They say that the best place to put a fire pit isn’t on the ground but instead on top of another surface such as a table or wooden deck. But does this work? Can you put a fire pit on a table? The short answer to this question is yes, but you may want to think twice before doing so, especially if you have small children or pets that could be injured by the glass surrounding it and touching the hot coals beneath it.
How to safely use a tabletop fire pit?
So, can you put a fire pit on a table? It depends. While tabletop fire pits are portable and more durable than actual fireplaces, they still require some common sense when using them. Follow these three rules of thumb to use your tabletop fire pit safely:
- Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure kids and pets stay away from it (it is an open flame, after all).
- Place it somewhere sturdy.
So, no, putting your fire pit right in the middle of your kitchen table isn’t safe — but keeping it in a place that’s not easily accessible by curious little ones or flammable materials is excellent. After all, tabletop fire pits provide ambiance without taking up any valuable space or causing trouble. Get the complete guide about How to stack wood in the fire pit at the go fire pit.
Things to consider when buying one
Before buying a fire pit for your patio, there are a few things to consider.
- First, what fuel will it use (wood, propane, or natural gas)?
- Do you want it mounted permanently or with removable legs so it can be moved around?
- How much do you want to spend, and how portable do you need it to be (e.g., will it go camping with you)?
- Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes; here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular options.
- Most fire pits are made from cast iron, but cast aluminum is also common—the advantage of aluminum is that it’s lighter weight and easier to move.
- Propane fire pits don’t require any additional fuel other than propane itself (or liquid petroleum gas).
- Natural-gas fire pits connect directly to your home’s gas line and need a certified technician to install them correctly.
- Wood-burning fire pits tend to have a more rustic look than their counterparts since they’re made from stone or brick instead of metal.
Which tabletop fire pit do I get?
There are many tabletop fire pits to choose from, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options. We decided to take some of that confusion out of it and recommend three small fire pits in increasing order of size. These aren’t big enough for your next large gathering, but one or two people can enjoy them during an evening around your patio or deck.
The bottom line: Fire pits are fun. Adding one to your home is inexpensive and relatively easy (provided you follow our safety tips). Just make sure you carefully choose one that’s not only built for indoor use but also offers a good level of protection from accidental fires. That way, you can enjoy its warmth year-round without worrying about any dangerous accidents!
Do I need ventilation?
A lot of fire pits and patio heaters require ventilation, so make sure to research your purchase. That means there needs to be an open space for air to travel out of as well as into in order for your space heater or fire pit to function properly.
The larger your propane tank is, the more ventilation you will need. If you don’t have an open chimney and ample venting space—you’ll find yourself cleaning up wax residue instead of enjoying dinner at your new fire pit table!
Do I have to open my windows for ventilation?
You don’t need to open your windows for ventilation. Ventilation is a way to ensure smoke and gases from your outdoor fire are burned off before they can be released into your home. Your outdoor fireplace, however, has a built-in ventilation system that does just that.
The air intake holes in both sides of any outdoor fireplace draw fresh air in from outside to mix with smoke—effectively burning it—before it can escape into your home.
The more free space around an outdoor fireplace, such as between fences or trees and walls, the better its ventilation will be, and less fresh air will need to be supplied through opening windows.
How far away should I sit from the fireplace?
We can’t tell you exactly how far away you should sit from your fireplace. It depends on whether or not there are safety standards for your area, as well as what type of materials are in and around your home that could catch fire. If anyone is concerned about potential fire hazards.
It’s best to check with an engineer or building professional. We can tell you that if you have small children or pets running around, it’s probably best to keep them within arms’ reach while sitting next to a fireplace. No one wants their kids catching on fire! And pets love warm fires—but could potentially cause trouble by knocking over items near an open flame.
Final Thoughts
Before I answer your question, I want to clarify that I don’t think all tables should have fire pits. If you’re in a high-rise building or in an apartment complex with rules against having an open flame or if your table is made of flammable materials such as wood, plastic, or glass (and there are those out there), then I don’t think you should be putting anything over your table that could burn. That being said, if your table is made from concrete and has a hole for an umbrella, everyone who sees it thinks it looks amazing.
