When specifying a fire pit for residential or commercial use, consider these top five factors:
Safety & Regulations: Adhere to local codes for clearance, ventilation, ignition, fuel type, and storage (if propane). Specific to the site, ensure all plumbing, including gas lines and electrical conduit, is completed before the substrate patios are constructed.

 

Client Interaction: Consider who will use the fire pit and how they will interact with it. In a residence, there is more flexibility for either manual or electronic ignition as generally only the homeowner will interact with the pit. In contrast, in a commercial location, where the public will be interacting with it, electronic ignition is really the only option. You will want to consider lockboxes or a push button timer for the switch to prevent unauthorized use.

Size & Location: Account for available space, seating, traffic flow, views, and wind. Bigger is not always better; however, scaling the fire pit or fire table to the area and its intended use adds to the warmth and feel of the location.

Material & Construction: Select durable, weather-resistant materials (e.g., concrete, steel, stone) that suit the aesthetics and allow for proper drainage and maintenance. Particularly for commercial locations, warranties and the ability to swap out parts if necessary are important considerations. It is absolutely critical that the firepit or fire table be certified CSA or an equivalent. This will eliminate any liability issue for you and your client. Some states require the entire appliance (firepit) to be certified - Not just the burner. Some states require the firepit to be on an approved state list (MA for eg).

Aesthetics & Design Integration: Match the style, consider flame presentation, lighting, seating, and useful accessories to enhance the space. Consider what the firepit will look like on as well as off.

As seen in LASN magazine, July 2025.