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4. Gas Vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pits: A St. Louis Homeowner’s Guide To Pros, Cons, And Regulations

There is a distinct feeling in the air when autumn settles over St. Louis—a crispness that practically begs for an evening spent outdoors. Whether you are situated in a historic brick bungalow in The Hill or on a spacious lot in Chesterfield, the allure of gathering around a fire is universal. However, before you strike that first match or flip a switch, you face a critical decision that affects your wallet, your lifestyle, and your legal compliance: Gas or Wood?

While national magazines often focus purely on aesthetics, the reality for Missouri homeowners is a bit more complex. Choosing the right model is a key part of designing your ideal setup for outdoor fire features and heating, but it requires balancing the romantic crackle of logs against the convenience of modern technology—and navigating the specifics of local ordinances. This guide cuts through the noise to help you decide which fuel source belongs in your backyard.

The Great Debate: Ambiance vs. Convenience

When you start browsing for fire pits near me, you quickly realize that the choice between gas and wood isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the experience you want to curate.

The Case for Wood: The Purist’s Choice

For many, a fire isn’t a fire without the scent of hickory or oak and the satisfying snap of burning logs. Wood-burning fire pits offer:

• Maximum Heat: Wood generally burns hotter than gas, extending your patio season deeper into those freezing St. Louis winters.
• The “Campfire” Experience: The ritual of chopping wood, building the stack, and tending the flame provides a primal, interactive experience that gas simply cannot replicate.
• Lower Upfront Cost: Generally, a simple wood fire pit bowl or stone ring is less expensive to purchase and install than a gas unit, as it requires no plumbing.

The Trade-off: The “cost” of wood comes in the form of labor. You must source seasoned firewood, manually light the fire, constantly tend to it to keep it going, and clean up the ash the next day. Smoke can also be a nuisance to neighbors in tighter city lots.

The Case for Gas: The Modern Entertainer

Gas fire pits (natural gas or liquid propane) have surged in popularity for one reason: accessibility. They offer:

• Instant Gratification: With the push of a button, you have a full flame. There is no waiting for logs to catch and no struggling with damp kindling.
• Clean Operation: There is no smoke to sting your eyes, no flying embers to burn holes in your outdoor rug, and zero ash to clean up in the morning.
• Design Versatility: Gas allows for sleek, contemporary designs, such as a round gas firepit filled with fire glass or lava rock, which can double as a coffee table when not in use.

The Trade-off: You sacrifice the crackling sound and the intense heat output of wood. Additionally, running a natural gas line requires professional installation, which increases the initial investment.

The St. Louis Rulebook: City vs. County Ordinances

This is the section most general guides skip, yet it is the most critical for St. Louis residents. Before you buy, you must know where your property lines fall, as the rules for a recreational fire differ significantly between the City and the County.

Note: These regulations are for “recreational fires” (fire pits), not open burning of yard waste, which is generally prohibited.

St. Louis City Regulations

If you live within the city limits, you are governed by Ordinance 70932. The city is denser, meaning fire codes are stricter to prevent structure fires and smoke nuisance.

• Size Limits: The fuel area (the fire pit itself) cannot exceed 30 inches in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fuel: You are restricted to burning clean, seasoned firewood, natural gas, or propane. Burning trash, leaves, or construction debris is strictly prohibited.
• Location: The fire must be constantly attended. While specific distance requirements can vary by neighborhood density, best practice (and general code) suggests keeping fires at least 15 feet away from structures or combustible materials.

St. Louis County Regulations

In unincorporated St. Louis County, the rules fall under Title VI, Chapter 612.345. While you may have more yard space, the county is very specific about “open burning” versus recreational fires.

• Size Limits: To be considered a recreational fire (which does not require a permit), the fire’s base area generally must be 3 feet by 3 feet (9 square feet) or smaller.
• Safety Zone: The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet away from any structure (house, shed, deck) or combustible material.
• Materials: Like the city, you may only burn clean, dry, split, seasoned firewood.

St. Louis Ordinance Quick-Check

| Feature | St. Louis City (Ord. 70932) | St. Louis County (Title VI) |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Max Fire Size | 30 inches diameter | 9 square feet (approx 3′ x 3′) |

| Distance from Home | Generally 15+ feet | Minimum 25 feet |

| Permitted Fuel | Seasoned wood, Gas, Propane | Seasoned wood, Gas, Propane |

| Yard Waste? | NO | NO |

Tip: If you live in a municipality within the county (like Kirkwood, Clayton, or Florissant), check your specific municipal code, as it may supersede county rules.

What Does “Clean Burning” Actually Mean?

Both jurisdictions mention “seasoned firewood.” This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a requirement to avoid fines.

• Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried for at least six months. It looks gray and has cracks in the grain.
• Prohibited: “Green” (freshly cut) wood, pressure-treated lumber (decks/fences), leaves, and trash. These produce excessive smoke and toxic fumes, which are the primary cause of neighbor complaints and fire department visits.

Comparison: Which Model Fits Your Lifestyle?

If you are still on the fence, use this framework to decide based on your specific situation.

Choose a Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pit If:

1. You live in the City: The lack of smoke and embers makes it much easier to comply with nuisance laws in dense neighborhoods.
2. You want spontaneity: You want to enjoy a fire for 30 minutes with a glass of wine without committing to a 3-hour burn-down process.
3. Safety is a primary anxiety: You have young children or pets and want the ability to turn the flame off instantly.

Choose a Wood-Burning Fire Pit If:

1. You have a large County lot: You have the space to meet the 25-foot setback requirement easily.
2. You want maximum warmth: You plan to use the space well into December and need the high BTUs that only wood provides.
3. You are budget-conscious: You want a simple setup without the cost of running gas lines.

Safety First: A Note on Installation

Regardless of your choice, firepit safety is paramount.

• Gas: Never attempt to run your own natural gas line. Requires a licensed professional to ensure there are no leaks and that the pressure is correct for your specific burner.
• Wood: Always use a spark screen to prevent embers from drifting onto dry leaves or nearby cushions.

Next Steps for Your Backyard

At Forshaw, we’ve been helping St. Louis families warm their homes and patios since 1871. We understand that reading about regulations is one thing, but seeing the flame profile of a gas burner or the craftsmanship of a cast iron bowl is another.

If you are unsure if a specific model fits the 30-inch city restriction, or if you need advice on running a gas line to your new patio, our team is here to help clarify the details so you can enjoy your fire pit with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a fire pit in St. Louis?

Generally, no—provided your fire pit meets the “recreational fire” size limits (30″ diameter in the City, 3’x3′ in the County) and burns clean fuel. However, permanent gas line installations usually require a mechanical permit.

Can I put a fire pit on my deck?

Wood-burning fire pits should never be placed on a combustible wood or composite deck. Gas fire tables are often safe for decks, provided they are manufacturer-rated for such use and you follow clearance guidelines, but we always recommend placing a non-combustible mat underneath.

Is a propane fire pit safer than wood?

In terms of control, yes. Propane pits do not produce sparks or flying embers, which is the leading cause of accidental fires from fire pits. They also eliminate the risk of the fire continuing to smolder after you’ve gone inside.

What is the best wood to burn?

In Missouri, stick to hardwoods like Oak, Hickory, or Ash. They burn hotter and cleaner than softwoods like Pine or Cedar, which contain sap that causes popping and excessive smoke.

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