Should I Use a Metal Fire Pit or a Concrete Fire Pit?

When it comes to designing your landscape, there’s nothing quiet like a luxurious and modern outdoor fire pit.

A fire pit can immediately add a unique touch of class, elegance, and style to your outdoor space. From a practical purpose, it’s also perfect for cozying up with a good book, glass of wine, or roasting some delicious s’mores with family and friends.

But when it comes to finding the right outdoor fire pit for your space, this can be a little trickier than you might first imagine.

Modern fire pits are available in several different styles, shapes, designs, and materials. When selecting a fire pit for your landscape, you want to be sure you’re choosing the right one to match your aesthetic and atmosphere.

Here, we’re taking a closer look at this popular outdoor feature and helping you decide on this classic debate: should I go with the metal fire pit or a concrete fire pit?

Benefits of a Fire Pit for Your Outdoor Space

Not only are modern fire pits safe and fun to use, but they also add a unique and aesthetically-pleasing aspect to your outdoor space.

A fire pit can serve as the perfect centerpiece for your landscape design and can encourage friends and guests to explore other parts of your yard.

Why are so many families implementing fire pits as an integral part of their outdoor spaces? Well, just take a look at a few of the many benefits:

1. Year-round enjoyment: depending on your local climate, you may only really get to enjoy your outdoor space for a few months out of the year. Well, with an outdoor fire pit, that all changes. The warm flame from your fire pit can create a warm, inviting atmosphere no matter the time of the year. Cozy up with a blanket and a glass of wine or hot chocolate and embrace the simple yet alluring dance of an open flame. If you’ve committed to your landscape design, shouldn’t you enjoy it longer?

2. Unique dining experience: fire pits aren’t just eye-catching—they have a practical purpose, too. Many homeowners love to use their fire pits as a cooking tool, especially when the weather gets warmer outside. Simply put a grill rack over the open flame to enjoy some delicious barbecue and grilling options. Looking for something sweeter? A fire pit is the perfect spot to roast up some delicious s’mores for the conclusion of your next party or family get together.

Increase your property value: a fire pit, along with other popular backyard landscape features, can also dramatically increase the property value of your house.

In many ways, this is also seen as a safer bet compared to other features.

Compared to some other landscape choices that can be difficult to reverse or remove, a fire pit can easily be removed if the incoming buyer doesn’t want one.

However, odds are that anyone would love to have this feature as part of their yard.

Metal Fire Pit or Concrete Fire Pit?

The classic debate when it comes down to finding the right fire pit for your outdoor space comes down to the materials.

Fire pits may be made from a variety of materials, including stone, aluminum, stainless steel, or concrete. Generally, fire pits are broken down into two major categories: metal fire pits and concrete fire pits.

While both styles offer all the benefits previously mentioned, there are distinct differences that you should be aware of before making this purchase.

Concrete fire pits fit well with almost any landscape design and offer a classic, timeless look for your outdoor space. They also offer a sense of warmth and coziness that can be perfect for those summer (or winter) nights spent curled up around your fire pit.

However, concrete fire pits require a bit of maintenance as they will need to be sealed once a year to prevent damage from the weather.

A metal fire pit, on the other hand, requires less maintenance as these are made with materials designed to withstand the natural elements.

They may be a bit pricier on average, but they tend to be easier to clean and maintain. Metal fire pits can add more of a modern appeal to your outdoor space with sharper lines and edges.

So, which fire pit is right for your landscape? Well, it all comes down to your needs and taste. Both types of fire pits offer warmth, style, and fun to your outdoor space.

It really just comes down to cost, maintenance, and how the design of your concrete or metal fire pit will fit in with the rest of your landscape.

How Do I Provide Fuel to My Fire Pit?

When it comes time to bring the heat, fire pits can be fueled from a variety of different sources. These may include a propane tank, natural gas line, or even function as a wood burning fire pit.

The fuel source is important when considering how and where to place your fire pit. For example, you certainly don’t want to position a wood burning fire pit too close to your home or other structures that could catch a stray ember.

On the other hand, with a natural gas fire pit, you need to keep in mind the distance between your fire pit and the gas source.

Stretching a natural gas fire pit too far away from your fuel source can lead to complications and expenses for your landscape design.

Conclusion – Should I Use a Metal Fire Pit or a Concrete Fire Pit?

No matter the size or style of your landscape design, a modern fire pit can be the perfect cherry on top.

Whether opting for a metal fire pit or a concrete fire pit, these outdoor features can transform your space and help you enjoy it throughout the entire year.

Modern fire pits can offer unique cooking opportunities, open up your space, and create a space for your family and friends to kick back and relax.

In the end, either a metal fire pit or concrete fire pit can be perfect for your outdoor space—it’s all about your personal style.