoor fire features are generally divided into two categories based on the type of fuel that they use: gas or wood. Gas fire pits work with propane or natural gas, while wood fire pits require the use of dry wood. Let’s compare wood vs gas fire pits.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Wood burning fire pits are considered timeless and classic. If you want that traditional bonfire experience and the ability to cook food around your fire, a wood fire pit may be the best choice for you. Without question wood burning fire pits and fireplaces are unmatched in rustic ambiance.
Pros
- No additional plumbing or connection to a gas line required
- Fast and straightforward installation
- More affordable than gas fire pits
- Boosts aesthetics of the outdoor living space
- For some people there is no substitute for the smoky aroma of a crackling wood burning fire
- Wood is a renewable resource
Cons
- Not clean burning
- Wood fire pits emit around 28 or more pounds of emissions into the atmosphere every time they’re used
- Smoke can irritate neighbors and people with vulnerable respiratory systems
- Communities may have rules and regulations against wood fires
- Not always easy to start
- Chopping, buying, and storing wood can be an annoyance
- Requires work to keep the fire burning
- Can cause fire hazards
Gas Fire Pits
Natural gas fire features require a gas line to be installed, but are the simplest option, after the initial installation. Propane fire pits are typically designed tables that contain a small fire powered by the same propane as your grill. If you prefer a fire that is easy to start and maintain, a gas fire pit may be a good solution for you. With a gas fire pit, you can just turn it on and enjoy.
Pros
- Burns cleanly with relatively few emissions
- Quick and easy to light
- No smoky smell or odor
- Less community rules and regulations around having them
- Run continuously without having to tend the fire
- Fewer fire hazards than wood fire pits
Cons
- Produces less heat than a traditional wood fire
- Should not cook food above them
- Food can get in the grates, stones, etc. and ruin the fire feature and gas outputs
- More expensive
- On average, they cost about 60% more than wood fire pits
- There are installation costs and if you use your fire pit often, the cost of gas and propane could add up fast
- On average, they cost about 60% more than wood fire pits
- Gas lines and propane tanks can be dangerous
Is a wood or gas fire pit right for your Northeast Ohio or Erie, PA home? Only you can answer that question; however, you should make your choice based on your personal preferences and specific situation.
If anyone in your family has asthma, you should avoid a wood fire pit. If you are in a dense urban area with community guidelines and regulations and close neighbors, the community rules may make the decision for you. If you live in a rural area with no neighbors, you are less restricted. Do you like the challenge of building a fire, or the instant gratification of simply turning on the heat? Would you like to make s’mores, hot dogs, and other food items above your fire, or do you use your fire more for ambiance and warmth?
At Litehouse Pools & Spas, we have a large variety of fire pits to choose from. Whether you have decided on a wood vs gas fire pit, we have options for you.
Visit us online, in store, or contact us today to start heating up your Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA spring.