Fire pits are a great way to stay warm outside during the cool night hours or during the colder times of the year. Fire pits allow you to enjoy spending time outside well past dark by offering both mellow mood lighting and heat. Take your yard and learn how to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams and make the most of your patio furniture and décor.

Fire pits traditionally housed wood-burning fire, but gas fire pits (also known as propane fire pits or natural gas fire pits) have some advantages over old-school wood-burning fire pits. For one, they are easier to light. You don’t need any camping skills to get the fire going, nor do you have to chop and store wood in your yard. You also don’t need to put up with the smoke from the fire, which is a relief if you don’t like your clothes smelling like smoke. And, the size of the pit is more versatile because it doesn’t need to accommodate large logs. Plus, a natural gas fire pit will produce more steady heat because the fuel supply is always consistent.

Look at the space you have available for your outdoor propane fire pit. You need to allow enough room to walk around the fire pit comfortably, but you don’t want it to be too far away from your outdoor sofa or chairs. Sometimes a round fire pit will allow for easier movement because there are no hard corners, but the choice really depends on the layout of your outdoor furniture and space. You might also want to choose a propane fire pit table, which will give you and your guests a surface for placing drinks and small plates. An outdoor gas fire pit table is usually the size of a coffee table, but you can find smaller options if you are working with a smaller outdoor space.

Your final choice comes down to aesthetics. Consider what designs or materials will complement your current outdoor décor. And, think about the other ways you may improve your space with outdoor speakers or cozy backyard and patio lighting tips and ideas. If you want to host large gatherings outside in cooler temperatures, you might also need to invest in patio heaters to spread out the warmth, allowing you and your guests to keep enjoying that fresh outdoor air.