Buying guide for best fire pit tables
There’s something welcoming and inviting about gathering around a roaring fire. If you do a lot of entertaining in your yard, a fire pit is the perfect addition to your outdoor setup. And even better than a standard fire pit is a fire pit table, which provides warmth and light and offers a surface for glasses and plates.
A fire pit table is just what it sounds like: a sturdy outdoor table with a cutout in the center for a fire pit. The table surface can vary in size, but it’s large enough to hold beverages and small plates of food. The fuel for the fire pit is typically contained in a cabinet beneath the table, so you have easy access when it’s time to replenish it. If you want both a fire pit and a table in a smaller space, a fire pit table is an ideal option.
Use our buying guide to learn all you need to know to choose the best fire pit table for your yard. If you still can’t decide, our product recommendations can help make your shopping even easier.
Key considerations
Fuel type
Fire pit tables use different fuel types. While they’re all effective at creating a fire that illuminates and warms, you may find some more convenient to use than others.
Propane fire pit tables are the most widely available. The table connects to a propane tank that’s hidden in a cabinet beneath the table surface. A propane fire pit table may cost more up front, but the fuel costs over the long term are fairly affordable. Propane is easier to ignite than wood or charcoal, too.
Natural gas fire pit tables must connect to a natural gas line. That means you never have to replace a gas tank, but the table must stay in a fixed location. It must be professionally installed, too, which can be expensive.
Wood fire pit tables are probably the most traditional option and most closely resemble a bonfire. A wood fire can be harder to start than gas, and it requires more tending than other fuel types. There can be greater safety risks with a wood fire pit table, too, and some municipalities have laws governing the use of wood-burning devices on covered porches or patios.
Charcoal fire pit tables provide a controlled fire that burns evenly, but it’s usually relatively small. Starting the fire can take time and effort, too, and buying charcoal can get pricey.
Bio-ethanol fire pit tables are an ideal option if you’re concerned about your table’s environmental impact. Bio-ethanol is a green fuel that burns cleanly and doesn’t produce any smoke, ash, or embers. These fire pit tables typically cost more to operate.
Gel fire pit tables burn cleanly, like bio-ethanol, so they don’t create any smoke, ash, or embers.
Material
Fire pit tables are made with a variety of materials. Some are more durable than others, but the material also affects the table’s style and appearance. The most common options include the following:
Steel fire pit tables are available in a wide array of styles and shapes, but they must be powder-coated to prevent rust. Steel is available in several stains, so you can match the table to the other furniture in your yard.
Stainless steel fire pit tables have a sleek, contemporary look and come in a variety of shapes. They’re weather and rust resistant, making them highly durable. And stainless steel is lightweight, so it’s easier to move the table if necessary. You can find these tables in a variety of finishes, too. Keep in mind that stainless steel tables can be pretty pricey.
Aluminum fire pit tables are even more lightweight than stainless steel, making them highly portable. They’re also naturally rust and corrosion resistant and won’t crack or warp. Aluminum fire pit tables don’t require much maintenance, but they may not be as durable as those made of other materials.
Cast aluminum fire pit tables are much heavier than aluminum tables because they don’t have any hollow components. They’re extremely sturdy but more difficult to move. Cast aluminum resists rust and is suitable for use year-round, no matter the climate.
Bronze fire pit tables offer a particularly attractive look thanks to the patina they develop with prolonged exposure to the air. They’re highly durable and don’t rust, but you’ll typically pay more for a bronze model.
Copper fire pit tables also develop a warm patina over time. They offer excellent durability and resist rust, but they carry a higher price tag.
Wicker fire pit tables feature the classic look of woven wicker but have a metal frame underneath to make them heat safe. The wicker offers a rugged, natural look that some homeowners like, but it isn’t as durable as other materials, and the wicker can fade with prolonged sun exposure.
Fiberglass fire pit tables are lightweight and durable. The fiberglass often replicates the look of polished stone.
Faux stone/polyresin fire pit tables offer the look of natural stone and are highly durable. They’re lightweight and easy to move around, too.
Natural stone fire pit tables are made from real stone and are extremely durable. They’re also very heavy, so they’re not easy to move. They’re more expensive than nearly any other type of table, too.
Caution
Placing a fire pit mat beneath a fire pit table can protect your patio from scorching or other possible damage.
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Features
Size
Fire pit tables are available in a range of sizes, so it’s essential to consider the size of your outdoor space, the arrangement of the furniture you plan to place around the table, and how many people you usually entertain.
In a small yard, a 20- to 25-inch inch fire pit table is an excellent option. However, if you have a larger space and want to fit more people around it, you may want a model that’s 40 to 48 inches in size. You can also find fire pit tables that fall between these ranges, so size your table accordingly.
Ignition
To get the most use out of your fire pit table, it’s important to consider how difficult it is to ignite the fire. Wood and charcoal models can be a hassle to light, but propane and gas tables usually have a button or switch to make it easy to light the fire.
Heat
If you want your fire pit table to provide significant warmth, pay attention to its heat output. In general, you want 20 British thermal unit (Btu) per square foot for heating power. Multiply by 20 the square footage of the location where you’re placing the table to determine how much heat output you need.
Extras
Some fire pit tables come with accessories to add to the table’s ambience. You can find models that include faux logs, lava rocks, or glass beads to give them a more decorative look.
For your safety
It’s a good idea to purchase a fire blanket to keep near your fire pit table. You can use the fire-retardant material to smother flames on items or people around the pit.
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Accessories
Outdoor dining chairs: UrbanMod Modern Dining Chair Set
If you want to eat at your fire pit table, you’ll need a good set of chairs around it. We love this set from UrbanMod because you get two attractive and comfortable chairs that are easy to put together.
Outdoor sectional set: Ohana Collection 7-Piece Outdoor Sectional Set
If you want to use the area around your fire pit table for lounging, surround the table with an outdoor sectional set. This one from the Ohana Collection is a favorite because it comes in multiple colors and features weather-resistant cushions.
Caution
Don’t wear loose clothing or flammable materials like nylon when you’re lighting or sitting around a fire pit table.
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Fire pit table prices
Fire pit tables vary in price based on size, material, heat output, and other features. Most cost between $100 and $5,430.
Inexpensive: The most affordable fire pit tables are small to medium models made of aluminum, steel, or other metals. Some fiberglass and polyresin fire pit tables fall in this price range, too. The heat output is usually 40,000 Btu or lower. You’ll pay between $100 and $820 for these models.
Mid-range: These fire pit tables are usually medium to large models made of fiberglass, polyresin, aluminum, steel, and other metals. You can find some small fire pit tables made of real stone in this price range, too. Their heat output is usually 40,000 Btu or higher. You’ll generally spend between $820 and $2,010 for these tables.
Expensive: The most expensive fire pit tables are medium to large models made of real stone or extremely high-quality metals. Their heat output is usually at least 45,000 Btu. You’ll typically pay between $2,010 and $5,430 for these models.
Tips
Check local regulations. Before you purchase a fire pit table, check your local ordinances to make sure that the table is permitted in the city or town where you live. Some jurisdictions don’t allow them at all, while others have specific rules about where you can place one.
FAQ
Q. Is a fire pit table safe to use?
A. If you use your fire pit table properly, it’s safe. Take the time to study the manufacturer’s instructions so you know the proper safety procedures before lighting your pit for the first time. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand when you light the fire pit, too. Make sure to start with a small fire, and only use a fire starter if recommended by the manufacturer.
Q. What’s the best spot in my yard to put a fire pit table?
A. You should place your fire pit table at least 10 feet away from any buildings or other structures in your yard, and 20 to 25 feet away from your home, garage, or shed is even better. Avoid placing the table beneath any type of overhang, including branches from nearby trees.
Q. How do I maintain my fire pit table?
A. It helps to add a spark screen to the table to prevent sparks and flames from escaping and damaging surrounding surfaces. After each use, make sure to clean out any ash or other residue inside the pit to ensure that it always burns cleanly. When you’re not using the table, protect it from the elements with a furniture cover.
