Fire Pit Buying Guide: Is a Gas or Wood Fire Pit Right for Your Arlington, VA Home?

Few things draw people together like a good fire. There’s no question that adding a fire pit can enhance your outdoor living area in many ways. This includes spending more time outside, enjoying the light and heat, and embracing a sense of ambiance.

Of course, you’ll have to make some important decisions to help you get the most out of this feature. One comparison that you might be considering is a gas vs a wood fire pit. 

Jump to Section

• Is A Gas Fire Pit Better Than Wood?
• Wood Fire Pit Pros & Cons
• Gas Fire Pit Pros & Cons
• Which Is Healthier - A Wood or Gas Fire Pit?
• Are Outdoor Gas Fire Pits Safe?
• Choosing Professional Fire Pit Installation
• Partnering with Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape in Arlington, VA

To help you decide, we’ve put together this buying guide to talk about wood and gas fire pit pros and cons, as well as answer some of your common questions.

Understanding all of the information out there will help you make an informed buying decision for your Arlington, VA or Northern VA home.

There is no concrete answer here.

A gas fire pit is not “better” than a wood one, just like a wood fire pit is not “better” than a gas one. There are both personal preferences and other key factors to consider in determining which is right for your property.

In deciding between a gas or wood-burning fire pit, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each. We’ll do that in the next two sections.

As with any buying decision that you’re making, the best thing that you can do is consider all of the information and then make an educated choice about what’s right for you and your property.

Wood Fire Pit Pros & Cons

Let’s dive into the wood-burning fire pit pros and cons.

Pro: Ambiance of a wood-burning fire pit

For a lot of homeowners, a wood fire pit is all about a campfire-style fire feature that has the smell and the sound of real-burning wood.

For some people, there’s nothing quite like that distinct aroma and the “crackle and pop” of a roaring fire. This can really help to add to the total ambiance of the experience.

Con: Wood storage/usage for wood-burning fire pit

Of course, to create this experience, you’ll need to have the wood on hand. This means gathering it or buying it ahead of using your fire pit. If you want to store wood, you’ll also have to think about a place where you can keep it (and keep it dry).

Again, for some, this is part of the experience. If you live on a wooded property, perhaps you envision gathering the wood yourself. And making the fire might be part of the fun. You’ll also need to tend to the fire to keep it alive, which might be another element that makes it fun for you.

Con: Smoke production of a wood-burning fire pit

There is also smoke to think about. With a wood-burning fire pit, there is going to be smoke. It’s what helps create that distinct aroma, but if you have a windy property, it could be a frustration.

You might like the smell, but you don’t want it to blow in your face. It’s another important consideration. If you live in a townhome or an HOA, smoke might also be a problem.

It’s not uncommon for some HOAs to ban wood-burning fire pits. If that’s the case where you live, then the decision may be made for you.

Gas Fire Pit Pros & Cons

In many ways, the gas fire pit pros and cons are the opposite of what you’d get with wood.

Pro: Convenience of gas

A gas fire pit is all about convenience. At the push of the button, your fire comes on. There is no time or effort involved in gathering wood or building a fire, and you don’t have to “tend to it” to keep it going.

It will also turn off as quickly as it came on, meaning you don’t need to watch it safely burning out. You can simply shut it off.

Pro: Customization options

If you already have gas services in your home, then we can run a dedicated line to your fire pit so that you never have to lug propane tanks around or refill them as needed. There is also some ability to get a bit more “creative” with a gas fire pit design. You could have a large ceramic fire bowl, for instance, filled with decorative stone or colored stained glass.

In this way, it almost becomes like a sculpture or a decorative feature that is appealing, even when it’s not turned on.

Con: “Not the same” experience

However, a gas-powered fire is never going to be able to fully replicate the smell, sound, or overall experience of a wood-burning fire pit.

For some people, that might be a deal-breaker. It feels like they’ll lose some of the ambiance, and perhaps why they envisioned having a fire pit in the first place. Some homeowners have told us that the smell and the sound are nostalgic for them. Building a fire with their children or grandchildren may also be part of the fun.

Of course, if you live in an HOA, it’s possible that gas might be your only option.

Which Is Healthier - A Wood or Gas Fire Pit?

We know that people often search for information on which is “healthier”...a gas vs. a wood fire pit? The truth is, this is more of an issue for an indoor fireplace, where you have to worry about indoor air quality. In that case, it could be argued that a gas fire pit is “healthier” because it does not release smoke into your indoor air.

With outdoor air, this is not quite the same concern as it is indoors.

But as far as pollutants, it is true that a wood-burning fire does release smoke and some particulates into the air. Gas-powered fire pits are virtually smokeless, so they are arguably the more eco-friendly choice.

Are Outdoor Gas Fire Pits Safe?

When installed properly and used correctly, outdoor gas fire pits are safe. Gas fire pits do emit carbon dioxide, so proper ventilation and ensuring that there are no cracks or leaks is important. This is why professional fire pit installation is so critical.

As far as comparing the safety of a gas vs. a wood-burning fire pit, it could be argued that gas is safer because it doesn’t produce embers or sparks. Knowing how to safely maintain a wood-burning fire is important if you have young children or pets around who could be burned.

But any fire, including a gas-powered one, always requires caution and care.

Choosing Professional Fire Pit Installation

Deciding between a wood or gas-powered fire pit might feel daunting. You can probably understand and even agree with many of the pros and cons. But ultimately, one will probably stand out as the better choice for your property.

One thing that is for certain, no matter which you choose, it’s better to opt for professional installation. That will help ensure that it’s installed properly so that you can be sure it’s safe and functional.

There are also local ordinances to adhere to when building a fire pit that a pro will understand.

For instance, in some municipalities in Northern Virginia, the law states that a recreational fire cannot be conducted within a certain number of feet from a structure or combustible material. The issue is further complicated by each municipality’s interpretation of these ordinances based on the specifications of each fire pit. This can become a bit overwhelming for most homeowners, but it is something an experienced landscape designer usually investigates.

While there’s a lot to understand, the onus is not on you. By choosing professional fire pit installation with a reputable company, you’ll be expertly guided through the process.

Partnering with Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape in Arlington, VA

We know this guide had a lot of information, but hopefully, it has already had you leaning toward a decision that is right for you. However, keep in mind that you’re not on your own!

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we are available to guide you in the process. After all, choosing between wood and gas is just one of many fire feature decisions you’ll have to make.

There are also spatial and shape considerations, seating, accessories, and other elements to consider. If you want to get the maximum value and enjoyment out of your new fire pit, you’ll want to make sure you have the right company building it.

By choosing to work with professional fire pit builders in Northern VA who have constructed numerous fire pits over the years, you can feel confident that your new fire pit comes together the way you envision and doesn’t have any dangerous problems to worry about.

At the end of the day, we feel you shouldn’t stress over these decisions, as the process should be fun and exciting. As a company that has designed and built many different types of fire pits over the years, we’re here to help!

If you’d like some guidance on adding a fire pit, request a consultation, get your customized plan, and relax knowing that you’re in good hands.