Fire Pit vs Fire Table — Which Should You Choose?

A fire feature is the social anchor of an outdoor seating area — the place where people gather, conversations extend late into the evening, and the season stretches into October. The choice between a fire pit and a fire table, and between wood-burning and gas, comes down to how you'll actually use it.

Fire Pit vs Fire Table: The Basic Difference

Fire Pit A bowl or ring structure that contains a fire. Can be built-in (masonry ring, cut stone) or portable (metal bowl on legs).

Proportions: larger flame visual, more campfire aesthetic, lower seating angle around the fire.

Fire Table A table-height surface with a gas burner in the center. Often combined with surrounding table surface for drinks and plates.

Proportions: lower flame visual than a large fire pit, more refined aesthetic, convenient as a functional table.

Wood-Burning vs Gas

Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Pros:

• Authentic fire experience — smell, crackle, unpredictability
• No gas supply needed
• Larger, more dramatic flame
• Less expensive to install (no gas line required)

Cons:

• Requires wood management (storage, drying, procurement)
• Ash cleanup after every use
• Smoke management (wind shifts, neighbors, HOA)
• Fire management — you can't turn it off instantly

Best for: casual outdoor use, properties with space for wood storage, homeowners who enjoy the traditional fire experience.

Gas Fire Feature (Fire Table or Built-In Gas Pit)

Pros:

• Instant on, instant off
• No ash, no smoke
• Consistent flame
• Can be connected to natural gas (no propane management)

Cons:

• Gas line installation cost ($500–$2,000 typically)
• Propane management if not connected to natural gas
• Less dramatic flame than a wood fire

Best for: entertaining-focused households, HOA communities with open fire restrictions, homeowners who want low maintenance.

Built-In vs Portable

Built-in fire features are part of the hardscape design — constructed in stone or masonry, permanent, and aesthetically integrated with the outdoor living space. Higher cost, better aesthetic, no relocation.

Portable fire features (metal bowls, portable propane tables) can be moved and stored, lower cost, and require no construction. Aesthetically less integrated.

HOA Considerations

Many Chester County HOAs restrict open wood-burning fires. Gas features with a glass bead or stone media fire are often permitted where wood fires are not. Check HOA documents before choosing.

Contact us to design your fire feature and outdoor living space

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Also read:

• Outdoor Living Space Design
• Outdoor Living Design Guide
• How to Plan an Outdoor Living Space
• Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas

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JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating