Wood Burning or Gas Firepits – What’s Better?

Firepits have become a popular addition to outdoor spaces, offering warmth, ambiance, and a gathering point for friends and family. When choosing between wood-burning firepits and natural gas firepits, there are several factors to consider. We’d also recommend experiencing both wood burning firepits and gas powered firepits, as well as talking to the respective owners, so that you can make an informed decision.

While natural gas is typically the best option for gas fire features, propane tanks are conveniently hidden to enable gas features where natural gas plumbing is unavailable or difficult to reach.

Solid Structures incorporates firepits (and other fire features such as gas fire bowls and gas tiki torches) into custom backyard designs on a regular basis all over the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake areas of Coastal Virginia. Therefore, they will be able to properly advise you on the best location options for convenience, safety, and aesthetics. Solid Structures has custom designed and installed outdoor kitchens all over the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake areas of Coastal Virginia. We offer the highest quality types of firepit inserts and other fire feature components. Please check out our Fire Features Gallery and Hardscape Installation pages for more information. If you’d like a design consultation, please Contact Us to get your project started.

Wood Burning Firepits and Fireplaces

Pros:

1. Authentic Ambiance: Wood-burning firepits provide a rustic and authentic campfire experience, complete with crackling sounds and the scent of burning wood.
2. Cost-Effective: Wood is generally more affordable than natural gas, making wood-burning firepits a budget-friendly choice.
3. Versatility: You’re not tied to a gas line, giving you the flexibility to place your firepit anywhere in your outdoor space.
4. Aromatherapy: The aroma of burning wood can add a pleasant fragrance to your outdoor area.

Cons:

1. Maintenance: Wood-burning firepits require regular cleaning of ashes, and you need to store and manage firewood.
2. Smoke and Emissions: Wood fires can produce smoke and emissions, impacting air quality and potentially bothering neighbors.
3. Less Convenient: Starting and maintaining a wood fire can be more time-consuming and require more effort compared to gas firepits.

Gas Firepits (and other gas fire features)

Pros:

1. Clean and Efficient: Natural gas fire pits produce fewer emissions and smoke, creating a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.
2. Convenience: With a natural gas line connection, starting and extinguishing the fire is as simple as flipping a switch.
3. Low Maintenance: There’s no need to store firewood or clean up ashes, reducing maintenance efforts. Keeping a constant supply of seasoned wood is a task.
4. Adjustable Flame: Most gas fire pits allow you to control the flame height, giving you more control over the ambiance.

Cons:

1. Installation Costs: Setting up a natural gas line can be expensive initially, including professional installation and potential trenching.
2. Fixed Location: Once installed, the fire pit’s location is determined by the gas line, limiting your flexibility in positioning.
3. Less Traditional Ambiance: Some might argue that the ambiance of a gas fire pit doesn’t quite match the rustic charm of a wood-burning fire.

Conclusion

Choosing between a wood-burning fire pit and a natural gas fire pit ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and the level of convenience you desire. Wood-burning fire pits offer a nostalgic and authentic experience but require more maintenance. Natural gas fire pits are more convenient and environmentally friendly but involve higher initial costs. Consider your priorities, space, and lifestyle before making your decision. Whichever option you choose, a well-designed fire pit will undoubtedly become a focal point of your outdoor living area, providing warmth and creating lasting memories.

If you are looking for a backyard oasis in the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or larger Coastal Virginia area, please contact Solid Structures.