Fire Pit vs. Fire Table: How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Outdoor Space
If you've started shopping for an outdoor fire feature, you've probably noticed the same two words showing up again and again: fire pit and fire table. They look similar in photos, they both run on natural gas or propane, and they both turn a backyard into the place everyone wants to be after sundown. But the differences between them matter more than they might seem — and picking the wrong one for your space can mean years of "this almost works" instead of "this is perfect."
This guide covers the real distinction between the two, how to match one to your space, and how our Del Mar, Coronado, and Newport collections compare.
The Core Difference: Height and Function
The real distinction between a fire pit and a fire table isn't the flame — it's the height, and what that height is built for.
Fire pits sit at coffee table height, typically around 30 inches. They're designed to be the low, central gathering point of a seating area — the thing your outdoor sectional or lounge chairs are arranged around. You lean forward toward a fire pit. You put your feet up near it. It's the anchor of a conversation space.
Fire tables sit at dining height, around 24 inches for most collections. They're built to function as an actual table — somewhere to set a drink, rest a plate, or gather around for a meal, with the flame as a built-in centerpiece rather than the sole focus.
Neither is "better." A fire pit invites you to sit back and stay a while. A fire table invites you to sit up and actually use the surface. The right choice depends entirely on how you plan to use the space.
Del Mar Fire Pit — GFRC concrete at coffee table height, built as a seating-area centerpiece.
Matching the Feature to the Space
Before you fall in love with a finish, start with the space itself.
Do you already have outdoor seating you want to build around?
If you've got a sectional, lounge chairs, or an existing conversation area, a fire pit at coffee table height will slot in naturally.
Do you want somewhere to actually eat or set drinks?
A fire table works double duty as both ambiance and functional surface, which makes it a strong fit for smaller patios where every piece of furniture needs to earn its space.
Is this near a pool, kitchen, or bar area?
Fire tables tend to shine in these settings — they read more like furniture and less like a standalone feature, which fits busier, multi-use zones.
Newport Fire Table — dining height construction, built to double as usable table surface.
Fire Pit vs. Fire Table at a Glance
- Coffee table height (~30")
- Anchors a seating arrangement
- Built for conversation, not surface use
- Del Mar & Coronado collections
- All 6 ignition options
- Best for existing seating layouts
- Dining height (~24")
- Functions as a usable table surface
- Doubles as ambiance and furniture
- Newport collection
- All 6 ignition options
- Best for pool decks & small patios
Comparing Our Collections
Every fire feature we carry is handcrafted GFRC concrete or premium metal construction from The Outdoor Plus, built for permanent outdoor installation — no covers, no seasonal teardown.
Del Mar Fire Pit — Our most finish-flexible fire pit line, available in five sizes from 48" to 96", all in GFRC concrete with 18 hand-applied finishes. Coffee table height throughout.
Coronado Fire Pit — The material specialist of the lineup. Available in five distinct body materials — GFRC Wood Grain, Corten Steel, Powder Coat, Stainless Steel, and Hammered Copper — spanning 48" up to a monumental 120".
Newport Fire Table — Our fire table line, built at true dining height across 72", 120", and 144" sizes. The choice when the piece needs to double as usable table surface.
Coronado Fire Pit — available in five body materials, from GFRC Wood Grain to Hammered Copper.
Recommended Products
A starting point across each collection and size range:
Del Mar Fire Pit — 72"
18 hand-applied finishes on GFRC concrete, built at coffee table height for any seating layout.
View Product →
Coronado Fire Pit — 84"
Available in GFRC Wood Grain, Corten Steel, Powder Coat, Stainless Steel, or Hammered Copper.
View Product →
Newport Fire Table — 72"
True dining-height construction, built to function as usable table surface with an integrated flame.
View Product →
Newport Fire Table — 120"
Our largest dining-height fire table, built for expansive patios and multi-seat entertaining.
View Product →Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fire pit or fire table better for entertaining?
It depends on how you entertain. Fire pits work best for lounge-style gatherings built around existing seating. Fire tables work best when you want the fire feature to also function as a place to set drinks and food during the evening.
Can I put a fire table near a pool?
Yes — dining-height fire tables are a popular choice for pool decks, since the surface can double as a place to set drinks and towels. GFRC and Stainless Steel materials are the top recommendations for humid, poolside environments.
Do fire pits and fire tables use the same ignition systems?
Yes. All three collections — Del Mar, Coronado, and Newport — offer the same six ignition options, from Match Lit to fully automated Plug & Play electronic ignition with flame sense safety shutoff.
What sizes are available in each collection?
Del Mar ranges from 48" to 96". Coronado ranges from 48" up to 120" (Wood Grain only at the largest size). Newport is available in 72", 120", and 144".
Explore The Full Collection
Compare sizes, materials, and finishes across Del Mar, Coronado, and Newport — every piece handcrafted to order with free white-glove delivery included.
