The terms fire pit and fire ring are used interchangeably by many sellers — but they are not the same. While they are inherently similar, there are differences that set them apart and may make one a better fit for you, your family, and your backyard than the other. Homeowners that want to add to their backyard want to know — what are the differences between a fire pit and a fire ring — and we have the answers at Fox River Fire Rings.
Fire Pits vs. Fire Rings
How do you want your backyard fire pit area to look? What kind of design would you like to have? What materials do you want to burn? How much do you want to spend on your fire pit or fire ring? These questions and more are questions you may have and may want answers to — and this quick comparison may help answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
The differences between fire pits and fire rings are based on several factors — design and use, surface and safety requirements, fuel types, portability, and cost. A closer look at these categories will help paint a picture of the key differences between fire pits and fire rings, and help you find the perfect fit.
Design and Use
The design is a primary difference between fire pits and fire rings. The standard fire pit is self-contained, has a bottom, and is often built with a raised metal, stone, or brick basin. By comparison — a fire ring is a steel ring without a bottom that sits flush with the ground or another surface to prevent logs from rolling or excess sparks from escaping. Homeowners that like the simplicity and affordability of a fire ring can install a brick or stone fire surround in their backyard to pair with their fire ring and create a more complete backyard entertainment space.
Portability is another design aspect that potential buyers need to consider when they make their purchase. A traditional multi-piece fire ring — like Fox River Fire Rings — employs a simpler design that is easy to move from your campsite to your cabin at the lake and back again. Fire pits — even portable variants — can be very heavy and are intended to be stationary fixtures in your backyard.
Surface and Safety Requirements
Where you use your fire ring or fire pit is another key difference that you need to understand before you make your purchase. With a built-in bottom and elevated legs, many fire pit models can be used on a deck or patio. Fire rings are intended to sit flush with the ground, allowing you to build a fire on a non-flammable surface like dirt, gravel, or sand — and are not safe to use on a patio or deck.
Fuel Types
Do you love a traditional fire in your backyard? A custom fire ring from Fox River Fire Rings is intended to be used as a traditional wood fire pit with dry, seasoned wood. The fuel types used for a fire pit will depend on the design and can include wood, propane, or natural gas — which can add to the costs for fuel and installation.
Cost and Affordability
How much do you want to spend on your fire ring or fire pit? Affordability is a key factor in this comparison that you need to measure. With a simpler design than most fire pits, a traditional wood-burning fire ring is more affordable than many fire pits on the market. Fox River Fire Rings range in price from $112.50 for a basic 30-inch multi-piece fire ring to $213.75 for a 60-inch fire ring with one of our custom designs. Portable pre-fabricated fire pits can range from $50 to $500 on average with many custom fire pits costing from $5,000 to $10,000 when installed by professionals.
READ MORE: Fox River Fire Rings vs. Breeo Smokeless Fire Pits
What are the differences between fire pits and fire rings? If you are looking for a backyard fire pit or fire ring, this quick comparison will help you make the right decision for your family. Contact Fox River Fire Rings today for more information on our custom steel fire rings!
