Whether you are hosting friends on a warm summer evening or stretching the season into autumn, a garden fire pit transforms outdoor space into somewhere you actually want to be.
But with so many options available, gas fire pits, wood burning fire pits to compact fire lanterns, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know: the difference between gas and wood fire pits, how to position your fire pit correctly, and how to decide whether a fire lantern might be the better fit for your garden.
Gas vs Wood Fire Pits: Which Is Right for Your Garden?
The gas vs wood debate is one of the first decisions you will face when choosing an outdoor fire pit, and both have genuine merits depending on how you use your garden.
Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits are growing in popularity in the UK for good reason. They light instantly, produce no smoke, and are significantly cleaner to run. Many models use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from a standard propane cylinder, meaning no mains gas connection is required.
For gardens where smoke is a concern, or for anyone who wants the ambience of a fire without the maintenance, a gas fire pit is the best choice.
The Cosibrixx Anthracite Fire Pit is a well-regarded example: a powder-coated steel gas fire pit with a clean, architectural profile that works equally well on a patio or decked area. It connects to a standard LPG cylinder and produces a consistent, smokeless flame. Shop the Cosibrixx Fire Pit.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Wood burning fire pits are the classic choice. They produce that familiar crackle and glow, and the ritual of building and tending a fire is part of the appeal for many people. They are widely available, typically more affordable upfront, and do not require a gas connection.
The trade-off is smoke. Wood burning fire pits produce significant smoke, particularly if the wood is not fully seasoned (dried). This can be an issue in smaller gardens, near neighbours, or on still evenings when smoke lingers. You will also need to store dry wood and clear ash after use.
Fire Pit Placement: How Far from Fences and Structures?
Positioning a garden fire pit correctly is essential for both safety and enjoyment. The following guidance reflects standard best practice in the UK, though you should always check with your local fire service or council if you are unsure.
Distance From Fences and Boundaries
As a general rule, position your fire pit at least 3 metres from any fence, boundary, or garden structure. Timber fences, garden offices, sheds, and pergolas are all vulnerable to heat and stray embers, particularly with wood burning fire pits.
Overhead Clearance
Never use a fire pit directly under a tree, pergola, parasol, or any overhead structure. Hot embers can travel further than expected and ignite dry materials above. A minimum of 3 metres of clear overhead space is recommended.
Surface and Ground Conditions
Avoid placing a fire pit directly on a timber deck without a suitable heat-proof mat underneath. Composite decking can warp under sustained heat. Stone paving, gravel, or a designated fire pit mat are safer options. Never use a fire pit on dry grass during warm or dry spells.
Wind Direction
Position your fire pit so that prevailing winds carry any smoke from a wood burning fire pit, away from the house, seating area, and neighbouring properties. Check conditions before lighting, particularly during drier months. It’s worth noting gas propelled fire pits don’t emit any smoke as a general rule.
Fire Lanterns vs Fire Pits: Which Should You Choose?
Not every garden needs a full-sized fire pit. For smaller outdoor spaces, balconies, or anyone who wants the warmth and atmosphere of a flame without the footprint, a fire lantern is worth serious consideration.
What Is a Fire Lantern?
A fire lantern is a compact, enclosed flame unit typically fuelled by bio-ethanol or gas. Unlike an open fire pit, the flame is contained within a lantern structure, making it safer around children and pets, easier to manage, and suitable for use on a table or in a small courtyard.
The Cosi Fire Lantern is a brilliant example. Fuelled by Cosi's own CosiGas, it produces a clean, wind-resistant flame and is designed for tabletop or floor use. The enclosed design makes it one of the more child-friendly outdoor flame options available, and it requires no wood, no ash clearance, and no significant heat-up time. Shop the Cosi Fire Lantern.
When to Choose a Fire Pit
A fire pit is the better choice when you:
• Are looking for sustained warmth across a larger area
• Want a centrepiece for a seating area or fire pit circle
• Garden has space to position it safely
• Want the ambience of social gathering around a fire
When to Choose a Fire Lantern
A fire lantern suits you better when:
• Your outdoor space centers around a table and is more compact
• You want the option to move it between the outdoor areas
• Safety around children or pets is a priority
• You want a low-maintenance, zero-clearance flame option
In many gardens, the two work well together. A fire pit anchors the main seating area while a fire lantern or two add warmth and atmosphere to a dining table or peripheral space.
How to Choose the Right Garden Fire Pit for Your Space
With the safety guidance and product categories covered, here is a simple framework for making your decision:
Small garden or courtyard: Prioritise a compact gas fire pit or fire lantern. Look for models with a low footprint and enclosed flame.
Mid-size suburban garden: A gas fire pit works well. Check your Smoke Control Area status before opting for wood burning.
Larger garden with good clearance: More options are available, including larger fire pit options (e.g. the Cosi Fire Pit Bar Table). Ensure placement rules are followed regardless of garden size.
Urban garden or Smoke Control Area: Gas is your cleanest and most regulation-compliant choice.
UK Garden Fire Pit Safety Regulations
Before you light up, it is worth understanding the rules around garden fire pits in the UK. There is no outright ban on garden fire pits, but there are important regulations and considerations to be aware of.
Smoke and the Clean Air Act
The UK's Clean Air Act does not specifically prohibit garden fires, but local councils have the power to act if a fire pit causes a statutory nuisance to neighbours. Persistent smoke that drifts into neighbouring properties can result in a nuisance notice. Gas fire pits and smokeless fire pits sidestep this issue entirely, which is one reason they are increasingly the preferred choice in urban and suburban gardens.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a designated Smoke Control Area (common in cities and many towns), you are legally restricted from burning most solid fuels in the open air. You can check whether your postcode falls within a Smoke Control Area on your local council's website. In these areas, a gas fire pit is often the only compliant option for outdoor heating.
Rental Properties and Leasehold
If you rent your home or own a leasehold property, always check your tenancy agreement or lease before installing or regularly using a fire pit. Some agreements prohibit open flames in shared outdoor spaces.
FAQs: Garden Fire Pits in the UK
What is the cleanest type of outdoor fire pit?
Gas fire pits are the cleanest option, producing no smoke or ash. Smokeless wood burning fire pits are the next best option, significantly reducing smoke output compared to a standard open wood burning fire pit.
Can I use a fire pit on a wooden deck?
You can, but you should always place a heat-proof fire pit mat underneath to protect the deck surface. Composite decking is particularly vulnerable to heat damage. A gas fire pit or enclosed fire lantern carries less risk than an open wood burning fire pit in this context.
Are garden fire pits legal in the UK?
Yes, garden fire pits are legal in the UK. However, if you live in a Smoke Control Area, you may be restricted from burning solid fuels in the open air. Gas fire pits are compliant in these areas. Local councils can also act if a fire pit causes a nuisance to neighbours through persistent smoke.
Ready to Find Your Garden Fire Pit?
Whether you are drawn to the clean convenience of a gas fire pit, the compact glow of a fire lantern, or want something to anchor a full outdoor seating arrangement, there is an option to suit your garden and how you use it.
Explore the full Ruma outdoor fire pit and lantern range to find the right fit for your outdoor space.