Wood Burning Fire Pits

Bring the crackle, glow, and woodsmoke of a real fire to your backyard with our handcrafted wood burning fire pits. Every model in this collection is a round, open steel fire bowl built by Fire Pit Art in Tennessee from ¼″ American steel — functional outdoor art designed to gather family and friends around a true wood fire for decades.

Why Choose a Wood Burning Fire Pit

Authentic Fire Experience: Nothing matches a real wood fire — the crackle, the aroma, and the radiant heat that pulls everyone in close. These open fire bowls deliver a genuine campfire atmosphere for roasting, gathering, and unwinding outdoors.

Handcrafted American Steel: Each fire pit is hand-formed from ¼″ carbon or 304 stainless steel, individually numbered by the artist, and made to order in Tennessee. Carbon models develop a rich iron-oxide patina over time, while stainless models resist rust — both built to last for generations.

Open Round Design & No Gas Lines: A round, low-profile bowl gives a full 360° view of the flames from any seat and radiates heat in every direction — ideal for larger groups. No gas hookups or fuel tanks required: just firewood, an open outdoor space, and a built-in rain drain to keep the bowl clear.

How to Choose the Right Wood Burning Fire Pit

Size & Diameter: Our fire bowls range from 30″ to 72″. Smaller 30–36″ pits suit intimate patios and decks, while 48–72″ models anchor large gatherings and open backyards.

Material & Finish: Choose carbon steel with a maintenance-free iron-oxide patina that deepens over time for a rustic look, or 304 stainless steel with a polished, rust-resistant finish for a sleek, modern feel.

Design & Motif: Pick an artistic cut-out design — Antlers, Sea Creatures, Kokopelli, Tropical Moon and more — or a clean, minimalist silhouette like Crater, Asia, or Low Boy.

Placement & Base: Set your fire pit on a non-combustible surface with ample clearance from structures and overhangs. For decks or patios, add a stone base or heat shield to protect the surface beneath.

Accessories: Complete and protect your fire pit with a matching spark guard, drop-in fire grate for better airflow, canvas cover, or a steel log rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood should I burn in a fire pit?
Use seasoned (dry) hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory. They burn longer, hotter, and cleaner than softwoods, and dry wood produces far less smoke than green or wet wood.

What wood should I never burn?
Avoid pressure-treated, painted, stained, or manufactured wood (including most pallets and construction scraps), as well as wet, green, or moldy wood. These can release toxic fumes and create excess smoke.

What do I put in the bottom of a wood burning fire pit?
Nothing is required — these are open steel bowls with a built-in rain drain. Burn wood directly on the floor of the bowl, or add an optional fire grate to raise the wood and improve airflow. Keep the drain clear so water can escape.

Are wood burning fire pits legal where I live?
It varies by city and county. Always check your local fire codes, HOA rules, and seasonal burn bans before use — especially in California, urban areas, and wildfire-prone regions.

How do I get more burn time and heat?
Burn seasoned hardwoods and use a drop-in grate to boost airflow under the fire. Good airflow keeps the fire hotter and reduces smoke.

Can I cook over a wood burning fire pit?
Yes — these pits are great for roasting marshmallows or grilling with an approved grate. Clean out ash after cooking to maintain airflow.

Will my fire pit rust or need maintenance?
Carbon steel models develop a protective iron-oxide patina and are maintenance-free outdoors year-round; stainless models resist rust. A canvas cover further extends the life of any fire pit.

Browse our full lineup of wood burning fire pits — handcrafted American steel, made to last — and bring warmth, tradition, and timeless design to your outdoor space.