Deck Fire Pit Ideas: Are Fire Pit Tables Worth It?

Want to enjoy an outdoor fire at the push of a button? Looking for a way to break from the mold of traditional in-ground fire pits? A fire pit table may be the right investment for you. These practical pieces of outdoor furniture not only serve as a stunning focal point, but also help create an inviting and cozy atmosphere for dining, relaxing, or entertaining.

You may be wondering: What is the best fire pit for a wood or composite deck, and is a fire pit table that much better than an in-ground fire pit? Our experts have broken down the key facts about these popular outdoor additions so you can see for yourself why fire pit tables are the hottest trend in exterior decorating.

What Is a Fire Pit Table?

Fire pit tables are pieces of outdoor furniture featuring a fire pit in the center. These tables allow you to enjoy fires at your convenience while elevating the overall design of your outdoor space. There are two core types of fire pit tables:

• Fire pit tables: These structures are fully built tables with a fire pit in the center, which is often adjustable and typically surrounded by glass beads or other in-lays.
• Fire pit table inserts: These devices are the fire pit mechanism itself, which you can add to any custom piece of furniture to transform it into a fire pit table.

These tables and tabletops are designed to resist heat and act as a way to elevate the utility and comfort of the traditional fire pit. They’ve become a popular staple in both residential and commercial outdoor spaces, and many consider them the best fire pit for a wood or composite deck.

Benefits of Fire Pit Tables

Fire pit tables offer many of the same benefits as traditional fire pits (but with fewer drawbacks). They even offer a few unique benefits that you can't get with an in-ground pit. If, for example, you went the traditional fire pit route, you’d have to ask yourself how to build a fire pit on a wood or composite deck, whereas with a fire pit table, you can simply purchase and assemble it (no building required). Consider some of these additional features to help determine if a fire pit table is the right fit for you.

Fire Tables Provide Warmth

Just like a traditional in-ground fire pit, fire pit tables generate heat. Not only do they generate heat like a traditional fire pit, but they also offer flexibility that a standard pit doesn’t.

Fire pit tables offer even heat distribution and adjustable flames. You can customize the warmth output based on your preferences and the weather conditions. When looking for a fire pit table, make sure to consider each model's British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating, which indicates how much heat it can produce. If you prefer a toastier environment, opt for a fire pit table with a higher BTU. If you want a table simply to provide ambiance and not necessarily to heat your surroundings on a chilly night, stick with a lower BTU.

Fire Pit Tables Keep the Bugs Away

As a bonus, heat from a fire table can also help deter pests, including mosquitoes, without the bothersome smoke that comes with a traditional in-ground fire pit, torch, or candle. You can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about nasty bites, odors sticking to your clothes, or constantly moving to avoid getting smoke in your eyes.

Fire Pit Tables Offer Enhanced Fire Safety

Fire pit tables are designed with safety in mind. With multiple safety mechanisms in place, you can rest assured that the risk of accidents and burns is minimal compared to other outdoor heating solutions. Many fire pit tables operate on flammable gas, which comes with its own safety considerations. However, this fuel method can easily be turned on and off to instantly stop flames when you're ready to be done — unlike embers that can stay lit for hours after you’re done gathering around a traditional fire pit.

Fire Tables Extend the Time You Can Spend Outdoors

Fire pit tables allow you to spend more time in the great outdoors, even if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating with your plans. Since outdoor gas fire pit tables provide radiant heat, you can quickly warm up your outdoor space when the temperature unseasonably drops. 

Fire tables can provide you with outdoor comfort no matter the season. Enjoy the changing of the leaves, a peaceful snowfall, and the first signs of spring without a shiver as your outdoor fire pit table provides a comfortable outdoor experience year-round.

Fire Pit Tables Enhance the Beauty of Your Outdoor Space

The glow of a fire pit can create a warm and comforting atmosphere within your outdoor space. With so many styles and shapes, including round and square fire pits, you will surely find a design that complements your existing outdoor aesthetics. 

There is a tabletop fire pit for every ambiance. To create the feel of a cozy outdoor café, a coffee table with a firepit sets the stage for crisp mornings and cappuccinos warmed by a fire. For an evening dining experience, a tabletop fire pit can pull a space (and a family) together.

Fire Pit Tables Are Durable

Fire pit tables are durable and reliable, making them a long-lasting investment for your outdoor space. Unlike traditional in-ground fire pits, maintenance requirements are minimal. That means you can spend more time relaxing and entertaining around your fire pit table instead of cleaning out ashes or resealing surfaces.

Fire pit tables are designed with the elements in mind. Made with weather-resistant metals, stone, or composite materials, fire pit tables can withstand rain, wind, and UV exposure. Many brands and designs also feature special coatings or finishes, protecting a fire pit table from wear and tear and extending its lifespan.

There is a tabletop fire pit for every ambiance. To create a cozy outdoor cafe, a coffee table with a firepit sets the stage for crisp mornings and cappuccinos warmed by a fire. For an evening dining experience, a tabletop fire pit can pull a space (and a family) together.

In-ground Fire Pit vs. Fire Pit Table: Which Is Better?

Fire pit tables offer the perfect combination of convenience and ease of use for outdoor fire features. Unlike traditional in-ground fire pits, fire tables provide a hassle-free experience that makes it easier to enjoy your outdoor time. 

Here are just a few advantages fire pit tables have over in-ground fire pits:

• Less Cleanup: Fire pit tables minimize the mess and ash that come with wood-burning fire pits. With a gas fire pit table, you don’t have to worry about gathering firewood or dealing with the aftermath of cleaning up ashes (a great benefit when building a rooftop deck).
• Greater Control: Unlike an in-ground fire pit, fire pit tables are adjustable. You can easily control the flame height and intensity, creating a comfortable experience without the guesswork that goes along with traditional fires.
• User-Friendly Features: An electric fire pit features a simple button for turning the fire on and off, making it effortless to ignite and extinguish the flames.
• Quick Recovery: In the event of a summer rainstorm, covering a fire table is a breeze. Then, as soon as the rain passes, you can be back to enjoying the warmth and coziness of the fire without waiting for the wood to dry.

How to Choose the Perfect Fire Pit Tables

While your ideal fire pit table will likely depend on your style and needs, there are a few factors to keep in mind while shopping that can narrow your search for the best fire pit for a wood or composite deck:

• Fuel Type: Fire pit tables come in a variety of fuel types. The most common types are propane, natural gas, and wood. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider those before deciding. With wood, for example, embers can pop and land on your wood or composite deck, creating a burn mark that cannot be removed.
• Size: Larger fire pit tables may make your backyard feel more grand, but you don’t want your table choice to overcrowd your space.
• Style: Choose a fire pit table that aligns with your current backyard style. Fire pit tables are available in many different styles, so you should be able to find one that matches your aesthetic. 
• Safety Features: Make sure to choose a fire pit table with safety features that can protect you and your guests, such as spark screens and flame guards.
• Material: From steel to stone, choose a fire table material that matches your visual style and elevates your space. Remember that some materials can get hotter than others and may not be suitable for younger children.

If you’re considering adding a fire pit table to your outdoor space, check out the Trex Fire Pit Tables. Whether you’re looking for a standalone table or a stunning set, Trex offers the styles, shapes, and sizes to meet your needs.