A Warm Embrace: How to Choose the Best Fire Pit for Your Garden
A fire pit can transform your Australian garden into a year-round outdoor living space, providing warmth during cooler months and creating a natural gathering point for family and friends. As autumn approaches in southern states or winter settles in, a well-chosen fire pit extends your outdoor season, allowing you to enjoy evenings in the garden without the chill.
Whether you're after a cosy spot for family conversations or a stylish centrepiece for entertaining on cool evenings, selecting the right fire pit requires careful consideration. Here's your guide to choosing the best fire pit for Australian conditions.
Determine Your Garden's Size and Layout:
Before shopping for a fire pit, assess your garden's size and layout. Measure the available space to ensure your chosen fire pit fits comfortably and complies with local regulations and safety codes. Consider the proximity to your home, seating areas, and any nearby structures or trees. A well-placed fire pit should enhance the overall aesthetics of your garden.
Note: In the US, the regulations governing fire pits and outdoor fireplaces can vary significantly depending on local and state ordinances. These regulations typically focus on factors such as the size and location of the fire pit, the type of fuel used (wood, propane, natural gas), clearance distances from structures and combustibles, and specific safety features required, such as spark screens and safety grates. Many municipalities have specific codes in place to address fire pit safety, especially in densely populated areas, to reduce the risk of fire hazards and smoke-related issues. It's essential for homeowners to check with their local government or fire department to understand and comply with the regulations and safety guidelines applicable to their specific location. Your town or homeowner’s association may also require a site inspection if you plan to build a permanent fire pit. In areas prone to wildfire, your homeowner’s insurance may require you to disclose your fire pit.
You should check with local fire officials before you begin your project to avoid costly mistakes.
Choose Your Fuel Type
Fire pits available in Australia come in several fuel options, each with specific advantages and regulatory considerations:
Wood-Burning: Offers authentic ambience with crackling flames and that distinctive bush camp smell. However, wood-burning fire pits face increasing restrictions in Australian urban areas due to smoke concerns and bushfire risk. Many councils require smoke-reduction features or prohibit them entirely. They require regular ash cleaning and adequate firewood storage.
Natural Gas: If you have natural gas connected to your property, a plumbed gas fire pit provides convenient, clean-burning heat with adjustable flames. Installation requires a licensed gasfitter and council approval. Running costs depend on gas prices but tend to be economical for regular use.
LPG/Bottled Gas: The most popular option for Australian suburban gardens. LPG fire pits are clean-burning, easy to control, and face fewer regulatory restrictions than wood-burning models. They require a 9kg gas bottle (same as your BBQ), which is readily available for refill or swap at most service stations and hardware stores.
Ethanol/Gel: Suitable for balconies and compact spaces where other options aren't permitted. These produce minimal smoke and require no gas connection or firewood. However, they generate less heat than gas or wood options and can be more expensive to run regularly.
Select Style and Design for Australian Conditions
Fire pits come in various styles and materials. Consider these factors for Australian outdoor conditions:
Material: Powder-coated steel suits coastal areas (won't rust like regular steel). Cast iron is durable but heavy. Copper develops attractive patina but requires maintenance. Stone or concrete fire pits work well for permanent installations but can't be moved.
Shape: Round fire pits create intimate conversation areas. Rectangular models suit contemporary gardens and align well with modern Australian architecture. Square fire pits work for corner installations.
Size: Larger fire pits (900mm-1200mm diameter) suit entertaining and provide more warmth for cool winter evenings. Compact models (600mm-750mm) work better for smaller suburban gardens or balconies.
Prioritise Safety Features
Australian conditions—from dry summers to occasional strong winds—demand robust safety features:
Spark Guards: Essential for wood-burning pits, particularly during bushfire season. Prevents embers escaping and potentially igniting nearby vegetation or structures.
Heat-Resistant Base: Protects decking, pavers, or grass from heat damage. Many councils require non-combustible bases for permanent installations.
Gas Safety Certification: LPG and natural gas models must meet Australian Gas Association standards. Look for AGA certification marks.
Stability: In windy Australian conditions, ensure your fire pit has adequate weight and a stable base to prevent tipping.
Consider Portability vs Permanent Installation
Portable fire pits offer flexibility—move them around your garden, take them camping, or store them during bushfire season when total fire bans apply. Most don't require council approval as temporary structures.
Permanent fire pits integrate into your garden design and often require council approval and building permits. They add property value but can't be relocated. Consider whether you might move house before investing in permanent installation.
Set a Realistic Budget
Fire pit costs vary significantly:
Budget portable models: $100-$300 (basic steel bowls, limited lifespan in Australian conditions)
Quality portable fire pits: $400-$1,200 (better materials, longer-lasting, often include covers)
Premium gas fire pits: $1,500-$5,000+ (stylish designs, excellent build quality)
Permanent installations: $2,000-$10,000+ (includes professional installation, gas connections, landscaping integration)
Factor in additional costs: gas bottles or firewood, protective covers, heat-resistant bases, and potential council permit fees.
Complete Your Outdoor Sanctuary
A fire pit becomes truly functional when paired with comfortable seating designed for Australian conditions. Position quality outdoor recliners around your fire pit at a comfortable distance—close enough for warmth but far enough to avoid heat damage to cushions. Our weather-resistant furniture features integrated protective covers, perfect for outdoor living areas where fire pits extend your garden's usability into cooler months.
Add side tables for drinks and snacks, incorporate lighting for ambience, and include storage for firewood or gas bottles. These finishing touches transform a simple fire pit into a complete outdoor living area you'll use year-round.
Choosing the best fire pit involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, budget, and Australian regulatory requirements. Whether you opt for a portable LPG model for weekend gatherings or a permanent gas installation as your garden's centrepiece, the right fire pit extends your outdoor season and creates a warm, inviting space for making memories with family and friends.
