Fire pit logs are either real or prefabricated logs used for warmth and decoration in a fire pit. Prefabricated fire pit logs are made from metal or ceramic and help conduct heat without being consumed. They are aimed at improving aesthetics and masking the blue flame base commonly seen in gas fire pits; the fire pit logs hide the blue flame base and allow the orange flames to pass through, giving the illusion of a regular wood-burning fire. Natural wood can also be used for fire pits, and they will burn in the flames to produce heat.
Prefabricated fire pit logs are designed to resist burning. They are made from non-combustible materials such as metal or ceramic, and they are painted or otherwise decorated to mimic the look and feel of real wood. They may come formed as individual logs, or they may be prefabricated to appear as a stack of logs that cannot be separated from each other. The logs can be laid on top of a gas burner at the bottom of the pit to conceal the gas delivery system as well as the blue flame coming from it. In some cases, the fire pit logs feature vent holes to allow better air flow to the flames and to allow flames to pass higher through the logs.
Natural wood fire pits will require the use of real fire pit logs. People with wood-burning fire pits need to choose wood carefully, as some woods will cause more smoke and sparks than others. Fire pit logs very often need to sit for a season to dry adequately before being burned; this is known as seasoning the wood. Excess moisture in the wood can cause sparks and excess smoke when burning. Other things that can cause excess smoke and sparks include pitch or sap in the woods and chemicals, such as the ones present in pressure treated lumber, or even paint and stain.
The advantages of prefabricated fire pit logs include not having to clean the fire pit, as no ashes will be produced in a gas-powered fire pit with prefabricated logs inside. They are also a one-time purchase, meaning they are generally low cost items, whereas firewood may need to be purchased regularly if the fire pit owner does not have access to forests nearby.