Outdoor spaces are an energizing summer retreat for families when the indoors get too cramped with heat and moisture. And ever since outdoor furniture trends and outdoor patio décor ideas have seen a rise, several ways have been introduced to elevate the look and feel of the patio. Whether with the help of home furniture placed outdoors during the summer or an outdoor dining set coupled with chairs and a fire pit, there are many ways in which people decorate their outdoor setups.
One sure way to improve the style of your backyard is to add a gas outdoor fire table. A gas patio fire pit table is a modern fireplace that complements various outdoor furniture themes and settings. If you are also wondering about adding an outdoor dining table with a gas fire pit, this article will guide you through all you need to know about a gas outdoor fire table.
What is a Gas Fire Pit Table?
A gas-lit fire pit that also serves as a table is known as a gas fire pit table. A fire pit table is a more sophisticated variation of a basic fire pit, performing two jobs in one. A fire pit table can be broken down into three primary parts: a solid or four-legged base, a tabletop, and a slit or compartment in the center of the tabletop that houses the fire. The distinctive feature of fire pit tables is their tabletops, which are composed of heat-resistant concrete and other stone materials. You may set tableware, drinkware, and other non-flammable items on them.
How Does a Gas Fire Pit Table Work?
Every fire pit uses fuel for the ignition of fire, and in a gas fire pit, the fuel is propane gas. Fire tables are powered by gas, which might come from a propane tank or an underground gas connection. A fire glass is used to hide the gas burners from view since most people would prefer to stare at something more attractive than a gas burner while they are lit. This tempered glass has been designed specifically for handling and burning safely. The tempered glass cover makes the fire pit look appealing and perfect for modern backyard settings.
Many people opt for a gas fire pit because it saves the hassle of throwing logs, fuel, and fire into the pit and ruining the look of the patio with a thick cloud of smoke that arises from burning wood. Also, a gas fire pit is neat, doesn’t have loads of ashes as waste, and is very easy to clean and maintain. Due to these reasons and several others, a gas pit outdoor table is becoming a popular outdoor pick.
Pros and Cons of Gas Outdoor Fire Table
Are you planning to purchase a gas fire pit table for your backyard? Below are some pros and cons of using gas fire pits over other outdoor fire pits.
Weather Friendly
Gas fire pits are weather friendly all year round, whereas in other types of fire pits, such as wood, windy or rainy weather can cause the fire to burn off.
Mess-Free
A big benefit of gas fire pits is that they do not create any mess. When the knob is turned off, the fuel supply is cut, and the fire goes away. There are no ashes to clean, no burnt residue, nor a greasy fire pit that can need to be replaced after some time.
Easy to Control
A propane fire pit table’s flame burns from a propane tank concealed in the table’s base and is simpler to manage than wood or coal fueled fire pits. It’s a great feature for creating various heat intensities and settings, as most of the gas operated fire pit tables come with a knob setting on their sides that let you alter the fire settings. Simply flip the knob or valve to the off position to switch off a gas fire.
Safety Hazards
A gas fire pit, just like any other fire pit, is also very dangerous for the backyard. Especially for wooded backyards, an open gas fire pit flame is highly prone to accidents and hazards. Also, for gas fire pits, the hazard of clogged nozzles can cause serious accidents. If the fire pit is utilized indoors, this is very risky. If one of those nozzles clogs, the blockage and gas building up will forcibly propel out in a burst of flames causing accidents.
Not Suitable for Cooking
Many people prefer a two-in-one fire pit that does the job of providing heat and outdoor cooking too. But for a gas fire pit, the cooking cannot be as ideal as other fueled pits. This is because using propane often makes food taste weird and does not often provide the same wood-fired flavor as other forms of fire.
Expensive
A big reason why people inclined more towards wood or coal fire pits is the high cost of gas fire pits. Besides the high initial cost, the regular maintenance for gas fire pits is also necessary, raising expenses. Examples of this maintenance include monitoring the gas lines for leaks and changing the gas canisters as they deplete.
What To Consider When Choosing Gas Outdoor Fire Table
An outdoor fire table must be a one-time long-lasting purchase for the backyard and offer a certain quality needed for it to survive outdoors. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a gas outdoor fire table.
Size of Fire Pit
The size of the fire pit depends on the size of the backyard and your furniture placement. For central fire pits, ensure a setting that allows even heating on all sides. Also, when searching for the best time to buy outdoor furniture, look for materials that can withstand the heat from a fire pit.
Additional Features
Some fire pits have features and qualities that make them ideal for double use. For instance, a fire pit table can have a top covering that can be put in place to make it useful as a dining or coffee table.
Tank Storage
One common concern with gas fire pits is the storage of gas tanks if you need a proper supply. Make sure to create a separate compartment under the table, which is away from the rain, so the tank doesn’t catch rust.
Heat Output
Is your region hot or cold? This additional factor could affect the heat output that will be most suitable for you. Gas fire burners don’t have a high heat output compared to wood fire pits.
