How to Choose the Perfect Fire Pit Tables

Dining and relaxing around an open fire are the highlight of many evenings spent socializing with guests and loved ones. Traditional gas and wood-burning fire pits have been around for years. However, the latest development in the world of fire pits is gas fire pit tables.

They are arguably the most stylish fire pits available and can range from merely functional to extraordinary. They are the trend in outdoor furnishings, and therefore there are many style options. A fire pit table is unique in that it doubles up as a piece of furniture.

A simple fire pit aims to keep a fire controlled and contained in one area and make it safe even in small courtyards. It enables you to enjoy your beautiful outdoor living space. 

The ambiance is created by having a fire pit alongside your dining or entertainment area and offering other favorable attributes such as supplying additional lighting and functional heat.

 

Fire Pit Height

Choosing a table size and height is dependent on its primary functions. Fire pit tables usually consist of 4 basic heights:

• Dining height. Typically accommodates dining chairs.
• Counter height. Great for an informal get-together where guests stand around or sit at bar stools.
• Occasional height. The lowest height pairs with deep seating patio furniture.
• Chat height. A little taller than Occasional height, ideal for chats around the fire pit table, which may incorporate taller, more formal patio furniture.

Dinner parties come alive with an elegant patio fire pit table at dining height. Most dining fire pit tables have ample space for dinnerware, with the flames contained by a protective mesh dome to protect you and your guests.

Other heights such as occasional or chat height create a stunning centerpiece to conversation, cocktails, or coffee.

Standard or Convertible?

Fire pit tables are available as a standard whereby the fire ring is uncovered or convertible, including a cover that fits over the fire ring concealing it. It allows you to use it as a stand-alone table. They are usually circular or square and crafted from various materials, including cast-aluminum marble, slate, and steel.

Some styles come with a grill tool, which fits nicely above the fire pit. It allows you to grill food such as kebabs or even s'mores while seated. Gas burning tables are more common than wood-burning and are perfect for those living in areas where wood burning is not permitted. It connects to the home's gas supply or runoff to an attached propane gas tank. Gas fire tables are easy to light, made possible by electric ignition.

If you prefer the classic aroma and authentic vibe of fire pits then, wood-burning models are for you. The delightful sound of the crackling fire, the familiar comfort of the mesmerizing warm flames it provides, and the burst of energy it brings never fail to capture its audience's attention.

Fire Media

There is a wide range of fire media to choose from when deciding upon a gas fire table design – ranging from pebbles, glass, ceramic logs, or lava. The flames are built into the middle of a table, providing a beautiful ambiance and warmth.

When deciding on a chosen fire media, multiple color options are available. Find one that fits perfectly into your existing decor. Choose a color or a combination to give your fire pit table a unique design twist. You can even add special reflective glass to add some sparkle.

As with most things, there are advantages to each choice:

• Glass provides a jagged crystal look and appears as crushed glass. It has the advantage of being pollutant-free, high heat retention, and lasts a lifetime. Glass also traditionally uses less gas than lava rock or ceramic logs. 

• Traditional wood logs offer the authentic fire pit experience. It provides warmth, produces a great sound of wood crackling, and has real smoke appeal. All the while, fire is completely contained.

• Reflective fire glass. Similar to classic fire glass with reflective qualities. It intensifies fire and produces an attractive flame display. It captures the vibrant reflection of the sun during the day, which gives it beauty without flames.

• Fire beads are similar to glass but bead-shaped. Flames move underneath their small, oval shape creating a uniform, fluid appearance to the blaze.

• Lava rocks/coals. Heat resistant volcanic rock is black and in stark contrast to flames. Coals are generally irregularly shaped and moderately large. They offer a natural earthiness to your table. Lava funks are popular with traditional fire pit dwellers due to their heat retention properties, great for cooking.

• Ceramic logs require ventilation, which is not a problem when using them for outdoor fire pit tables. However, they are considered the priciest but the least heat-generating.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Simplify the process by asking simple but necessary questions to keep your eyes focused on the goal. 

How will I use the fire pit? How many do I need to buy? How much am I willing to spend? How will I spend time using my fire pit? The latter may include the primary aim of entertaining, and therefore you may want it to be the centerpiece of your outdoor living area. But if you choose to use it as your outdoor sanctuary, then structure it so that Zen is the primary theme.

Your current style may already influence your area's design, whether modern, rustic, or traditional. If you want to use the fire pit table for serving food or drinks, choose your flame strength wisely.

Size and Shape of the Table