Skip to content

Wood Burning Fire Pit

There's something about gathering around a real wood fire that no other heat source can match. The crackle of split logs, the shifting glow of embers, and the warmth that pulls everyone in, a wood burning fire pit turns any backyard into a place people actually want to be.

From handcrafted steel fire bowls to rugged outdoor cooking setups, this collection brings together artisan-quality options in shapes and sizes built for real outdoor living. Whether you're after a backyard centerpiece or a functional setup for wood-fueled gatherings, Fire Pit Surplus carries the models and brands worth owning.

Filters

Why Choose a Wood Burning Fire Pit?

Real Flame, Real Warmth
Nothing compares to the radiant heat of a live wood fire. A fire pit wood burning delivers full-circle warmth and an atmosphere that electric and gas fire pit units simply can't replicate.

No Fuel Lines, No Hookups
Wood burning means freedom from gas plumbing, propane tanks, and electrical requirements. Pick a spot on your patio or backyard, stack the logs, light it, and enjoy the evening without worrying about connections or running out of propane.

Built to Hold Up Outdoors
Most wood burning outdoor fire pits are made from heavy-gauge carbon steel or American-made steel, designed to develop a natural iron oxide patina that actually strengthens with age.

Growing Demand for Outdoor Living
Outdoor recreation contributed $639.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, accounting for 2.3% of GDP, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. More homeowners are investing in their backyards, and a fire pit for wood is one of the most accessible ways to start.

Best Wood Fire Pits For Sale: Top Picks

Best Heavy Duty Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit for Backyard Heat

Fire Pit Art Manta Ray Fire Pit

Fire Pit Art Manta Ray Fire Pit

Built from 1/4-inch carbon steel with a 36-inch diameter, the Manta Ray is the most reviewed and highest-rated model in this collection. Its open bowl design creates a full 360-degree flame view, making it a natural centerpiece for group seating on any patio or backyard.

  • 36-inch diameter with 1/4-inch thick carbon steel construction
  • Develops a rich iron oxide patina that strengthens over time
  • Handcrafted in the USA with a 360-degree flame view

Best Wood Burning Portable Fire Pit for Patio

Ohio Flame Patriot Outdoor Fire Pit

Ohio Flame Patriot Outdoor Fire Pit

The Patriot proves you don't need to spend four figures to get quality craftsmanship. Made from 3/16-inch American steel with a built-in rain drain and zero assembly required, it's a straightforward, dependable option for anyone getting started with backyard fire.

  • Made from American steel with a lifetime warranty
  • Rain drain prevents water buildup and extends bowl life
  • Ready to use out of the box with no assembly needed

Best Wood Burning Fire Pit for Cooking & Entertaining

Arteflame One 30-Inch Grill and Home Chef Bundle

Arteflame One 30-Inch Grill and Home Chef Bundle

This one goes beyond ambiance. The Arteflame One is a hybrid wood-fired grill and fire pit that reaches over 1,000 degrees at its center for steakhouse-level searing, with cooler edges for slow-cooking and warming.

  • Multi-zone cooktop reaches 1,000+ degrees at center, 250 degrees at edges
  • 707 sq in cooking surface built from 3/8-inch carbon steel
  • Includes rotisserie, grill grate, center lid, seasoning puck, and scraper

Buying the Right Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit: Key Considerations

Material and Build Quality

  • Carbon Steel Fire Pits: Carbon steel handles extreme heat, resists cracking, and develops a protective patina with exposure.
  • American Steel Construction: Ohio Flame builds with 3/16-inch domestic steel backed by a lifetime warranty, offering solid performance at a lower weight and price point.

Size and Space Fit

  • Large Fire Pits (36 inches and up): Best for open backyards and group seating. The Manta Ray and Saturn models anchor large gathering areas with strong heat output.
  • Compact Options (24–30 inches): Better suited for smaller patios, apartment balconies, townhome yards, or tighter seating layouts. The Ohio Flame Patriot fits well in space-limited setups.

Design and Shape

  • Bowl-Shaped Fire Pits: Bowls create natural airflow, even heat distribution, and a classic look that works across settings.
  • Artisan and Handcrafted Styles: Fire Pit Art pieces like the Third Rock and Scallop are individually handcrafted with unique patterns.

Gathering vs Cooking

  • Pure Ambiance Fire Pits: Models from Fire Pit Art and Ohio Flame are built for warmth, visual impact, and social gatherings around an open fire.
  • Hybrid Grill and Fire Pit: The Arteflame lineup combines wood-fired cooking with fire pit ambiance, giving you both in a single footprint.

Featured Brands in Wood Burning Patio Fire Pits

Fire Pit Art

Fire Pit Art is the leading brand in this collection with seven models, all handcrafted in the USA from heavy-gauge carbon steel. Known for their signature silhouettes and iron oxide patina finish, their fire pits are built to last decades and often treated as functional outdoor sculptures.

Ohio Flame

Ohio Flame builds simple, rugged wood burning fire bowls from American steel with a focus on affordability and no-fuss performance. Every model ships fully assembled and comes with a lifetime warranty, making them one of the best values in the category.

Arteflame

Arteflame takes a different approach, combining fire pit design with professional-grade outdoor cooking surfaces. Their CORTEN steel construction and multi-zone cooktops have earned a loyal following among grilling enthusiasts and outdoor entertainers alike.

Modern Fire Pit Wood Burning Styles for Every Space

For Large Backyard Gatherings

Group gathering around a fire pit

Fire Pit Art Manta Ray & Saturn

The Fire Pit Art Manta Ray and Saturn are built for open spaces where people gather in a circle. Their wide bowls and strong heat output make them ideal for fall and winter evenings spent outdoors.

For Small Patios and Budget-Friendly Setups

Ohio Flame Patriot Fire Pit on a patio

Ohio Flame Patriot

The Ohio Flame Patriot fits tight spaces and modest budgets without cutting corners on quality. Its compact footprint and zero-assembly design make it a natural starter piece for smaller backyards or townhome patios where space is limited.

For Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining

Cooking on Arteflame fire pit grill

Arteflame One

The Arteflame One turns your fire pit into a full outdoor kitchen. Multi-zone heat, a massive cooking surface, and wood-fired flavor make it the go-to for anyone who wants to sear steaks, warm sides, and gather around the same fire all evening.

Fire Pit For Burning Wood FAQs

What is the best wood fire pit for my space?

It depends on your layout. For large backyards, the Fire Pit Art Manta Ray offers strong heat and a 360-degree view. For smaller patios, the Ohio Flame Patriot is compact, affordable, and ready to use out of the box.

What size patio fire pit for wood should I choose?

Match the size to your space. A 36-inch bowl suits open yards and group seating. For tighter patios or townhome setups, a 24- to 30-inch keeps things proportional and safe.

What should I put in the bottom of a wood burning portable fire pit?

A thin layer of sand or fire pit lava rock helps protect the base and improves airflow. Avoid dirt or gravel that retains moisture. Many metal fire pits include a rain drain so water doesn't pool.

Can I use lava rocks or fire glass in a wood burning round fire pit?

Lava rocks can be used as a base layer, but fire glass is designed for gas burners and may crack under direct wood heat. Stick with natural firewood or lava rock as a bed for best results.

Can a fire pit for wood burning be converted to gas or propane?

Some models support conversion with an aftermarket gas burner kit, but not all are compatible. Check with the manufacturer or our team before purchasing a conversion kit to ensure safe and proper fit.

Find the Right Outdoor Fire Pit Wood Burning for Your Backyard

A wood burning outdoor fire pit brings something to your outdoor space that no other feature can, real fire, real warmth, and a reason to gather. With handcrafted designs, durable steel construction, and options for every budget and backyard, this collection has a model that fits the way you live.

Browse the full lineup and find the right wood burning fire pit to turn your patio into the place everyone wants to be.