Fire pit or fire table for a GTA backyard?

Both extend the useful season by roughly two months on each end. They suit different yards.

Wood-burning pit

More heat, more atmosphere, more work. Needs clearance from structures and overhanging branches, somewhere to store dry wood, and a plan for ash. Check local rules on open fires for your municipality.

Gas fire table

Instant, controllable, no smoke and no ash. Lower heat output, needs a gas line run during the build, and it reads as furniture rather than as a feature.

Seating geometry

People sit closer than they think. A circle of about three metres across works for most groups; much larger and conversation breaks apart.

Build it in

A seat wall around part of the circle gives permanent seating that never blows over, and it ties the feature into the hardscape instead of leaving it looking dropped on top.

Fire features