A fire pit is where you gather and connect to enjoy each other’s company for many people. The warmth of the fire, the light from it, and its crackling sound provide an atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else. To a home’s backyard, fire pits are one of the best additions. So how much do you understand about them?

You’ll need to consider a few things to choose the best one for your home, which could be challenging at times. There are many kinds of fire pits, pros and cons, and useful for different purposes. You might also examine some potential health and safety matters.

In this article post, I will answer all the commonly asked questions related to propane fire pits so that you can make an informed decision on what will work best for you. So, keep on reading till the end.

Which Is Better, Wood or Propane Fire Pit?

Two of the most popular options are wood and propane fire pits. The latter is the better option between these two, not only with a current selection in varying sizes. They are also clean, burning and quickly ignited. Additionally, propane fire pits are also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, with fewer fire hazards. Wood burning pits emit carbon monoxide, smog-causing nitrogen oxides and can be toxic for the air. They are more challenging to maintain and more prone to fire hazards. The ambience of nature and the smell of crackling wood are enticing, so a good alternative is burning wood pellets instead of traditional wood.

Woodfire pits require dried wood and are more significant in scale than propane pits. They both have portable fire pit solutions, but obviously, you would require wood for wood-burning fire pits, while you can conveniently transport gas LPG or propane tank. Gas fire pits are easier to store away but need a large tank for the gas.

It’s more challenging to store wood burning fire pits because you’ll need to keep them entirely dry in a safe location to prevent any danger. Wood can also hold termites, so keeping them away from your house would be ideal.

You’ll be saving more time with gas fire pits compared with wood burning fire pits. Because gas fire pits are more straightforward to light the flame and provide you with continuous warmth, many are portable. On the other hand, wood fire pits need new logs now and again to keep the heat constant (Start a fire with a click here). Propane fire pits are also more efficient than wood. However, these are not as easily installed as wood fire pits.

Wood Vs Gas

It won’t take too long to build a wood fire pit, even if you start doing it as a DIY project. Though installing a wood fire pit is more accessible, you’ll only need to press a button to use a gas fire pit.

With the wood fire pits, you need to collect wood in season and carry it around all year. You will require a little more planning. Propane fire pits are not as affordable to buy as wood ones. But considering their efficiency, they’re undoubtedly a better solution if the wood is not readily available in your location.

Are Propane Fire Pits Bad for the Environment?

Propane fire pits have a cleaner burn and produce fewer emissions to the environment. Although burning wood is a renewable energy source, it emits about 28 pounds of emissions to the atmosphere. Propane fire pits emit less percentage of carbon dioxide than charcoal and wood. And is not considered a greenhouse gas, propane is surprising listed as approved clean energy partly because they make almost 100% fewer fine particles that cause pollution.

Using a propane fire pit is not too problematic for the environment with low levels of carbon. Yes, propane emits a little waste that smells like rotten eggs, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and methane. Besides, because propane is natural and burns clean, it will not agitate people living with asthma, so you might want to choose propane fire pits because it’s cleaner and easier to breathe.

Does Propane Fire Pit Keep Mosquitoes Away?

In short, no. Propane fire pits do not keep the mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes don’t have a taste for smoke, which is present when you use wood fire pits. But with propane fire pits, the air is cleaner. You also produce carbon dioxide, for which mosquitoes and other flying insects have a liking.

Unless you’re making special modifications to your propane fire pit, you won’t repel bugs. You’ll have to use mosquito repellents to keep them away. There’s nothing to worry about if you’re using a wood fire pit as bugs don’t like smoke.

With propane fire pits, you can use certain kitchen herbs to keep the bugs at bay. Even if you aren’t using a wood fire pit, it’s a great idea to burn a few pieces of pinyon wood. These will smoke pretty well while also smelling lovely.

If you aren’t comfortable burning wood, you can use rosemary or sage on your gas fire pit. Something about these herbs effectively keeps the mosquitoes away. Besides, you can also use lemon balm and lavender to repel the mosquitoes away on those fun outdoor nights.

Should you put a Gas Fire Pit under a Pergola?

It is okay to have a gas fire pit under a pergola with mindful placement and proper ventilation. You’ll also have to engage in all the safety practices to avoid any harm coming to your family while you enjoy the ambience.

Although it isn’t safe to keep a fire feature inside an enclosed space, fire pits and pergolas surprisingly work well together. You’ll have to be very cautious about setting up the fire pit under the arbour. It’s a good idea to keep it well away from the furniture in your house.

As a result, you should have nothing to fear if your structure has appropriate ventilation and the ceiling can disperse the heat. Also, make sure you’re following all the fire pit safety protocols once you start using yours under a pergola.

 Are Propane Fire Pits Safe on Decks?

Though wood decks are highly combustible, it’s safe to place your gas fire pit on them but not wood fire pits. You’ll undoubtedly need to follow many safety precautions during and after your use of your propane fire pit.

If you wish to use a gas fire pit on the deck, you’ll need to determine if your decking can support the fire pit you want to buy. It must be large enough for your fire pit, with sufficient space after lighting it. Additionally, You’ll also need to think about where you’re going to put the fire pit on the balcony; you can read more about this by visiting here.

It’s ideal for placing it at the centre with enough space to the sides. If you already have a deck on which you’d like to place your propane fire pit, it’s best to measure the dimensions and weight accurately. Besides, it would also help to check with your city’s code and regulations before installing one on your deck.

You’ll want to consider asking all your questions to a deck expert. Your best bet is to buy a CSA-approved fire pit, and it also would be ideal for placing your fire on non-combustible surfaces like concrete or bricks. Spark screens will do an excellent job of keeping the embers and sparks away from the deck.

Do Propane Fire Pits Give off Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is lethal and a gas that is impossible to detect as it’s odourless and colourless. A propane fire pit gives off carbon dioxide as a normal reaction to the combustion process. Although a propane fire pit does give off carbon monoxide as a by-product, it doesn’t produce these gases in high amounts.

Carbon monoxide can pool in the air if you’re constantly lighting your gas fire pit in an enclosed space.

So, it’s imperative to keep your fire pit in an area that has proper ventilation. You’ll want a professional to inspect your fire pit from time to time to ensure your and your family’s safety.

Is it Safe for a Fire Pit under a Gazebo?

A gazebo with a fire pit inside isn’t the worst idea unless your gazebo is close-screened. If you’re using a wood fire pit, smoke will be unavoidable. Using a propane fire pit inside your gazebo is the safest option, but only when your gazebo is well-ventilated.

You’ll want to use fire screens to make the area safer, which I’ve already mentioned in one of the previous sections. Additionally, you’ll need to abide by all the safety precautions when you use a fire pit indoors, even if it’s a gazebo. I’ve mentioned some below.

• Consult with your city regulations and learn where the local rules prohibit you from keeping a fire pit.
• A fire extinguisher is nearby for emergencies.
• Keep children away from the fire pit.
• Make sure always to supervise the fire pit when in use.

If the walls on your ceiling start to crack, bake, or discolour, you can assume that the fire pit generates radiant heat. Smoke can lead to discolouration over time. If the gazebo’s ceiling is too low and there isn’t enough ventilation, it’s not the best idea to use a fire pit over there. But you’ll be alright as long as you’re taking all the safety precautions.

Where Should You Not Put a Fire Pit?

If you’ve placed it outdoors, the fire pit should be at least ten feet away from any flammable substance. That includes your house and the tree branches overhead. It’s best not to keep your fire pit on a wood deck if you’re using a wood fire pit. Experts strongly advise against placing your fire pit on grassy surfaces and enclosed porches.

Additionally, the chairs around your fire pit should not be too close, partly because it’s hot. The surface on which you’ll be placing the fire pit has to be steady. Keeping the fire pit in a place that has adequate ventilation is the most crucial point to remember.

Conclusion

A fire pit is among the most favourable features of your backyard space. It’s natural to be hesitant when you are thinking about getting one. However, there is little to dread as long as you exercise caution and have it installed correctly in an area with appropriate ventilation and safe from hazards.

I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends, maybe around the fire pit. Discover all about hosting a winter fire pit gathering here.