Wood vs. Gas Fire Pits

Fire pits make for a great addition to any backyard. They’re a perfect centerpiece for backyard gatherings and conversations, and can add a bit of warmth and comfort on brisk fall and winter evenings here in the Pacific Northwest. But when selecting your custom fire pit in Seattle, WA, which should you opt for: a wood or a gas fire pit?

Here are a few of the factors you’ll want to take into consideration:

• Time: Gas fire pits will light much faster than wood fire pits, and will provide a consistent level of heat. All you’ll need to do is push a button and the flames will light up. Wood fire pits, however, require much more effort to get the fire going. Once the fire gets going, it will provide continuous heat until you need to apply a new log.
• Energy efficiency: Gas fire pits are much more energy efficient than wood fire pits, because gas burns more cleanly and results in fewer emissions. Wood fire pits put about 28 pounds of emissions into the atmosphere with each use, which is about 99 percent more than what you’d get from a gas fire pit.
• Fuel: Gas fire pits run on liquid propane or natural gas, and wood fire pits require dry wood. Wood fire pits typically have to be larger to accommodate that wood, while gas fire pits are generally quite a bit smaller. You’ll need to make sure you have an adequate supply of fuel—where will you go to get your firewood or propane? You’ll also need to make sure you have adequate storage space. You’ll need a lot more storage space for wood than for propane, because you’ll burn through wood quicker than you would burn through gas.
• Cost: The cost of a wood pit depends on the kind of stone or brick used to make the fire pit. Expect the materials to range from $300 to $800, plus costs of labor for installation. Gas fire pit costs also vary widely depending on the price of materials. They can be in the neighborhood of wood fireplaces for total cost, or they can end up costing much more, depending on how difficult it is to get the gas line installed.
• Maintenance: Wood fire pits will generally be more work to maintain because of all the soot and ash left behind. They will need to be cleaned out from time to time, especially to prevent issues with creosote. Gas fire pits do not require much maintenance because the fuel burns clean.
• Safety: Both kinds of fire pits need to be used with caution. If a gas leak occurs with a fire pit, this could become a significant safety hazard if it’s not addressed appropriately. With wood-burning pits, it is important to make sure the fire is fully put out after each use.

For more information about the factors to consider when selecting a custom fire pit in Seattle, WA, we encourage you to contact the team at Custom Fire Art today with your questions.

Categorised in: Custom Fire Pits

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