There is very little that can bring together an outdoor living space better than an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. In addition to being a key gathering area, it will be a dominant focal point in your yard. No matter where your outdoor fireplace or firepit is situated it will always be one of the first things that come into focus when someone is checking out your yard for the first time.
Natural Gas vs. Wood Burning
The pros and cons of using either natural gas or wood as a fuel source are about equal and the factor(s) that usually determine the fuel type that will be used is local CC&R’s / HOA regulations and personal preferences. There is no doubt that wood burning fire pits or fireplaces create a unique ambiance – the crackling, the aroma, roasting marsh mellows, the smoke that burns your eyes…. all that good stuff. however, the maintenance is definitely more robust than that of a natural gas fire feature. The process of starting and ending a wood fire can be a task – keeping a cord of wood, keeping the cord of wood dry, stopping embers from flying into surrounding brush, shutting down the fire and making sure there are no hot embers remaining before you leave (especially with the type of winds we get in San Diego) and then cleaning up the messy ashes after use. A natural gas fireplace of fire pit requires you to simply turn the gas valve on and light – much more simplistic.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is the most commonly used fuel source in southern California, mainly because of local regulations prohibiting the use of wood burning fire pits or fireplaces in designated fire zones, which we seem to have a lot of – particularly in San Diego.
Natural Gas Pro’s
- Gas is inexpensive.
- Ease of operation.
- Accessories (fire glass and logs).
- No cleanup required.
- Easy HOA / permit process.
Natural Gas Con’s
- Unrenewable Resource.
- Requires running a gas line.
- Cost.
- Burns cooler (but still warm).
- Limited flame size.
