Propane vs Natural Gas Fire Pit for a Patio
Last Updated: October 30, 2026
Quick Summary
The propane vs natural gas choice for a patio fire pit comes down to fuel supply and placement. A propane fire pit table runs from a refillable tank stored in or beside the unit and can move, while a natural gas fire pit connects to a fixed gas line and stays put once the line is stubbed.
- A propane fire pit table runs from a refillable tank, often 20-pound, stored in or beside the unit.
- On many propane models the tank hides inside the table body, per the manufacturer's manual.
- A natural gas fire pit connects to a fixed gas line and stays put once the line is stubbed.
- Gas line work and any conversion require a licensed gas fitter following local code.
- Confirm a conversion kit exists for your model before you buy, per the manufacturer's manual.
Table of Contents
- How Propane and Natural Gas Reach Your Patio
- Propane Fire Pit Tank Placement and Design
- Natural Gas Fire Pit Installation and Layout
- Fire Pit Fuel Conversion Kit: What Manufacturers Say
- Choosing Your Fuel: A Short Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Propane and Natural Gas Reach Your Patio
The chairs are pulled in close and the lighter is in your hand. The choice between propane vs natural gas fire pit for a patio decides how that moment happens for years.
A gas fire pit draws fuel one of two ways. Before you commit to a fuel type, read gas fire pit safety features to look for. A propane fire pit table runs from a refillable tank stored in or beside the unit. Tank size is set by the manufacturer's manual. A natural gas fire pit connects to a fixed gas line from the house. Tank size, line size, regulators, and clearances follow the manufacturer's manual.
Propane Fire Pit Tank Placement and Design
Where the tank lives is a design question. On some propane fire pit table models, the tank can be concealed inside the table body. Follow the manufacturer's manual for tank size, connection, and clearance.
An internal compartment keeps the tank off the patio floor and leaves the top clear for the gathering. See the American Fyre Designs Legend 60-Inch Fire Pit Table, or browse the full American Fyre Designs collection.
Read the placement section of the manual before you buy.
Natural Gas Fire Pit Installation and Layout
A fixed gas line changes your layout for good. Once the line is stubbed, the fire pit stays put. Plan the patio around that spot. Line size, regulators, and clearances come from the manufacturer's manual, and the connection must be made by a licensed gas fitter working to local code.
A fixed natural gas layout suits a permanent patio spot, and the fixed position should be decided before the line is run.
American Fyre Designs Legend 60-Inch Fire Pit Table →
Do the planning before the patio is built. Moving a gas line after the slab is poured is the kind of job nobody wants.
Fire Pit Fuel Conversion Kit: What Manufacturers Say
Some units may be set up for one fuel and offer a conversion kit for the other, as the manufacturer specifies. Whether yours can be converted, and which kit applies, is answered only by the manufacturer's manual. A conversion calls for a licensed gas fitter and local code.
Ask before you buy. If you plan to switch later, confirm the kit is available for your model first. That is doing it right the first time.
Choosing Your Fuel: A Short Checklist
Confirm a gas line can reach the spot. Check the manufacturer's manual for tank size, line size, and clearances. Decide if the unit stays fixed or moves. Confirm a conversion kit exists, if you may switch. Hire a licensed gas fitter for line work and any conversion. Match the fuel type to the product page before ordering.
| Decision | Propane Fire Pit Table | Natural Gas Fire Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel supply | Refillable tank, often 20-pound | Fixed gas line from the house |
| Placement | Movable, tank stored in or beside unit | Fixed once the line is stubbed |
| Installation | Tank connection per manual | Licensed gas fitter, local code |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a propane fire pit be converted to natural gas?
Sometimes. It depends on the model and what the manufacturer offers. Per the manufacturer's manual, the kit must match the burner and the fuel type. Conversion is not a DIY job: a licensed gas fitter should do the work and follow local code. Check the manual before you buy so you know whether conversion is supported for that specific unit.
Where does the propane tank go in a propane fire pit table?
On many propane fire pit tables, the tank hides inside the table body, so nothing sits out beside the flame. Per the manufacturer's manual, follow the instructions for the tank, the gas connection, and any clearance around the unit. The manufacturer's manual states how the tank must be placed relative to the unit and any structures.
What should I plan before adding a gas line for a patio fire pit?
Decide where the gas outdoor fire pit will sit before the patio is poured or laid out. A fixed natural gas fire pit cannot be moved once the line is in, so the layout, seating, and line route all need to be settled first. A licensed gas fitter should run the line and confirm the size, regulator, and clearances per the manufacturer's manual and local code. Planning early avoids tearing up a finished patio later.
The choice comes down to how you want to live with the fire. A tank you can move, or a line that stays. Either way, the goal is the same: a place for your people, built to last. At The Therapeutic Patio, we stock gas fire pit tables and fire bowls in both fuel types, with free standard shipping to the lower 48. Tell us your patio layout and we will help you match the fuel to the product page. Get started with The Therapeutic Patio and settle in around a fire done right the first time.
