The Fire Table Buyer's Guide

Buying a gas fire table is a real decision — you’re choosing a centerpiece that lives outside for years and often costs as much as a good sofa. This guide walks you through every choice that matters: type, size, fuel, material, heat, clearance, delivery, and warranty. By the end you’ll know exactly what belongs in your space. And if you’d rather just ask a human, that’s what we’re here for — talk to Tyler before you spend a dollar.

Written by Backyard Pyre — an authorized Elementi & Modeno dealer, run by someone who has spent 12+ years building upscale outdoor spaces.

1. Fire table, fire bowl, or fire pit — what’s the difference?

All three are gas-burning outdoor fire features. The difference is the surface and the vibe:

• Fire table — a table with a fire in the middle and a usable ledge around it for drinks and plates. The most versatile choice, and what most people picture. Ours range from compact 27" squares to 60" statement pieces.
• Fire bowl — a rounded, sculptural basin with an open 360-degree flame. More of a design object; great as an accent or for a smaller, intimate seating group. See the York, Nantucket, and the sculptural Lunar Bowl.
• Fire dining table — a full dining-height table with a fire channel down the center, so guests can actually eat around the flame. See the Brugge and the 83" Sonoma.

2. What size do you need?

Size is the choice people most often get wrong — too small looks lost on a big patio, too big crowds a small one. A simple rule: the fire table should anchor your seating, with 24–36" of walking room around it.

3. Propane or natural gas?

This is the most important technical choice, and it comes down to how your yard is set up. Every table we carry is available in both.

• Propane runs off a standard refillable tank that hides inside the base. Nothing to install — you can place the table anywhere and move it if you rearrange. You’ll swap or refill the tank periodically (a 20 lb tank lasts several evenings of use).
• Natural gas ties into your home’s gas line for an unlimited supply — never refill anything. The trade-off: it needs a fixed gas hookup at the install spot, which usually means a plumber running a line. Best when you know exactly where the table will live permanently.

Not sure whether you have (or can get) a gas line? That’s a great question for a quick consultation before you order.

4. GFRC concrete or marble porcelain?

Two premium materials, two different looks:

• GFRC (glass-fiber-reinforced concrete) — handcrafted concrete reinforced with glass fiber, so it’s far stronger and lighter than ordinary cast concrete. It resists cracking, weather, and years of outdoor use, with a modern, architectural, stone-like finish. This is the material for most of our tables and every fire bowl.
• Marble porcelain — a genuine porcelain surface with the veined look of natural marble, over a metal frame. It reads as true luxury, resists UV, stains, and heat, and wipes clean. This is our Elementi Plus tier — the Carrara, Black Varna, and Brugge.

Both are built to stay outside year-round. Neither needs to be babied. If you want the boldest statement piece, marble porcelain; if you want modern and durable at a friendlier price, GFRC.

5. How much heat (BTU) do you need?

BTU measures heat output and flame size. Our tables run from 40,000 to 60,000 BTU. For ambiance and taking the chill off a cool evening, 40,000–45,000 BTU is plenty. If you want a big, dramatic flame or real warmth on cold nights and larger spaces, look at the 50,000–60,000 BTU pieces. Every product page lists the exact BTU so you can compare.

6. Clearance, placement & safety

A gas fire table is clean-burning — no smoke, ash, or flying embers — but it still needs room:

• Set it on a level, non-combustible surface (stone, pavers, concrete, tile).
• Keep 24–36" of clearance from walls, railings, and furniture.
• Keep the space directly above it open — nothing low-hanging over the flame.
• A wind screen helps the flame hold steady in breezy or poolside spots (we carry model-specific screens).

7. Can you use a fire table under a covered patio or pergola?

Usually yes — with adequate overhead clearance and ventilation. A covered patio isn’t automatically off-limits, but the height and airflow matter, and the answer depends on your specific structure. This is exactly the kind of thing worth confirming before you buy — ask us about your setup and we’ll give you a straight answer.

8. Ignition

Our tables use reliable push-button spark or electronic ignition — no matches, no lighter. You turn it on like a gas grill. Electronic-ignition models include an auto safety shut-off.

9. What delivery actually looks like

Fire tables are heavy, substantial pieces, so they ship by insured freight, free to the continental U.S. Here’s what to expect: the carrier calls to schedule a delivery appointment, so someone needs to be home. Delivery is curbside — the driver brings it to your driveway or curb, not into the backyard. Inspect the crate before you sign, and note any damage on the receipt (then send us photos within 72 hours and we’ll make it right). Most orders ship within 7–14 business days.

10. Warranty & buying authentic

Every product we sell is a genuine, factory-fresh unit backed by the manufacturer’s warranty — never gray-market. As an authorized Elementi & Modeno dealer, we can stand behind what we sell and help you if anything isn’t right on arrival. That matters on a purchase this size: an authentic unit from an authorized dealer is the difference between a warranty that’s honored and one that isn’t.

11. Living with it year-round

GFRC and marble-porcelain tables are designed to stay outside through the seasons. To keep yours looking its best, use the included cover when it’s not in use, and store the propane tank per local guidance. That’s essentially the whole maintenance routine.

Shop by budget

Still not sure? Talk to Tyler.

A fire table is an investment, and we’d rather you get the right one than the wrong one. If you tell us about your space — size, fuel situation, style, and budget — we’ll point you to the piece that actually fits. No pressure, no upsell. Book a free consultation or email support@backyardpyre.com.