How a Fire Table Differs From a Fire Pit
A fire table is a gas burner set into a tabletop, usually at dining or coffee-table height, with a ledge wide enough for plates and glasses. A traditional wood-burning fire pit sits low and throws more heat and smoke. Fire tables trade some of that roar for convenience: they light with a switch or key valve, shut off instantly, leave no ash, and do not send smoke drifting toward the house or the neighbors.
That makes them a natural fit for small courtyards, porches, and patios that sit close to the back door, which describes a lot of lots in and around Oxford.
Choosing Fuel: Natural Gas or Propane
- Natural gas: If your home already has service, we can plan a dedicated line to the table. You never swap a tank, and the table is always ready.
- Propane: A standard tank hides inside a cabinet in the table base or in a nearby enclosure. It costs less to set up and lets the table move later if you rearrange the patio.
Either way, the burner, valve and ignition are sized to the table so the flame looks full without wasting fuel. Gas connections are handled by qualified tradespeople and tested before we hand the table over.
Sizing, Shape and Finish
Round tables suit four to six chairs; long rectangles line up with an outdoor dining set or a sectional. We size the burner and the ledge together so guests have elbow room and the flame stays a comfortable distance from hands and plates. Surround options include poured or precast concrete, natural stone caps, porcelain tile, and powder-coated metal, and we match them to your existing seating walls and hardscape so the table looks like it belongs.
Fire glass or lava rock fills the burner pan, and a fitted cover keeps out pollen, leaves and rain between uses.
Safe Placement on Porches, Decks and Covered Patios
Gas fire tables can work under a roof or pergola, but only with adequate overhead clearance and airflow; every manufacturer publishes minimum distances, and we follow them. On a wood or composite deck, the table needs a base and burner assembly rated for that surface. We also keep fire features clear of low branches, curtains and overhead fans, and we discuss wind exposure, since an open, breezy spot can push the flame around.
Year-Round Care in Mississippi Weather
Humidity and spring storms are harder on fire tables than heat is. Keep the cover on when the table is off, brush debris out of the burner pan, and check that drain holes are clear after heavy rain so water does not pool around the valve. In the fall, look at the hose and fittings on propane units and have any odor or weak flame checked before the cold-weather season starts.
Common Questions
Is a fire table warm enough to use on a cold Oxford evening?
A fire table gives gentle, close-range heat that is comfortable for people seated around it. It will not heat a whole patio the way a large wood fire or fireplace can, so some homeowners pair it with a patio heater or a covered space.
Can you build a fire table into an existing patio?
Usually, yes. We look at the patio surface, the route for a gas line or tank, and the clearance around the spot you have in mind, then recommend a size and position that works with what is already there.
Can I choose a custom size or shape?
Yes. Fire tables can be round, square or long and narrow, and the height can be set for dining or lounging. We size the burner to the table so the proportions look right and the ledge stays usable.
What does a fire table need for upkeep?
Mostly a cover, occasional cleaning of the burner pan and media, and a periodic look at the gas connection. Natural stone or concrete tops may need resealing every few years depending on the material.