Adding a Firepit to my STR- Gas or Woodburning?

Investor · Catonsville, MD · Member since 2020 · 81 posts · 41 votes

Adding a firepit to my STR in Port Clinton Ohio. Can you guys help me decide on the specs and the type? Are there any hazards I should watch out for with gas? Can you make more cashflow with wood-burning since you're charging for the wood?

Thank you!

Joe S.

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Leslie Anne Morris

Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes

My cabins have wood burning fire pits and at the premium ones we provide the wood. Otherwise we give guests the recommendation for where to buy bundles from.

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Chris Ortler
Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 9 votes
4y
Hello Joe,
I personally use gas fire pit tables for my STR's. The main reason is that it would be too much to ask my cleaners to be sure to clean out a wood burning fire pit. Nor would I ever ask my guests to do so.
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Ken Boone
Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
Well I can tell you this wood is a pain to deal with. How do you manage it if you are charging for wood? Do you have a locked shed to keep it in and then you have your cleaners put out a small bundle for each guest? What if the guest wants to buy more wood. You pay cleaners to go back and give them another bundle? When it runs low, do you have folks who can reliably deliver more wood? The wood costs money as well, so its not like you are going to make a killing on the wood if anything. The whole point of the fire pit is as an additional amenity to up your game with your competition, to either get more bookings or more $ per night. Will a fire pit do that for you?
I know a lot of people ask for fire pits. Will they be willing to pay more for a place with a fire pit is the question. I have one cabin that has a wood burning fireplace and I keep wood on hand unlimited because it is on top of a mountain. If power is lost in a storm, then my guests would have no heat so I have to provide wood to ensure their safety - but it can be a pain.
Having said all that the gas option is probably much safer, but there is a cost there to, you need to have the propane. Again, same issues, what keeps a guests from leaving it on, over using it, etc.. Does gas company monitor tank to auto refill when needed? Stuff like that. So each has their pros and cons. The question is will it derive extra revenue from adding it or do you need to do it to maintain revenue to keep up with competitors?
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Joel Case
Rental Property Investor · Ocean Springs, MS · Member since 2022 · 349 posts · 301 votes
4y
Joe, I also am considering this. With wood you could allow the renter to provide, I know during the colder months the home improvement stores and some grocery stores carry wood out front. Gas would you use propane bottles or have a hard line installed? I think gas would be safer (thinking about fire safety and a fire becoming uncontained). I worry that charging extra for wood or gas would be seen negatively so I am considering factoring it in to the nightly rate.
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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
4y
After discussing this with other people I beleive a wood burning fire pit that people bring their own wood for.
Gas has to be refilled and could run out on someone prompting a bad review. Someone could leave it burning using up the gas before the next guest. This could be a big Hassel for someone to check and keep refilling tanks.
This is also why I will only supply charcoal grills. No complaints ever.
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Leslie Anne Morris
Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes
4y
My cabins have wood burning fire pits and at the premium ones we provide the wood. Otherwise we give guests the recommendation for where to buy bundles from.
5 Reply
Greg R.
Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2016 · 887 posts · 1k+ votes
4y
I'm assuming you're referring to natural gas? Not sure on the area, but gas is getting very expensive. I can imagine people hanging out by the fire pit for hours at a time drinking beer, hot coco, etc. In my mind I just see dollar signs and a skyrocketing gas bill. For that reason I would personally go for wood. Assuming there is a little corner store nearby that sells wood, I'd make them provide their own wood. Regarding the cleaning, have a handyman come out on whatever interval that is necessary. In my mind that is going to be a way cheaper option than you funding a gas firepit.
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Paul Sandhu
Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
4y
I fabricated all 3 of my fire pits at my STRs, they are all wood burning. My biggest is a 4'x4'. It's at a 14 unit apartment complex. Some of the tenants keep it stocked with used pallets to burn. I live out in the country and have a lifetime supply of firewood for my STRs. When I need to restock one of the smaller fire pits, I cut a load of wood and put it in my dump truck and then unload it by the pit.
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y
I would only do gas (propane) because of fire hazard, but them we live in a high fire hazard area (for about half the year).
Propane is inexpensive and you can allow (1) 5 gal tank per stay, that should be enough for a couple of cozy fires after dinner and will discourage all night partying at the fire-pit.
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Jon Martin
Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

I would only do gas (propane) because of fire hazard, but them we live in a high fire hazard area (for about half the year).
Propane is inexpensive and you can allow (1) 5 gal tank per stay, that should be enough for a couple of cozy fires after dinner and will discourage all night partying at the fire-pit.

This is what I'm doing. Plus a line splitter that feeds the propane grill as well to kill 2 birds. Keep an extra full tank on hand. Would rather worry about keeping 1-2 propane tanks full instead all the work involved with having wood delivered and stacked. Per unit of weight and volume there's no comparison.
That said my STR is not somewhere that a cozy authentic wood fire would be expected. YMMV
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Jon Martin:

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

I would only do gas (propane) because of fire hazard, but them we live in a high fire hazard area (for about half the year).
Propane is inexpensive and you can allow (1) 5 gal tank per stay, that should be enough for a couple of cozy fires after dinner and will discourage all night partying at the fire-pit.

This is what I'm doing. Plus a line splitter that feeds the propane grill as well to kill 2 birds. Keep an extra full tank on hand. Would rather worry about keeping 1-2 propane tanks full instead all the work involved with having wood delivered and stacked. Per unit of weight and volume there's no comparison.
That said my STR is not somewhere that a cozy authentic wood fire would be expected. YMMV

I don't think people care very much about the source of the flames as long as there are flames. Most resorts I visit have firepits with gas....after a couple drinks, no one cares....
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Joe StoutPro Member
OP
Investor · Catonsville, MD · Member since 2020 · 81 posts · 41 votes
4y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

Quote from @Jon Martin:

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

I would only do gas (propane) because of fire hazard, but them we live in a high fire hazard area (for about half the year).
Propane is inexpensive and you can allow (1) 5 gal tank per stay, that should be enough for a couple of cozy fires after dinner and will discourage all night partying at the fire-pit.

This is what I'm doing. Plus a line splitter that feeds the propane grill as well to kill 2 birds. Keep an extra full tank on hand. Would rather worry about keeping 1-2 propane tanks full instead all the work involved with having wood delivered and stacked. Per unit of weight and volume there's no comparison.
That said my STR is not somewhere that a cozy authentic wood fire would be expected. YMMV

I don't think people care very much about the source of the flames as long as there are flames. Most resorts I visit have firepits with gas....after a couple drinks, no one cares....

This is a great point LOL!
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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
4y
I personally prefer real wood. The smell, the crackle, the ax in my hand...
for a vacation rental, I definitely recommend going with gas. No need to supply firewood, nobody is chopping down your trees, clean, easy, and lower risk of fire or other accidents.
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Paul Sandhu
Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

Quote from @Jon Martin:

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

I don't think people care very much about the source of the flames as long as there are flames. Most resorts I visit have firepits with gas....after a couple drinks, no one cares....

I find melted glass bottles and melted aluminum cans in my fire pits.
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y

Oh, yeah, I agree...for my own residence we have 2 firepits, both wood burning. Nothing like it. But for any rental, particularly a short term, I think it's just asking for trouble. Vacation rental guests are (usually) in a bit of a party mindset and probably consume a little more than the average person. In the last LTR I bought (and converted to a STR) the previous tenant was a tweaker/hoarder and couldn't afford to pay his gas bill......so he starting burning furniture and kitchen cabinets to stay warm.....
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Brian M Sweeney
MBA, CFP®, EA · Columbus, OH · Member since 2018 · 175 posts · 207 votes
4y
From experience I can tell you I did wood burning last year & found out it made the whole house smell every time someone would make a fire. Also you have the clean up, etc. A gas hookup is 100% the way to go. I ran a gas line this year and it’s definitely worth the extra money.
3 Reply
Simon Ashbaugh
Realtor · Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2022 · 849 posts · 830 votes
4y
Wood can be a pain (you have to keep a stockpile, cleanup, ect.). I'd go gas, no need to supply wood no need to clean and don't have the risk of them leaving an open flame when they're done, as small as it may be. Gas they can just turn off and there's no risks.
1 Reply
Joe StoutPro Member
OP
Investor · Catonsville, MD · Member since 2020 · 81 posts · 41 votes
4y
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

I personally prefer real wood. The smell, the crackle, the ax in my hand...
for a vacation rental, I definitely recommend going with gas. No need to supply firewood, nobody is chopping down your trees, clean, easy, and lower risk of fire or other accidents.
Since I'm worried about the gas being left on by tenants, I'm going with the woodburning. It's cheaper and we can DIY it as well.

Thanks!
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Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 364 posts · 244 votes
4y
@Account Closed
I feel like this topic is right up my alley. So first off the fireman in me says for an outdoor fire pit I would recommend wood 100% without question. Here are a few reason why, first off you can get much more BTU's from wood by just adding wood and making the fire larger. With gas you are limited to the gas regulator and burner it self, on cold nights a lot of gas fire pits can not keep up with demand. Second, gas can get very expensive and so can wood. But with wood you can locate local places or vendors to provide wood or at least list places where tenant can get wood and pass that cost on to them. Repair cost can add up with gas too, have you every tried to clean marshmallow off a gas burner. Yeah not as easy as one would think, and replacing the burners can get pricey too.
Safety, some people do not trust gas and prefer not to deal with it. I personal have seen what an improperly maintained gas appliance can do in the event of a accident, and you have to rely of your PM company to make sure every thing works. That is a liability I would not want to worry about. Wood you can put that fire out with a few jugs of water or hose. If we are talking inside, gas fire place all day long. They have many safety features, and modern tech that makes them very safe.
Lastly, I will speak on personal experience. My wife is a pyro, she loves to build big fires and every fall we go to TN or NC Smokey Mountains for our anniversary, she will only stay at a cabin that has an outdoor fire pit. That is nonnegotiable for her and as soon as we book she has me looking for places to get wood. Not gas station or grocery store bundles, I'm talking at least 1/4 cord of seasoned wood.
In my opinion and out door fire pit with some chairs and a list of places to get wood, will help you get picked over the next cabin without one. It will keep your vacancy rate lower, But will it bump up your nightly rate, I'm guessing not as much as you think.
Burn baby Burn!

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y
@Joseph Beilke Seems to me that as a fireman, you would be more concerned with the safety of gas vs wood fires. Yeah, I like them too, but don't necessarily want guests having roaring bonfires going on at my rentals, especially with most STR guests drinking a little.....
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Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 364 posts · 244 votes
4y
@Bruce Woodruff
Wood fires are black and white, if there is a gas leak outside and the wind every so slighting blow away, you may never know there is a build up of gas.
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Joseph Beilke:

@Bruce Woodruff
Wood fires are black and white, if there is a gas leak outside and the wind every so slighting blow away, you may never know there is a build up of gas.
But no flaming embers to blow up into the rafters.... :-)
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Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 364 posts · 244 votes
4y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

Quote from @Joseph Beilke:

@Bruce Woodruff
Wood fires are black and white, if there is a gas leak outside and the wind every so slighting blow away, you may never know there is a build up of gas.
But no flaming embers to blow up into the rafters.... :-)

In my 25 year of fire service an ember floating away from a fire pit has never been the cause of house fire that I have been on. Brush or woods yes, and I understand what you are getting at. But gas build up can be a much bigger problem when you don't know it. In the link below they knew there was a leak.

BOOM! <-----CLICKY
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Tom Freestone
Member since 2022 · 27 posts · 5 votes
3y
@Joseph Beilke I plan to offer a fire pit with wood. I have it 100 ft away from the property and trees. I will have a 6ft rock perimeter around it. 3ft tall and a 3ft opening. I read in a different post to have a water bucket adjacent for guests and to have the cleaner also throw water on it during the turnover. Any other safety recommendations?
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Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 364 posts · 244 votes
3y
@Tom Freestone

3ft tall seems a little bit high. With a normal fire at the bottom of the pit it will struggle to get air unless you build in air vents. I would drop it to about 18 inches, that way you can get better air flow for flame combustion and you do not restrict the heat it gives off. It will be easier to clean out and limit the amount of ash buildup over time.
A bucket is good idea, and maybe if your not worried about pipe freezing, a hose with just the right amount of length to reach the pit.
I would recommend having a few good contacts for renters to get wood from. Either pick up or delivery. Many will over purchase and leave it behind for the next guest. Win Win!

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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
3y
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