A gas fire table brings the warmth and gathering-power of a fire to your patio in a footprint the size of a coffee table. Flip a switch and a ribbon of flame rises from the center — no smoke, no sparks, no hauling wood — while the surrounding surface still works as a place to set drinks and plates. For outdoor living, few features deliver as much enjoyment for as little effort.
We help homeowners add fire tables and gas fire pits to patios of every size, and they’re consistently the feature people gather around all evening. This guide covers how gas fire tables and fire pits work, how they differ, and how to choose the right one for your outdoor space.
Fire Table vs. Fire Pit: What’s the Difference?
The two terms overlap, but there’s a useful distinction worth knowing before you shop.
• A fire table is a table-height (or coffee-table-height) piece with a fire feature built into the center and a usable surface around the burner. It doubles as functional patio furniture.
• A fire pit is a lower, bowl- or basin-style feature focused purely on the fire, often surrounded by seating rather than built into a table.
Both can run on gas, both create a warm gathering point, and both come in a huge range of styles. Explore the full range in our gas fire tables and fire pits collection.
Why Choose a Gas Fire Table?
Gas is what makes these features so livable. Compared to a wood-burning fire pit, a gas fire table offers real advantages.
• Instant on, instant off. A knob or switch starts and stops the flame — no kindling, no waiting, no dousing embers at the end of the night.
• No smoke or sparks. Nobody has to shuffle their chair to escape the smoke, and there are no flying embers to worry about.
• A usable surface. The tabletop around the burner holds drinks, appetizers, and décor.
• Clean and low-effort. No ash to shovel, no wood to store, no soot.
• Adjustable warmth. Dial the flame up on a cool night or down for a gentle glow.
The payoff shows up in how you use your yard. Homeowners rated outdoor fire features a 9.7 out of 10 “Joy Score” in the National Association of REALTORS® Remodeling Impact Report — among the highest of any outdoor project.
Natural Gas or Propane?
Gas fire tables run on one of two fuels, and the choice shapes both convenience and placement.
|
Fuel |
How It Works |
Best For |
|
Natural gas |
Connects to your home’s gas line |
A permanent patio feature, never refilling |
|
Propane |
Runs off a refillable LP tank |
Flexible placement, no gas line needed |
Natural gas connects to your home’s supply, so you never refill a tank — ideal for a fixed spot on the patio. Propane runs off a standard LP tank (often concealed within the table base), which means you can place the table anywhere and move it as needed. Many propane models can also be converted to natural gas. Choose based on whether you want permanence or flexibility.
Styles and Materials
Fire tables have become a genuine design category, with looks to match any outdoor aesthetic.
• Materials. Cast concrete, natural stone, porcelain tile, aluminum, and steel each set a different tone — from rugged and organic to sleek and modern.
• Shapes. Rectangular, square, round, and linear formats suit different seating layouts and table sizes.
• Heights. Dining-height tables pair with dining chairs; coffee-table-height models suit lounge seating around a sectional.
• Fire media. Fire glass, lava rock, or ceramic logs sit over the burner, letting you tune the look from contemporary sparkle to natural texture.
Browse styles in our dedicated fire tables collection to see how different materials and shapes read in a real setting.
Fire Media: Glass, Lava Rock, or Logs?
The material you place over the burner shapes both the look and the vibe of the flame. It’s an easy way to personalize a fire table.
• Fire glass is tumbled tempered glass that catches and reflects the flame for a sparkling, contemporary look. It comes in many colors, from clear and cool blues to warm ambers, and pairs beautifully with modern tables.
• Lava rock is porous volcanic stone with a natural, rugged texture. It reads organic and earthy, distributes heat evenly, and suits rustic or transitional patios.
• Ceramic logs mimic the look of a traditional wood fire, giving a fire table a cozy, classic feel while keeping the clean-burning convenience of gas.
All three are designed to withstand the heat; the choice is purely aesthetic, so pick the look that ties into your outdoor style.
How to Choose the Right Fire Table
A few decisions guide you to the right piece.
1. Size and seating. Match the table’s footprint to your patio and how many people you want to gather. Leave comfortable clearance for chairs.
2. Height. Dining or lounge height, based on the furniture it will live with.
3. Fuel. Natural gas for a permanent, never-refill feature; propane for flexibility.
4. Heat output. A larger burner throws more warmth; consider how much you’re relying on it for heat versus ambiance.
5. Style and media. Pick a material and fire-media look that ties into your outdoor décor.
If you’re weighing a full outdoor fireplace instead, our outdoor fireplace guide compares the options. A fire table is the smaller-footprint, more flexible choice; an outdoor fireplace is the bigger architectural statement.
Extending Your Outdoor Season
One of the best reasons to add a gas fire table is how much more of the year you get to enjoy your patio. A fire feature takes the chill off cool spring and fall evenings, turning a space you’d otherwise abandon after summer into a comfortable gathering spot for months longer.
Because a gas fire table lights instantly and adjusts on demand, it’s easy to fire up for a quick evening outside without the commitment of building a wood fire. Pair it with comfortable seating, some outdoor lighting, and a few weather-friendly textiles, and the patio becomes a true three-season room without walls. For many homeowners, that extended usability is what makes the feature worth it.
Placement and Layout Ideas
A fire table works best when it’s the anchor of a seating arrangement. A few ideas that consistently land:
• Center a lounge set around a coffee-height fire table so the flame is the focal point of conversation.
• Pair a dining-height table with weather-friendly chairs for al fresco meals with a warm centerpiece.
• Define a zone on a large patio, using the fire table to carve out a distinct gathering area.
• Keep clearances open. Give the flame room away from railings, overhangs, cushions, and low branches.
Safety Basics for Gas Fire Tables
Gas fire tables are designed with safety in mind, and a few common-sense habits keep them worry-free.
• Keep clearances. Position the table away from combustible structures, low overhangs, and anything that could catch — and keep flammable items off the burner area.
• Use it in open air. Fire tables are for open-air patios; never operate one in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space.
• Mind carbon monoxide indoors. When gas burns properly it produces mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor; CO only forms from incomplete combustion, which is another reason these features belong outdoors in open air.
• Supervise the flame. Turn the gas fully off when you’re done, and keep an eye on children and pets around the fire.
• Let professionals handle gas connections. Running a natural gas line to the patio is work for factory-trained technicians, who ensure a safe, proper connection.
Care and Maintenance
Gas fire tables are easy to live with. Keep the burner and fire media clear of debris, cover the table when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements, and check the ignition and connections periodically. For natural gas models and any gas-line questions, our team handles service to keep everything running safely.
Is a Gas Fire Table Right for You?
A gas fire table is an excellent choice if you:
• Want a warm gathering point on the patio without the work of wood.
• Value a usable surface alongside the flame.
• Prefer instant, smoke-free, adjustable fire.
• Want a feature that fits a modest footprint and, with propane, moves where you need it.
If you want a dramatic architectural centerpiece, a full outdoor fireplace may suit you better — but for flexible, low-effort outdoor fire, a gas fire table is hard to beat. Start with our gas fire tables and fire pits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a fire table and a fire pit? A fire table is a table-height piece with a fire feature in the center and a usable surface around it, doubling as patio furniture. A fire pit is a lower, bowl- or basin-style feature focused purely on the fire, usually surrounded by separate seating. Both can run on gas.
Should I choose natural gas or propane for a fire table? Natural gas connects to your home’s supply so you never refill a tank — ideal for a permanent patio feature. Propane runs off a refillable LP tank for flexible placement anywhere. Choose based on whether you want permanence or the freedom to move it.
Do gas fire tables give off heat? Yes. Gas fire tables produce real, adjustable warmth, and a larger burner throws more heat. They’re great for taking the chill off an evening on the patio, though they’re primarily a gathering and ambiance feature rather than a whole-space heater.
Are gas fire tables safe? Yes, when used properly in open air with appropriate clearances. Keep the table away from combustible structures and flammable items, never use it in an enclosed space, and turn the gas fully off when finished. Have factory-trained technicians handle any natural gas connection.
Can a fire table be used on a covered patio? Only if the space is genuinely open-air with good ventilation and adequate overhead clearance. Fire tables are not for enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. When in doubt about clearances on a covered patio, check with a professional.