How to Light a Fire Pit Table (Match, Spark, and Electronic)

To light a fire pit table, first confirm the gas supply is open and the burner is clear, then turn the control knob to ignite while holding a flame or pressing the igniter until the burner catches. The exact steps depend on your ignition type: match-lit tables need a long lighter at the burner, spark and push-button tables use a built-in piezo igniter, and electronic ignition tables light at the turn of a knob or press of a button. Whichever you have, always purge trapped gas, keep your face and hands back, and light within a few seconds of releasing gas.

Part of our Ultimate Fire Pit Table Buyer’s Guide.

What safety checks should you do before lighting a fire pit table?

Two minutes of checks prevents almost every rough start. Run through this list before you reach for the knob or lighter:

• Confirm the table sits on a level, stable surface with at least 10 feet of clearance from your home, railings, and anything flammable overhead.
• Open the propane tank valve slowly and fully, or confirm the natural gas line shutoff is open. Not sure which fuel you have and how they differ at startup? See our guide on propane vs natural gas fire pit tables.
• Check the burner and fire media for standing water, leaves, or debris. A wet burner sputters and can trap gas.
• Sniff for a strong gas odor near the tank and connections. If you smell gas, stop, shut the valve, and let it clear before trying again.
• Make sure the control knob is in the OFF position before you open the gas.

If it is your first light of the season or a brand new table, the line will hold air, so expect the first attempt to take a few extra seconds while that air purges.

How do you light a match-lit fire pit table?

Match-lit tables are the simplest design: there is no igniter, so you introduce the flame yourself. Use a long-reach butane lighter or a fireplace match, never a short match that puts your hand over the burner.

1. Hold the lit long lighter just above the burner ring or a designated lighting port.
2. With your other hand, slowly turn the gas control knob to the ON or HIGH position.
3. The burner should catch within 2 to 3 seconds. Once flames spread across the media, remove the lighter.
4. Adjust the knob down to your preferred flame height.

If it does not light within about 5 seconds, turn the knob OFF, wait a full minute for gas to disperse, and try again. Do not let gas keep flowing while you fumble with the lighter.

How do you light a spark ignition (push-button) fire pit table?

Spark or piezo ignition tables have a built-in striker, usually a red or black button, that throws a spark at the burner. No batteries or match required.

1. Turn the gas control knob to ON or HIGH to release gas to the burner.
2. Immediately press the spark or push-button igniter in quick, firm clicks.
3. Watch for the burner to catch, usually within the first 3 to 5 clicks.
4. Once lit, release the igniter and set your flame height at the knob.

If nothing catches after 5 to 6 clicks, turn the gas OFF, wait a minute, then repeat. A weak or dead spark is often just a dirty electrode; wiping the igniter tip clean usually restores a strong blue snap.

How do you light an electronic ignition fire pit table?

Electronic ignition is the most convenient system and common on premium tables. A battery pack or a connection to power drives a continuous spark, so the burner lights almost instantly when gas arrives.

1. Confirm the ignition battery pack is fresh, or the unit is powered on, and the gas is open.
2. Turn or push the control knob to the ignition position. You will hear the igniter ticking.
3. Keep the knob engaged until the burner lights, then hold briefly so the flame sensor confirms the flame.
4. Release to the run position and adjust the flame height.

Premium electronic systems like the Warming Trends design light fast and evenly because they combine a strong spark with a high-output burner. If a table with a flame-sensing valve keeps shutting off seconds after lighting, the sensor may need a few extra seconds of held knob to prove the flame.

Which ignition type is right for you?

Here is how the three systems compare at a glance:

Ignition type	How it lights	Needs power?	Best for
Match-lit	Hand-held long lighter at the burner	No	Simplest, lowest-cost setups
Spark / push-button	Built-in piezo striker	No	Everyday ease with no batteries
Electronic	Battery or powered continuous spark	Yes	Fastest, most hands-off lighting

How do you shut off a fire pit table safely?

Shutting down is just as important as lighting. Do it in the right order so no gas lingers in the burner.

1. Turn the control knob fully to the OFF position and let the flames go out completely.
2. For propane, close the tank valve by turning it clockwise until snug. For natural gas, you can leave the appliance shutoff in its normal position unless you are servicing the table.
3. Let the table and fire media cool fully before covering it, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Fit a weather cover once everything is cool to keep the burner and media dry for the next light.

Closing the propane tank first, then the knob, is also acceptable and lets the line burn off residual gas, but the knob-off method above is simplest for everyday use.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my fire pit table click but not light?

Usually the spark is reaching the electrode but no gas is arriving, or the electrode is dirty. Confirm the tank valve is fully open, purge any air by holding the gas on for a few seconds, and wipe the igniter tip clean. If the spark looks weak on an electronic unit, replace the battery.

How long should I hold the ignition knob?

Hold it until the burner lights, then keep it engaged for another 5 to 10 seconds on tables with a flame sensor so the safety valve stays open. Release too soon and the valve shuts the gas back off.

Is it safe to relight a fire pit table right after it goes out?

Turn the knob OFF and wait about a minute first. Relighting immediately can ignite gas that has pooled in the burner or bowl. A short pause lets it disperse so you get a clean, controlled light.

Do I need to open the propane tank all the way?

Yes. Open the tank valve slowly but fully. A partly open valve can trigger the safety flow limiter, which starves the burner and gives you a weak, stubborn flame.

Can rain or moisture stop my fire pit table from lighting?

Yes. Water in the burner or under the fire media causes sputtering and failed lights. Dry the burner, clear any standing water from the bowl, and keep a cover on between uses.

Related: Ignition Systems and Fuel Types and Why It Will Not Stay Lit.