How to Choose the Right Fire Pit for Your Oklahoma Backyard

Fire pits are one of the most popular outdoor living additions in northeast Oklahoma — and for good reason. They extend the outdoor season, create a natural gathering spot, and are available at a range of price points that fit almost any budget. But not all fire pits are created equal. This guide helps Oklahoma homeowners choose the right fire pit for their backyard, lifestyle, and budget.

Wood-Burning vs Gas Fire Pit — The Core Decision

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

The experience: Real wood fire, crackle, smoke, the ritual of building and tending the fire. The authentic backyard fire experience. Nothing quite matches it for ambiance.

The reality: You need dry firewood storage, you tend the fire throughout the evening, cleanup involves ash removal the next day, and you can’t use it during burn bans (which Oklahoma issues frequently in dry spring conditions).

Best for: Homeowners who enjoy the ritual of fire, have easy access to firewood, and use the fire pit on planned occasions rather than spontaneously.

Gas Fire Pits (Propane or Natural Gas)

The experience: Push-button ignition, adjustable flame height, consistent fire appearance, instant off. You can be sitting around a fire in 30 seconds. No smoke, no ash, no cleanup.

The reality: Missing the crackle and smell of real wood. Requires a propane tank or natural gas line. Gas fire pits are often allowed during burn bans because they use controlled fuel combustion.

Best for: Homeowners who want to use the fire pit frequently and spontaneously, families with children who benefit from consistent flame control, and homeowners on natural gas who can tap the line.

Fire Pit Types for Oklahoma Backyards

• Simple stone circle — natural stone or brick in a circular form with a steel liner; the classic fire pit; starts at $1,500–$3,500 installed; works for both wood and gas
• Block and veneer fire pit — concrete block core with natural stone or brick veneer facing; more refined appearance; $2,500–$5,000 installed
• Fire pit with seating wall — surrounding stone or brick low wall that provides seating for 6–10 people; the most social configuration; $4,000–$10,000 installed
• Sunken fire pit area — recessed circular area with a central fire pit; creates a bowl-like seating environment; striking visual impact; $8,000–$18,000 installed
• Gas fire pit table — a table with a built-in gas burner; often used on covered patios where smoke would be a problem; $2,500–$6,000 installed

Placement Rules for Oklahoma Fire Pits

• 10 feet minimum from any structure (home, fence, pergola, shed)
• Keep overhead clearance clear — nothing combustible within 10 feet above the fire pit
• Flat, level, non-combustible base — set on concrete, paver, or gravel; never on wood or lawn
• Downwind placement — in Oklahoma’s prevailing westerly winds, place the fire pit where smoke blows away from the primary seating and entertaining areas
• Check local codes — Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and Owasso have specific fire pit regulations; VistaScapes handles any permit requirements

Ready to build your fire pit in northeast Oklahoma? Call VistaScapes Design & Build at 918-779-1317 for a free on-site estimate. We build fire pits throughout Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, and surrounding communities — from simple stone circles to elaborate sunken seating areas.