Wood Burning Fire Pits — The Traditional Fire Experience

Wood burning fire pits deliver the experience you can't get from gas — real flames, the sound of crackling wood, the smell of woodsmoke, and the maximum heat output of an open fire. We carry premium wood burning fire pits from Dagan Industries (cast iron and bronze), Ohio Flame (corten steel), MAD Design Group, and other leading makers.

Wood Pit Materials

• Cast iron: Maximum heat retention, holds warmth long after the fire dies. Heaviest option (200-400 lbs).
• Corten steel: Develops a protective rust patina. Modern industrial aesthetic. Lighter than cast iron.
• Steel with bronze finish: Decorative bowl designs, lighter weight, classic aesthetic.

Wood Pit vs Smokeless Pit

Traditional wood pits give you the full crackling, smoky fire experience and run cooler on the bottom (safe on most patio surfaces). Smokeless fire pits use double-wall secondary combustion to burn off smoke, giving you the wood-fire experience with dramatically less smoke — at the cost of running hotter on the bottom and needing a heat shield on wood decks.

Read our Best Smokeless Fire Pits 2026 guide for the smokeless comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cast iron vs steel wood fire pit — which is better?

Cast iron retains heat 30-50% longer than steel — the pit stays warm after the fire dies down. Cast iron is also more visually traditional. Trade-off: heavier (200-400 lbs vs 50-150 lbs for steel) and more expensive.

Are wood burning fire pits legal everywhere?

Most jurisdictions allow recreational wood burning fire pits with restrictions on size, location (typically 10-25 ft from structures), and burn bans during dry periods. Check local code and HOA rules.

What is the best wood for a fire pit?

Hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, and birch burn longest and produce the most heat with the least smoke. Avoid softwoods (pine, cedar) for sustained fires — they burn fast and produce more sparks. Always use seasoned wood (cured 6-12 months) for the cleanest burn.