Choosing an Outdoor Fireplace in the Twin Cities: Fireplaces, Fire Tables, and Fire Pits

Are you dreaming of your next outdoor project? If you’re ready for more fresh air while cozying up by the fire, it could be time to invest in an outdoor fireplace or gas firepit table. These beautiful backyard elements are the perfect way to warm up evenings with friends. But how do you go about choosing the best option? Let’s look at what you’ll want to consider when choosing an outdoor fire pit, table, or fireplace for the Twin Cities.

Outdoor Fireplace Options for the Twin Cities

When it comes to enjoying a fire outside, you have several options.

• Classic fire pit
• Fire pit tables
• Outdoor fireplaces

A classic fire pit is probably what comes to mind first when thinking of having a fire outdoors. These typically are made with brick, stone, or metal walls and are at ground level or recessed into the ground. They almost exclusively use wood and are great for 360-degree gatherings with friends and family.

A fire pit table is a functional hybrid between a heat source and a piece of furniture. These are elevated like a coffee table and typically have a ledge around the fire that you can use as a shelf. Gas firepit tables are far more common, but wood-burning options are available as well. An outdoor propane gas firepit is easier to set up because it doesn’t require a dedicated gas line, but you can also have a firepit table piped into a natural gas system.

Outdoor fireplaces act as an extension of your living space. With an architectural design, they provide a privacy barrier while also acting as a cozy heat source. It’s common to see outdoor fireplaces integrated into three-season porches for a perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living. Fireplaces can be electric, wood-burning, or gas-burning, each with its own benefits.

How to Choose the Best Fireplace Design for Your Lifestyle

Choosing the best outdoor fire option depends on your space, budget, and how you want to enjoy the space. Here are a few factors to consider for the Twin Cities.

* In Minnesota, natural gas is about half as expensive as propane. Outdoor propane fire tables tend to use less propane than full propane fireplaces, making it more expensive to run a propane fireplace compared to a firepit table.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Gas vs. Wood or Electric

Aside from the type of outdoor fire design, one of the biggest choices is the fuel source. You will need to decide on the fuel source before finalizing the design you want, as they aren’t interchangeable.

• Wood is an option for virtually any configuration. Keep in mind that it is messier, and you will need to build a fire each time. Firewood can be surprisingly expensive in the metro because it’s not widely available. There are companies in the Twin Cities that will deliver firewood to your door, but it is a premium service.
• Propane is an option for firepit tables and outdoor fireplaces. You can also have propane installed for an in-ground fire pit, but this is less common than simply using wood. Propane is considered clean-burning, so it won’t smell or create smoke. However, propane tanks don’t last long, and swapping them out regularly can be expensive.
• Natural gas is a great option in Minnesota because it’s affordable and widely available. However, it’s a more complicated option if you don’t already have a natural gas line going to your home. You will need to work with energy providers such as Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy to set up a new line if you don’t already have service. Even with existing service, you will need to create a connection for your fireplace.
• Electric options are becoming more popular for outdoor fireplaces. However, it is still less common than gas or wood.  Electric fireplaces are typically more affordable to run, but they don’t have the same level of ambiance you get with real flames.

Note: Electric fire pit tables are a bit of a misnomer. While they use electricity to ignite the flame, an electric fire table still uses gas to produce flames. They do not create flames with electricity.

Are Outdoor Fireplaces Worth It?

Outdoor fires aren’t just for making heat. They fundamentally change how your backyard functions. A cozy firepit or fireplace becomes a welcoming place to gather with friends and family, extending your living space outside.

With unpredictable weather in Minnesota, outdoor fires can be much more enjoyable when you have some coverage from the elements. Putting an electric fire table on a covered porch or installing a full fireplace in a three-season porch all but guarantees that you can spend time outdoors even if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Get More Enjoyment of Your Space with James Barton Design-Build

Here in Minnesota, the weather can change on a dime. JBDB can design and build spaces that blend the indoors and outdoors, so you never have to worry about the cold or the heat interrupting your plans. Learn more about our approach.

Make Your Outdoor Fireplace Ideas Come True

JBDB makes it easy to enjoy time around an outdoor fire with your loved ones, whether you choose a firepit, fire table, or outdoor gas fireplace. James Barton Design-Build can create a gorgeous design for those who love to entertain outside or spend time under the stars.

Take a peek at our outdoor design projects, and fill out the form below to begin your own!