A fire pit is a smart addition to your backyard that extends the outdoor entertainment season by weeks or even months, ensuring that guests can stay cozy and warm during any outdoorsy get-together. For homeowners along the Wasatch Front, from the breezy evenings in Bountiful to the crisp mountain nights in Salt Lake County, an outdoor fire pit isn’t just a luxury—it’s a central hub for gathering family and friends. At Croft Fireplace, we believe your outdoor space should be as inviting as your living room, which is why we curate top-tier brands like Fire Garden to bring world-class ambiance to your Utah patio.
Why Add an Outdoor Fire Pit to Your Backyard?
Adding a fire feature to your Utah home transforms an underutilized patio into a year-round destination. Beyond the obvious benefit of warmth, a fire pit creates a natural focal point for social interaction. Whether you are roasting s’mores with the kids after a day at Lagoon or enjoying a glass of wine under the stars in Sandy, the flickering flames provide a relaxing ambiance that modern technology cannot replicate.
Furthermore, a well-chosen fire pit increases your property value and “curb appeal” from the backyard inward. In our local market, outdoor living spaces are highly coveted. By installing a high-quality fire feature, you are effectively adding square footage to your home’s usable entertaining space. It bridges the gap between the indoors and the rugged beauty of our Utah landscape, allowing you to enjoy the view of the mountains even when the temperature begins to dip. When you invest in a premium system, such as a Fire Garden linear fireplace, you are installing a piece of functional art.
Types of Outdoor Fire Pits
When you begin your search to buy [an] outdoor fire pit, you’ll find that the variety of designs can suit any aesthetic. Understanding the different types of outdoor fire pits is the first step in narrowing down your search.
Fire Pit Bowls
Fire pit bowls are one of the most versatile and popular options available. These units are more mobile than tables and hold either logs or glass beads. Their low profile allows for a 360-degree view of the fire, making them perfect for circular seating arrangements. If you enjoy rearranging your patio furniture for a special event, a bowl is an excellent choice.
Fire Pit Tables
If you are looking for a piece of furniture that is as functional as it is beautiful, a fire pit table is the way to go. For those who want the gold standard, the Fire Garden Chat Table is a phenomenal option. It features the award-winning Voracious Fire™ burner, providing a massive, mesmerizing flame while offering enough surface area for drinks and appetizers. This is particularly useful for smaller patios in Salt Lake City where space is at a premium.
Tabletop Fire Pits
For those with limited space, tabletop models are ideal. A firepit tabletop model sits on your table and takes up minimal room. These provide a lovely flickering light for intimate dinners and are a great entry-level option for homeowners who aren’t ready for a full-scale gas line installation but want to add some “fire-side” charm to their outdoor meals.
In-Ground Outdoor Fire Pits
For a permanent, traditional feel, in-ground fire pits offer a classic “campfire” experience. These are built directly into your landscaping, often using stone that matches your home’s exterior. Many homeowners choose to use Fire Garden’s Voracious Fire™ Pit Burners for these projects; these round or square customizable burners are ready to be dropped into a custom-built stone surround, giving you professional-grade flame performance.
Fuel Options for Outdoor Fire Pits
The fuel you choose will dictate the maintenance and overall “vibe” of your fireside experience.
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fire Pits
Many homeowners prefer wood because it gives a nice aromatic and relaxing sound. There is a ritualistic quality to stacking logs and lighting a match that many Utahns love. However, wood-burning pits require a steady supply of dry firewood and produce smoke, which may not be ideal for neighborhoods with close property lines or during high-wind days common along the Wasatch Front.
Propane Outdoor Fire Pits
Liquid propane is the most popular option for those seeking convenience. Propane fire pits ignite with the turn of a knob. The fuel is stored in a tank, often hidden inside the base of the unit. This is a “clean” burn, meaning no smoke or ash to clean up. Many Fire Garden models can be configured for propane, offering a high-output flame without the need for permanent piping.
Natural Gas Outdoor Fire Pits
If your home is equipped with a natural gas line, this is often the most cost-effective and convenient fuel source. Fire Garden excels here, offering Complete Linear Fire Pits that arrive fully assembled and ready to be hooked up to your gas line. This is a popular choice for gas fireplace installation projects where the homeowner wants a seamless outdoor lounge setup.
Converting Between Propane & Natural Gas
If you switch your mind about fuel type down the road, it is possible to convert a natural gas firepit to a liquid propane firepit (and vice versa) using a special kit. Because the process involves adjusting orifices and pressure regulators, it’s highly recommended that you reach out for help with gas fireplace conversion in Salt Lake City, UT to ensure the job is done safely.
Outdoor Fire Pit Materials & Durability
The outdoor fire pit materials you select will determine how well the unit stands up to Utah’s diverse weather.
Steel Fire Pits
Steel is a favorite for its longevity and weight. You will find options in stainless steel, which resists rust. For instance, Fire Garden’s Linear Complete Fire Pits come in a sleek graphite powder-coated finish that provides a contemporary look while protecting the metal from salt and moisture.
Stone & Concrete Fire Pits
Stone is heavier and a good choice if your fire pit is staying in one spot. Pre-cast concrete fire pits have become incredibly popular in modern Utah landscapes because they can be molded into sleek shapes. These materials offer high thermal mass, holding heat long after the flames are extinguished.
HDPE & Composite Fire Pits
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lumber looks like wood but is nearly impervious to insects and rot. This material is often used for the bases of fire pit tables, as it requires almost zero maintenance and won’t splinter or crack in the dry Utah climate.
Cast Iron & Aluminum Options
Cast iron is incredibly durable and excellent at radiating heat, though it is heavy and prone to rust if not covered. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a lightweight, rust-proof alternative. Its resistance to the elements makes it a practical choice for the Wasatch Front.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fire Pit
Evaluate your space first. If you have a long seating area, a Fire Garden Linear Fire Pit Burner can create a stunning “wall of fire” effect. Next, consider your lifestyle. If you want a “plug and play” experience, go with gas. If you crave the crackle of a real fire, stick with wood. Finally, think about the BTU output; the Voracious Fire™ burners provide a larger flame than standard models, which is essential when the mountain air gets truly cold.
Outdoor Fire Pit Safety Tips
Safety is paramount. Always place your fire pit on a non-combustible surface like stone or concrete. If you are using a fire pit on a wooden deck, ensure you use a protective fire mat. Keep a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from your home or any flammable structures. Never leave a fire unattended, and for gas units, ensure all connections are tight and perform a leak test annually.
Installation Considerations for Outdoor Fire Pits
Whether you’re looking for the best gas fireplace in Salt Lake City, UT, or you need help with installing your fire pit, reach out to Croft Fireplace now. Professional installation is key for gas-powered units to ensure there are no leaks. This is especially true for high-performance units like Fire Garden’s 4024 or 6424 Linear Gas Fireplaces, which require precise framing to look their best.
Where to Buy Outdoor Fire Pit Options Near You
If you are looking to buy [an] outdoor fire pit in Utah, visiting a showroom is the best way to see the quality in person. Croft Fireplace is a proud dealer of Fire Garden products. We serve the entire Wasatch Front:
- Bountiful, Utah: 530 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, UT 84087 | (385) 855-1775
- Salt Lake City, Utah: 1140 E Brickyard Road #21, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 | (801) 820-0919
Bring Your Backyard to Life with the Perfect Outdoor Fire Pit
Don’t let another beautiful Utah evening go to waste. A fire pit is more than just a heater; it’s an invitation to disconnect from screens and reconnect with family. Whether you choose the dramatic flicker of a Tempest Torch or the expansive warmth of a Fire Garden Linear Fire Pit, your backyard can become your favorite room. Reach out to Croft Fireplace today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of outdoor fire pits?
For portability, fire pit bowls are excellent. For multi-use functionality, fire pit tables like the Fire Garden Chat Table are the top choice.
What outdoor fire pit materials last the longest?
Stainless steel and powder-coated metals are among the most durable materials for the Utah climate. Fire Garden’s graphite finishes are specifically designed for outdoor longevity.
Is propane or natural gas better for an outdoor fire pit?
Natural gas is more convenient for permanent installations. Propane is better for portable units or areas where running a gas line is too difficult.
Can I install an outdoor fire pit on a deck?
Yes, but you must use a gas-powered model and a fire-rated mat. Many Fire Garden models are designed with safety in mind for various surfaces.
How much does it cost to buy outdoor fire pit models?
Prices range from a few hundred dollars for basic bowls to several thousand for premium, high-BTU units like the Fire Garden Voracious Fire™ series.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fire pit?
In many Wasatch Front cities, portable gas fire pits do not require permits. However, permanent natural gas lines may require one. Always check your local city ordinances in Salt Lake or Davis County before beginning a permanent installation.