By Montana Fire Pits – Be the gathering place. Be the light.
The fire pit has never been just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle.
Across the country, from snow-dusted decks in Montana to coastal patios in Florida, more homeowners are designing their outdoor spaces around one simple idea: connection.
A fire pit doesn’t just bring warmth. It creates a place for stories, reflection, and rest — a gathering space that slows the pace of life and invites people to stay a little longer.
But before you light the first match or turn the first valve, there’s a lot to consider. This guide walks you through everything you need to design, build, and enjoy a fire feature that looks beautiful, functions safely, and lasts for years.
1. Choosing the Right Fire Pit for Your Space
Before falling in love with a design, think about how you’ll use it.
Purpose:
- Hosting: Wide ledge, table-style surface, and strong heat output (180k–300k BTU).
- Relaxation: Lower bowl or rectangle design for gentle, ambient warmth.
- Dual-use: Models with removable covers/usable surfaces.
Fuel Type:
- Wood-Burning: A sensory favorite — crackle, aroma, ritual — but requires more care.
- Natural Gas: Best for permanent installations. Clean, efficient, and low-maintenance.
- Propane: Great for flexibility and ease of setup — ideal for patios or smaller spaces.
2. Understanding BTUs and Heat Output
Heat matters more than size.
A common mistake is underestimating BTUs (British Thermal Units), which measure heat output. The higher the BTU, the warmer your space.
| Climate | Fire Pit Size | Recommended BTU Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (CA, TX, FL) | 36–48″ | 90,000–150,000 |
| Cool (MT, CO, OR) | 48–60″ | 180,000–250,000 |
| Cold (MT winters, MN, ID) | 60″+ | 250,000–400,000 |
Pro Tip: Every Montana Fire Pits design uses a Crossfire® Brass Burner—delivering taller, hotter flames with less fuel. Serious warmth, built efficiently.
3. Material Matters
Your fire pit lives outdoors, year-round, so materials matter.
| Material | Look | Durability | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Modern-industrial | High (with finish) | Harsh climates |
| Corten Steel | Rustic & weathered | Extremely high | Mountain & coastal homes |
| Concrete (GFRC) | Smooth, modern | Moderate | Warmer regions |
| Aluminum | Clean & sleek | Excellent corrosion resistance | Coastal or humid regions |
Every Montana Fire Pit is handmade from industrial-grade American steel — built to last decades, not seasons.y-Step
4. Location, Clearance & Safety
Even the most beautiful fire pit loses its appeal if it’s not installed safely.
Placement Checklist:
✅ At least 120 inches of vertical clearance from flame to any structure
✅ Minimum 36 inches of horizontal clearance around all sides
✅ Non-combustible surface for wood-burning fire pits (concrete, pavers, or stone)
✅ Adequate ventilation under and around gas systems
Now comes the connection to your fire pit’s key valve or burner. This is where you might need to adapt the hose to the inlet size of your fire pit. Some key valves have a 1/2″ inlet, while others have a 3/4″ inlet. Determine the inlet size of your fire pit and purchase the appropriate fitting. The regulators provided by Montana Fire Pits come with a fitting to adapt the hose to a 3/4″ key valve.
5. Design Tips for a Seamless Outdoor Space
Your fire feature should feel like it belongs — part of your architecture, not an afterthought.
- Match finishes to your home (stone, steel, wood).
- Seat height = ledge height (18–22″ is ideal).
- Center it visually — between doors, pergola posts, or focal lines.
- Layer lighting: downlights, pathway lights, and soft LEDs amplify the glow.
📐 Need help visualizing? Our Pro Solutions team provides BIM files, specs, and install guides for architects and builders.
6. The Human Element: Why We Gather
Behind every flame is a moment — laughter, reflection, or stillness.
In 2025, we helped transform The Health Haven in Miami — the home of performance coach Justin Roethlingshoefer — into a sanctuary for recovery and connection. Two of our hand-built fire pits became the centerpiece of that space, where athletes and leaders gather to reset and reflect.
That’s the real story of outdoor fire: it’s about creating a place where people come back to themselves.
Final Thoughts
A fire pit is more than a product — it’s an anchor point for your outdoor life. Whether you’re hosting friends, sipping coffee at sunrise, or winding down after a long day, it’s where warmth meets presence.
If you’re ready to bring that experience home, explore our Venture Series — built in Montana, designed for wherever you gather.
