Are you ready to hop on the bandwagon and get a wildly popular fire pit or fire table? They add a touch of warmth and their mesmerizing flames attract friends and family to gather near and make s’mores or just enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. While gas-powered devices are a great addition to your backyard oasis, you do need to carefully plan their placement. Take into account these considerations when installing an outdoor fire pit or fire table.

What Style Do You Prefer?

There are plenty of fire pits and fire tables on the market today. Which you choose is largely a matter of preference but do consider how you will be using it.

For example, outdoor fireplace tables are a great addition to a backyard or patio if you enjoy entertaining. Not only do they provide warmth and a place to roast marshmallows, but the tabletop also makes the perfect place to set a mug of hot cocoa.

Then again, you may prefer to simply add an outdoor fire pit. Usually, the hearth of a fire pit is larger than that of firetables, meaning that it produces more warmth. Fire pits can use wood or gas as a source of heat. Fire pits are moveable so you can easily rearrange your backyard furnishings as you wish, perhaps bringing the fire pit under an eave when it’s raining outside so you can still enjoy sitting outdoors while staying toasty warm.

There are also fire urns, fire bowls and fire columns depending on the look you prefer. Another option is to place a fire bowl on top of an outdoor table.

Resale Value of Your Home

If you are considering moving anytime in the next several years, a permanently installed outdoor fire pit or fire table can boost your home’s value. Having an outdoor table fireplace, especially in a well-landscaped backyard, not only makes your home look more attractive but makes it worth more.

What is Your Budget?

Another important consideration is your budget. Remember that if you are opting to add a gas outdoor fire pit or fire table, you will have the added expense of running a gas line to it (unless one already exists to fuel another outdoor feature, such as a grill). The farther the line runs from your home to outdoor fireplace tables, the more costly installation will be. Although wood burning fire pits and fire bowls are generally less expensive, they can’t be used on no-burn days, making them a less useful investment.

Keep it Safe

When installing an outdoor fire pit or fire table, the number one consideration is fire safety. It’s a good idea to take advantage of professional installation, especially when it comes to running a gas line. But even before installation, find the best location for an outdoor table with fire pit by ensuring that the designated area has sturdy, fireproof ground cover, such as pavers, gravel or concrete. Take care that surrounding plantings won’t encroach on an area of at least five feet around the perimeter of patio fire tables – and take into consideration future growth of trees and shrubs.

With so many products available on the market, it can be difficult to make the right decision for your home. These considerations when installing an outdoor fire pit or fire table will give you food for thought before embarking on a shopping trip.