How to Choose the Perfect Fire Pit for Your Backyard

Estimated 11 minute read

There’s something timeless about gathering around a fire. Whether it’s a quiet evening with family, entertaining guests on the patio, or simply unwinding after a long day, a fire pit naturally becomes the heart of an outdoor space.

But choosing the right fire pit isn’t always as simple as picking the one that looks best in a photo. The perfect fire pit should match your lifestyle, your backyard layout, your design style, and how you actually plan to use your outdoor space.

At Flame Havens, we help homeowners and professionals alike, create outdoor environments that feel welcoming, comfortable, and built to last. If you’re shopping for a new fire pit, here are the most important things to consider before making your decision.

 

 

START WITH HOW YOU’LL USE YOUR FIRE PIT

Before comparing shapes, sizes, or finishes, think about how your fire pit will actually be used. The way you expect to spend time around the fire can help narrow down your options before you begin comparing individual models.

Are you looking for:

• A centerpiece for entertaining guests?
• A cozy gathering spot for family nights?
• Supplemental warmth for chilly evenings?
• A modern design feature for your patio?
• A luxury poolside focal point?

The way you plan to use your fire feature will help determine the ideal size, fuel type, ignition system, and overall style. 

For example, homeowners and commercial locations who host large gatherings often prefer larger rectangular fire pits with ample seating space, while smaller patios may benefit from compact round or square designs that create intimacy without overwhelming the area.

 

(Left) a woman is shown opening a hidden drawer in her fire pit to reveal a 20 lb propane tank underneath. (Right) A natural gas hardline install fire pit shows it's underground plumbing.

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FUEL TYPE: PROPANE OR NATURAL GAS

One of the biggest decisions when choosing a fire pit is selecting the fuel source.

Propane Fire Pits

Propane fire pits are popular because they’re flexible and relatively easy to install. Since they use a hidden propane tank, they can often be placed almost anywhere without running a gas line.

Propane is a great option if:

• • You want installation flexibility
  • You may rearrange your patio layout
  • Your home doesn’t already have a natural gas connection
  • You prefer a simpler installation process

Many homeowners also appreciate that propane typically produces a vibrant flame appearance with strong heat output.

Natural Gas Fire Pits

Natural gas fire pits connect directly to your home’s gas supply, offering continuous fuel without needing to refill tanks.

Natural gas is ideal if:

• • You use your fire pit frequently
  • You want lower long-term fuel costs
  • You prefer permanent outdoor installations
  • You’re building a complete outdoor living area

While installation is more involved, natural gas systems provide exceptional convenience for long-term enjoyment.

A group of family and friends are gathered around a round Refuge series fire pit at evening in a stunningly modern backyard.

CONSIDER YOUR BACKYARD SIZE AND LAYOUT

A fire pit should complement your outdoor space; not overpower it.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing a fire feature that’s either too large or too small for the patio.

For Smaller Patios

Compact round or square fire pits often work best. They maintain comfortable walking space while still creating warmth and ambiance.

For Medium to Large Patios

Rectangular and linear fire pits can help anchor seating areas and create a more luxurious design aesthetic. Their longer proportions also pair naturally with outdoor sofas, sectionals, benches, and other furniture used in larger entertaining spaces.

Poolside Areas

Fire bowls and fire & water features can create dramatic visual impact while maintaining an open, elegant feel around the pool. They can also be positioned strategically throughout the landscape to add warmth, movement, and visual interest without requiring one large central fire feature.

As a general rule, leave enough space around the fire pit for seating and safe movement throughout the area. Be sure to consider nearby structures, landscaping, traffic paths, and manufacturer-recommended clearances when deciding on final placement.

THINK ABOUT HEAT OUTPUT

Not all fire pits produce the same level of warmth. Burner design, fuel delivery, flame size, and the surrounding environment can all affect how much heat people actually feel when sitting nearby.

Heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and the right amount depends on your environment and expectations.

If your goal is primarily ambiance, moderate BTU output may be perfectly sufficient. However, if you want meaningful warmth during cooler evenings, you’ll want a higher-performance burner system.

Factors that affect perceived heat include:

A well-designed fire pit balances both aesthetics and functional warmth.

 

(Left) A husband and wife sitting near a Gray Refuge 36" Round GFRC Concrete Propane Gas Fire Pit, (right) a couple are talking around a White Refuge 56" x 30" Rectangle GFRC Concrete Propane Gas Fire Pit during the day in their backyard.

 

PICK A FIRE PIT SHAPE THAT MATCHES YOUR STYLE

Your fire pit will likely become one of the most noticeable design features in your backyard, so style matters. Its shape can reinforce the architectural lines of your home, complement your furniture layout, or become a deliberate contrast that draws attention to the fire.

Round Shaped Fire Pits

Great for conversation and traditional gathering spaces. Their circular shape naturally encourages seating on multiple sides and helps create a relaxed, communal atmosphere around the flame.

Square Shaped Fire Pits

Offer a balanced, versatile look that works in both modern and transitional designs. Their symmetrical proportions make them easy to center within patios, courtyards, and square or U-shaped furniture arrangements.

Rectangular Shaped Fire Pits

Popular in contemporary outdoor spaces and ideal for larger seating arrangements. Their elongated shape works especially well in front of outdoor sofas, between opposing seating areas, or along the edge of a spacious patio.

Linear Fire Features

Create a dramatic architectural appearance and pair beautifully with modern patios and luxury outdoor living areas. A long, narrow flame can emphasize the horizontal lines of a landscape and create a striking visual element without requiring an oversized footprint.

At Flame Havens, we’ve seen homeowners completely transform their patios simply by choosing a fire feature that complements the overall design language of their home.

UNDERSTAND IGNITION SYSTEMS

Ignition systems play a major role in convenience and overall experience.

Match Lit Systems

Simple and reliable. These systems are manually lit using a lighter or match. Their straightforward design can make them an appealing option for homeowners who prefer uncomplicated operation with fewer electronic components.

Push Button Ignition

Adds convenience while maintaining straightforward operation. A push-button system can make lighting the fire faster and more controlled while still keeping the basic operation easy to understand.

Electronic Ignition Systems

Premium systems designed for fast startup, weather resistance, and enhanced reliability. Depending on the system, electronic ignition can also integrate additional safety and control features that make regular operation feel more seamless.

Electronic ignition systems are especially popular in luxury outdoor spaces and permanent installations because they provide a cleaner, more seamless user experience.

 

Featured is a close-up of black reflective fire glass inside of a rectangular white fire pit.

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIRE MEDIA

The material surrounding the flame significantly affects the overall appearance of your fire pit.

Fire Glass

Modern, reflective, and available in a wide variety of colors. Its polished surface catches the light from the flames, creating added sparkle and visual depth, particularly in contemporary fire pit designs.

Lava Rock

Natural and rustic with a traditional look. Its porous texture and earthy appearance can work especially well in landscapes that use stone, wood, or other natural materials.

Ceramic Logs

Ideal for fire pit and fireplace-style aesthetics. They recreate the familiar appearance of a wood fire while allowing the fire feature to operate with the convenience of gas.

Fire glass has become especially popular in contemporary outdoor spaces because it reflects light beautifully and creates a clean, upscale appearance.

DON’T OVERLOOK MATERIALS AND BUILD QUALITY

Outdoor fire pits are constantly exposed to weather, moisture, temperature swings, and UV exposure.

That’s why material quality matters.

Look for:

• • Stainless steel burners
  • Durable ignition components
  • Weather-resistant finishes
  • Proper drainage systems
  • CSA-certified components

Premium construction doesn’t just improve longevity; it also improves safety, flame consistency, and long-term performance.

A high-quality fire pit should feel like a permanent extension of your outdoor living space, not a temporary accessory.

SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST

A professionally designed gas fire pit is extremely safe when installed and used properly.

Still, there are important considerations:

• • Proper ventilation
  • Clearance from structures
  • Correct fuel connections
  • Wind exposure
  • Safe seating distances
  • Certified components

Choosing a fire pit from a trusted company helps ensure the system is designed with safety, durability, and performance in mind.

INVEST IN AN OUTDOOR SPACE YOU’LL ACTUALLY USE

The best fire pit isn’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive one; it’s the one that fits your lifestyle and encourages you to spend more time outdoors.

A thoughtfully chosen fire feature can turn an unused patio into a favorite gathering space for years to come.

Whether you’re creating a cozy backyard retreat, designing a luxury outdoor entertaining area, or planning a complete poolside transformation, the right fire pit helps bring everything together.

At Flame Havens, we believe outdoor spaces should feel warm, inviting, and built around meaningful experiences. Choosing the perfect fire pit is the first step toward creating that atmosphere.

 

FIND THE RIGHT FIRE PIT FOR YOUR BACKYARD

Bring your plans into focus with the Flame Havens Refuge Series. Explore round and rectangular GFRC concrete fire pits in propane and natural gas configurations, with black, gray, and white finishes to complement your outdoor space.

Compare sizes, features, and pricing to find the model that fits your seating layout and fuel setup.