How This Whole Experiment Started (And Why I Panicked at a Hardware Store)
My wife and I had just finished a patio refresh last spring — new pavers, string lights, the whole deal — and the one missing piece was a fire pit. I kept seeing gorgeous propane fire pit tables at neighbors’ houses, all sleek and effortless. But I also grew up sitting around wood fires at my grandfather’s place, and there is something about that crackling, smoky, primal experience that no gas flame can fake. So instead of just picking one, I bought both.
The propane setup went in first. Assembly was straightforward, and within about an hour I had a beautiful fire pit table sitting on the patio looking like it belonged in a catalog. The wood pit came a week later, and that is where my confidence got a little too big for its britches.
It was a Saturday evening. Twelve people were coming over for a cookout. I had watched exactly one YouTube video on “how to start a wood fire pit” and decided I was basically an expert. I crumpled up some newspaper, stacked a few logs in what I believed was the proper formation, and lit the whole thing. What followed was a ten-minute saga involving more smoke than a Hollywood action movie, a garden hose I grabbed in mild panic, and a log that rolled off the grate and onto the patio stones with a dramatic thud. My neighbor leaned over the fence and asked if I needed help. I told him no. He watched me for another five minutes and then just quietly went inside.
The fire eventually caught. My eyebrows were slightly singed on one side. Everyone laughed, nobody got hurt, and the s’mores that night were genuinely incredible. But the experience absolutely shaped how I thought about both fire pits for the rest of the season.
Propane vs Wood Fire Pit: What I Actually Learned After a Full Season
Convenience and Setup
Propane wins this category by a mile — and it is not even close. You turn a knob, press an igniter, and you have a clean, steady flame in about ten seconds. No kindling, no newspaper crumpling, no smoke in your face while you crouch on the ground trying to blow on tiny embers. For weeknight use after work when you just want to sit outside with a glass of wine, the propane table is absolutely unbeatable. I also appreciated that it doubles as an actual outdoor table when the lid is on, which is a genuinely smart design feature.
Atmosphere and Experience
Wood wins here, full stop. There is no substitute for the sound, the smell, or the randomness of a real wood fire. Guests always gravitated toward the wood pit when both were going. It creates a focal point in a way that propane just cannot replicate. If you are hosting a big backyard gathering, roasting marshmallows, or just want that deep campfire energy, wood is the answer. Just, you know, practice lighting it once before your twelve friends arrive.
Maintenance and Cleanup
Propane is almost zero maintenance. Wipe it down occasionally, check your tank level, done. Wood fires mean ash cleanup, periodic grate scrubbing, and storing dry firewood somewhere that stays dry — which in my yard is easier said than done. Neither is a dealbreaker, but if low-effort outdoor living is your goal, propane is your friend.
Cost Over Time
This one surprised me. Propane tank refills add up faster than I expected, especially when you are running a 50,000 BTU burner for several hours at a time. Firewood, at least in my area, is relatively cheap when bought in a cord or half-cord. Over the full season, the wood pit was noticeably less expensive to operate. If you use your fire pit frequently, that gap grows.
Safety and Regulations
Both require common sense and some basic precautions. With wood, always use a spark screen — this is non-negotiable — and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Never burn treated wood, trash, or anything that produces toxic fumes. With propane, check connections for leaks regularly using soapy water, never store the tank indoors, and follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidelines from structures. Check your local ordinances too, since some municipalities restrict open wood fires but allow propane.
What I Used: My Recommended Fire Pit Products
After a full season of testing, these are the specific products I used or would confidently recommend based on real backyard experience.
Propane Fire Pit Tables
- 45-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table with Lid and Waterproof Cover — This is a great all-around option for larger patios. The 50,000 BTU output throws serious heat, and the included waterproof cover and lid mean you can leave it outside without babying it. The rectangular shape doubles as actual patio furniture, which I love.
- Walsunny 43-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table (CSA Certified) — The CSA certification on this one gave me real peace of mind. Same 50,000 BTU range, clean rectangular styling, and it comes with a cover. If safety certifications matter to you — and they should — this is the one to look at.
- OutVue 32-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table with Drink Holders and Lava Rock — If you have a smaller patio or deck and still want that fire table experience, this compact version is excellent. The built-in drink holders are a surprisingly practical touch for entertaining, and the lava rock finish looks sharp.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
