Fire Ring vs. Fire Pit: Which One Fits Your Yard?
It comes down to where the fire goes. A fire ring sits on the ground and belongs on gravel, sand or bare soil. A raised fire pit stands on legs and is the better fit for a patio of pavers, stone or concrete.
Both burn wood and both make a good backyard fire. The difference is what they sit on, how big the fire is, and what else you want them to do. Here's how to choose.
What is the difference between a fire ring and a fire pit?
A fire ring is a steel ring that sits directly on the ground and holds a campfire-style fire inside its wall. A fire pit, in this guide, means a raised fire pit: a steel bowl on legs that holds the fire off the ground. A ring needs a gravel, sand or bare-soil base. A raised fire pit can go on any level, non-flammable surface, including a patio.
What is the point of a fire ring?
Containment. A ring keeps logs, coals and embers in one place so the fire doesn't creep outward. Smokey Bear's campfire guidance recommends a fire pit with a metal ring or a rock circle for exactly that reason, and Leave No Trace says the best place to build a fire is inside an existing ring.
A Fire Horse fire ring is 36" across, with a solid steel wall and decorative cutouts that let the firelight show through. Designs include Running Horses, Wildlife, Midnight Howl, Patriotic Eagle and Rocky Mountain.
What is a raised fire pit good for?
Patios and smaller spaces. Because the fire sits in a bowl on legs, a raised fire pit can go on pavers, stone, concrete or gravel. Our 26" Hearthcrest and Westbrook fire pits are 16" tall, weigh 29 lb and come with a fire poker and a fitted steel lid. Once the fire is out and cooled, the lid turns the fire pit into a side table, and it keeps rain out of the bowl between fires.
Fire ring vs. fire pit, side by side
| 36" Fire Ring | 26" Fire Pit with Lid | |
|---|---|---|
| Sits on | Level gravel, sand or bare soil | Pavers, stone, concrete or gravel |
| Size | 36" across | 26" across, 16" tall |
| Fire style | Wide, campfire-style | Smaller fire in a raised bowl |
| Good on a patio | No | Yes |
| Lid that doubles as a table | No | Yes |
| Fire poker included | No | Yes |
| In the box | Steel fire ring, owner's manual | Fire pit, lid, poker, legs and hardware, owner's manual |
Which one should you choose?
Choose a fire ring if:
- Your fire spot is a gravel pad, sand or bare ground, or you're willing to build one.
- You want a wider, campfire-style fire for a bigger group.
- You like the look of cutout designs glowing around the fire.
Choose a raised fire pit if:
- Your spot is a patio of pavers, stone or concrete.
- You want a lid that keeps rain out and doubles as a table.
- You'd rather not dig or build a gravel pad.
Putting a ring on your lawn? Read Can You Put a Fire Ring on Grass? first. Thinking about the deck? See Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Deck?
Is a fire ring necessary for a fire pit?
For a fire built on the ground, a ring or a rock circle is the safe way to do it. Minnesota's DNR tells campers to use a designated fire ring or a spot cleared of anything that can burn. A raised steel fire pit already contains the fire in its bowl, so it doesn't need a separate ring.
Some cities have their own rules. Albany, New York requires permanent fire pits to be built or fully lined with non-combustible material. Madison, Wisconsin requires an enclosure, heavy screen or spark arrestor. Check your local code.
Can you build a fire pit without a ring?
You can dig a pit and circle it with rocks, which is what Smokey Bear suggests when no metal ring is available. A steel ring is simpler: it keeps a clean, solid edge around the fire and can be moved if you change your yard. Either way, keep the cleared area around the fire free of grass, leaves and sticks.
How far should a fire ring or fire pit be from a house?
Many U.S. towns follow a fire code that sets 25 feet from buildings for an open fire on the ground, like a fire ring, and 15 feet for a manufactured fire pit. Minnesota's State Fire Marshal, for example, requires recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from all buildings. Cities can be stricter or looser: Madison uses 15 feet from a building or lot line, and Albany says at least 10 feet from your home, fences and trees. Your city's rule is the one that counts.
Care tips for both
- Burn dry, seasoned hardwood. Here's the best firewood for a fire pit.
- Put the fire out completely after every use. See how to put out a fire pit safely.
- Scoop out cool ash so moisture doesn't sit against the steel. More in how to keep a steel fire pit from rusting.
Every Fire Horse fire pit and fire ring is covered by a 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and printed owner's manuals ship in the box. PDF copies are on our Owner's Manuals page.
Sources: Smokey Bear; Leave No Trace; Minnesota DNR; Minnesota State Fire Marshal; City of Madison; City of Albany, NY.
Safety: Check local burn rules before your first fire. Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or revive a fire, and never leave a fire unattended.
Gear for this job
FAQ
What is the difference between a fire ring and a fire pit?
A fire ring sits on the ground and needs a gravel, sand or bare-soil base. A raised fire pit holds the fire in a steel bowl on legs and can go on a patio.
Is a fire ring or fire pit better for a patio?
A raised fire pit. We recommend fire rings for gravel, sand or bare soil, not patios.
Is a fire ring necessary for a fire pit?
A raised steel fire pit doesn't need one. A fire built on the ground should be inside a ring or rock circle.
Do Fire Horse fire rings and fire pits have a warranty?
Yes. Both are covered by a 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.