It's a beautiful night outside, so you gather your family together and head out to your deck. You flip a switch, and within a matter of seconds, you and your family are sitting around a beautiful fire, talking, laughing, and enjoying the weather. You've created the ultimate gathering spot just a few short steps from your house. At the center of it - your gas fire pit.
Not only are gas fire pits the easiest, safest, and most hassle-free way to enjoy an outdoor fire, but they also don’t produce smoke or sparks, and are simple to maintain. Lighting the fire is as painless as pushing a button or flipping switch.
Without the hassle of starting a wood fire, avoiding smoke, and watching out for sparks, you'll be free to enjoy uninterrupted quality time lounging around your gas fire pit with the ones you love.
If you're looking for the perfect gas fire pit for your deck, but don't know where to start, we've got you covered with the top fire pits of 2019!
What makes these the top fire pits for decks?
We chose each fire pit in this list based on its size, weight, material, clearance requirements, and overall aesthetics.
The size and weight of a fire pit play a significant role in whether or not it will work for a deck. You have to make sure that your deck structure can support the added weight of a fire pit and that the fire pit isn't too large or heavy to move it onto the deck. Plus, it needs to look good!
The Best Gas Fire Pits for Decks in 2019
36" Square Plymouth by The Outdoor Plus
$3,150.00 & up
Wood Deck Installation: Requires a non-combustible base
What makes it great:
The Plymouth is the perfect size to make a statement on your deck without overpowering the space. It can double as an outdoor table, hides a propane tank inside the base, and features a beautiful faux wood grain finish that's durable and easy to maintain.
Key features:
The 65,000 BTU stainless steel burner is compatible with both natural gas and liquid propane. Choose between two sizes, three color options, lava rock or fire glass, and a match-lit or automatic ignition system.
Do you have a combustible deck?
For installation on wood, vinyl, or composite decks, you'll need to place a non-combustible base or pad underneath your fire pit. You can purchase a prefab fire pit pad or create your own out of pavers, brick, cement, or any other non-combustible materials.
Key Largo by The Outdoor GreatRoom
$1,519.05 & up
Wood Deck Installation: No base required
What makes it great:
The Key Largo is lightweight, easy to assemble, and hides a propane tank, making it perfect for a deck. The linear design features a stucco base and stainless steel top that looks at home in both modern and traditional outdoor spaces.
Key features:
The striking Crystal Fire burner system produces up to 100,000 BTU's of heat and creates a beautiful flame display. Use the included burner cover to seamlessly convert the Key Largo into a tabletop when the fire pit's not in use. Choose between a push-button or automatic ignition system to control the fire.
Pro Tip:
Automatic ignition systems make controlling fire easy. They can pair with a wall switch, hand-held remote, automated pool controller, or Smart Home system.
Manta Ray by Fire Pit Art
$1,999.00 & up
Wood Deck Installation: Requires a non-combustible base
What makes it great:
The Manta Ray features a unique, expertly crafted, maintenance-free design that looks beautiful with and without a fire. At 100lbs, you'll be able to carry this lightweight fire pit up to your deck with ease, as long as you have an extra set of hands handy.
Key features:
This fire pit is handcrafted in the USA from 1/4 inch thick steel and features an iron oxide finish. The high-quality, all-brass burner produces 120,000 BTU's, and incredibly natural-looking flames. Available with a match-lit ignition or an AWEIS with built-in safety features.
Pro Tip:
The rust color from the patina can stain your deck. To protect the surface below your fire pit, use it with a non-combustible base or fire pit pad.
Moderno III by Prism Hardscapes
$905.00 & up
Wood Deck Installation: Requires a non-combustible base
What makes it great:
The Moderno III is perfect for decks and outdoor areas with limited space. The durable, high-quality construction and modern bowl design add style and elegance to any setting.
Key features:
Moderno III fire bowls are handcrafted in the USA from GFRC and finished with a custom patina finishing process. Available in natural gas or liquid propane, each fire bowl comes with a match-lit ignition system and 65,000 BTU stainless steel burner. Bonus - add on the matching side table to hide your propane tank from view!
WHAT IS GFRC?
GFRC stands for glass-fiber reinforced concrete. It's just as strong and durable as traditional concrete, yet much lighter in weight. It's often used in decorative applications and to create architectural elements.
Milan Linear by American Fyre Designs
$3,891.00 & up
Wood Deck Installation: No base required
What makes it great:
With a low-profile, 16" height and thin, linear design, the Milan is an ideal fire pit for your deck. It's approved for installation on combustible surfaces and features extra space around the perimeter to set drinks, snacks, and even rest your feet.
Key features:
Handmade in the USA from GFRC, this fire pit comes in four colors and is available in natural gas and liquid propane fuels. Controlling the fire is easy with the AWEIS, and the tempered glass wind guard ensures your fire won't go out, even if the wind picks up.
WHAT IS AN AWEIS?
AWEIS, or All-Weather Electronic Ignition System, is the most durable and safest electronic ignition system on the market. Key features include flame sensing technology and windproof design.
Forma Corten by The Outdoor Plus
$1,949.00 & up
Wood Deck Installation: Requires a non-combustible base
What makes it great:
With the smallest size weighing in at only 70lbs, the Forma is lightweight enough to make moving it up onto your deck easy, yet sturdy enough to provide a reliable and stylish centerpiece to gather around night after night.
Key features:
The Forma is constructed of durable corten steel and features a unique rust patina finish that will darken over time. Each of the three size options is big enough to store a propane tank, and you can customize the 90,000 BTU burning display with fire glass or lava rock. Choose between a match-lit or automatic ignition system.
With the right gas fire pit, even a dull deck can become a hot spot!
If you've been thinking about installing a gas fire pit on your deck, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
What are the clearance requirements? Check the fire pit owner’s manual for clearance requirements. This will help you determine which fire pits are best for your deck and if you will need a non-combustible base. Generally, you will need a minimum of 3 feet of clearance from the sides of the fire pit and 6 feet above the burner, though some fire pits may require more.
A note on clearance requirements: All fire pits require a certain amount of space between the open flames and surrounding combustible materials. These are known as clearance requirements or clearance to combustibles.
Does your city allow fire pits on decks? You’ll need to check your local city ordinances to find out if a fire pit is approved for installation on your deck, or even in your backyard. Every city has different requirements for clearance to combustibles and which fuel types are okay to use in residential outdoor spaces, so it’s essential that you check these before you purchase a fire pit.
How much do you want to spend? Determining your budget up front will help you narrow down the list of gas fire pits you have picked out. It will also help to influence the type of ignition system you choose (manual or automatic), and if a custom-made fire pit is right for you.
Natural Gas or Liquid Propane? Decide which source of gas you want to use. Read up on the benefits of natural gas and propane here to help you choose.
We're here to help
Find out even more about putting a fire pit on your wood deck in this in-depth article. If you'd like to talk about installation requirements or need help picking out a gas fire pit for your deck, call our team of NFI certified experts at (800) 919-1904!