In Colorado’s dynamic climate, the appeal of gathering around a fire—whether for warmth, ambiance, or cooking—has never gone out of style. Today’s fire pit design trends are all about blending aesthetics, usability, and sustainability into functional, stylish outdoor features. At CRI Landscaping, we specialize in crafting fire pits and outdoor fireplaces that seamlessly integrate into your landscape design and extend your living space into the great outdoors.
This year, homeowners across Colorado are choosing between two timeless favorites: the wood-burning fire pit and the propane fire pit. Each offers distinct benefits in terms of design, heat output, and lifestyle compatibility. Let’s explore how these options compare—and how they can enhance your backyard oasis.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Rustic Atmosphere and High Heat
Design & Aesthetic Appeal
A wood-burning fire pit brings the nostalgic appeal of a campfire right to your porch, patio, or deck. Often built using flagstone, brick, or concrete, these fire pits evoke a natural, rugged feel that complements more traditional or rustic landscapes. Popular shapes include circular hearths or rectangular installations that sit at the heart of a seating area.
When placed near a pergola or surrounded by Adirondack chairs, a wood fire pit becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor room.
Performance and Function
- Combustion & Heat Output: Wood fires generate high heat, making them ideal for cool Colorado evenings or cooking over a barbecue grill, oven, or fire-safe stove.
- Firewood Use: The crackling sound and scent of burning wood provide unmatched ambiance.
- Usability & Maintenance: These fire pits require regular ash cleanup, firewood storage, and attention to fire safety regulations.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Wood-burning fires emit smoke and particulates, making them less eco-friendly than gas models. Choosing local, sustainable firewood and maintaining proper chimney ventilation or retaining walls for airflow helps minimize environmental impact.
Cost Considerations
- Generally lower initial price than propane or natural gas installations.
- Long-term costs depend on firewood availability and frequency of use.
Propane Fire Pits: Modern Convenience and Sleek Design
Design & Aesthetic Versatility
Propane fire pits offer sleek, minimalist styling that aligns with modern and transitional interior design sensibilities. Options like glass fiber reinforced concrete bowls or stainless steel fire tables pair beautifully with metal furniture, creating an upscale outdoor great room feel.
These units can also incorporate decorative elements like glass fire beads, polished stones, or elegant fire bowls, offering artistic flair alongside function.
Functionality and Features
- Consistent Heat: Offers controllable heat via a switch or remote.
- Maintenance: Minimal—no ashes, less wear and tear, and no wood mess.
- Fuel Efficiency: Powered by portable tanks or connected to a natural gas line for seamless operation.
Some propane pits also feature accessories like grill grates, barbecue carts, and patio heaters, making them versatile additions to any backyard. You can even install one near your kitchen garden or driveway seating area for added ambiance.
Safety and Regulations
- Cleaner combustion with fewer emissions compared to wood.
- Must comply with local regulations for propane storage and use.
- Typically includes built-in safety features for ignition and automatic shut-off.
Cost & Warranty
- Higher upfront price, especially with gas line installation or premium materials like glass fiber or reinforced concrete.
- Many models offer a lifetime warranty, making them a long-term home improvement investment.
Which Fire Pit Is Right for You?
| Feature | Wood-Burning Fire Pit | Propane Fire Pit |
| Aesthetics | Rustic, traditional | Sleek, modern |
| Heat Output | High | Moderate to High (controllable) |
| Maintenance | Requires ash removal, wood storage | Minimal, occasional tank check |
| Eco-Friendliness | Emits smoke, dependent on the wood source | Cleaner burning, lower emissions |
| Installation | Simple, often DIY | May require a gas hookup and permits |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial, but efficient and long-lasting |
Your final decision should depend on your goals for the space. If you’re after the authentic campfire feel, higher heat, and don’t mind managing firewood, a wood-burning option may be ideal. If you value convenience, low maintenance, and a cleaner burn, a propane unit could be a better fit, especially if tied into your natural gas system.
Design Integration Ideas
Whether you choose wood or propane, your fire feature should be thoughtfully incorporated into your larger landscape design. Consider the following:
- Install near a fence, retaining wall, or mulch bed for shelter and structure.
- Add groundcover plants or low-maintenance lawn alternatives around the base.
- Include built-in seating walls, patio heaters, or nearby barbecue stations for entertaining.
- Use flagstone or brick pavers to create a safe, level base for your fire area.
For those who want to go beyond a fire pit, outdoor fireplaces or gas stoves offer larger-scale solutions for heating and style, especially when integrated into multi-use patios or covered porches.
Let CRI Landscaping Build Your Ideal Fire Feature
At CRI Landscaping, we don’t just install fire pits—we design personalized, functional features that enhance your Colorado home and reflect your lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the raw, rustic appeal of a wood-burning hearth or the clean efficiency of a propane fire pit, we’ll guide you through every step—from design consultation to expert installation.
We use premium materials like glass fiber reinforced concrete, stainless steel, and flagstone to ensure your fire pit withstands Colorado’s elements while maintaining its aesthetic integrity. Our designs are built with long-term landscape maintenance in mind, and we back our craftsmanship with reliable warranty options.
Contact CRI Landscaping today to explore fire pit designs, fuel options, and material selections that complement your backyard. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Denver, Aurora, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Loveland, Greeley, Centennial, Boulder, Highlands Ranch, and Longmont, CO. Let’s build a stylish and functional fire feature that transforms your outdoor space into a year-round destination for comfort, connection, and unforgettable gatherings.
