HPBExpo 2023 gave our Firepits Direct team a firsthand look at the outdoor living trends shaping the fire pit industry, including continued growth in patio heaters, fire and water features, smart ignition systems, larger fire tables, mixed-material designs, and luxury backyard upgrades.
The annual expo for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association took place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville on March 11-13. The HPBA is an international trade association dedicated to supporting manufacturers and retailers of fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor cooking products.
As a company passionate about staying up to date on the best outdoor fire features, Firepits Direct sent our team of experts to the 2023 HPBExpo to see what's hot in the world of fire pits. Because we want our customers to be in the know about what they can expect from our inventory, we've compiled a guide to the outdoor fire pit and patio trends we saw from the brands we work with.
Outdoor Fire Pit and Patio Trends From HPBExpo 2023
HPBExpo is a great opportunity to see where the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries are heading. For outdoor living, the biggest takeaway was clear: homeowners and commercial spaces are continuing to invest in products that make patios more comfortable, more stylish, and more usable throughout the year.
Patio Heaters Continue to Grow
Outdoor patio heaters have had a huge surge in popularity in recent years, both for residential and commercial use. People love them because they offer the opportunity to extend the outdoor season, whether it's on your patio at home or the dining patio of a restaurant or bar.
This growth in popularity is showing no signs of stopping and has led to a corresponding boom in options for customers. Wall-mounted heaters, ceiling-mounted heaters, freestanding heaters, electric heaters, and gas heaters all give homeowners and business owners more ways to add targeted warmth to outdoor spaces.
Fire and Water Features Are the Future
It goes without saying that we love fire pits here at Firepits Direct, but they're not the only great way to add light, heat, and charm to an outdoor space. One growing segment of the industry is fire and water features.
These attractive installations combine the best features of fire pits and fountains, making them a next-level addition to many outdoor spaces. They're especially popular around swimming pools, hot tubs, resort spaces, and luxury patios, but they can also function beautifully as standalone features.
Larger Fire Tables Are Becoming Outdoor Gathering Centers
Another trend we continue to see is the growth of larger gas fire tables. These products are popular because they combine the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit with the everyday function of an outdoor table.
For homeowners who entertain often, a fire table can become the center of the patio. Guests can gather around the flame, set down drinks, and enjoy a more comfortable outdoor seating area. Larger rectangular and linear designs are especially popular for modern patios, outdoor sectionals, and conversation spaces.
Smart Ignition and Better Controls Are in Demand
Convenience continues to matter. Many customers want fire features that are easy to operate, especially when they are part of a larger outdoor living space. That has increased interest in electronic ignition systems, remote controls, timers, and smart-compatible fire pit components.
These systems can make a gas fire pit easier to use while adding important safety and monitoring features. For custom builds, choosing the right electronic ignition kit or gas fire pit component can make a major difference in long-term performance and convenience.
Mixed-Material Fire Features Are Gaining Popularity
Outdoor fire features are becoming more design-focused, and mixed materials are a big part of that shift. Concrete, stainless steel, powder-coated metal, glass, stone, and decorative media are being combined in new ways to create fire pits and fire tables that feel more integrated into the overall patio design.
This trend is especially useful for homeowners who want their fire feature to match the look of an outdoor kitchen, pool area, seating group, or modern backyard. Instead of treating a fire pit as a standalone accessory, more customers are choosing products that feel like part of a complete outdoor room.
Commercial Outdoor Heating Is Still Expanding
Restaurants, bars, hotels, and hospitality spaces continue to look for ways to make outdoor areas more comfortable for guests. Patio heaters, fire tables, fire bowls, and larger outdoor fire features can help commercial spaces extend the use of outdoor dining areas and lounge spaces.
This demand has also influenced residential design. Homeowners are taking inspiration from resorts, restaurants, and boutique hotels by creating outdoor spaces that feel more polished, comfortable, and functional.
Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Features Are Working Together
Outdoor living spaces are becoming more complete. Instead of choosing only a grill, fire pit, or seating area, many homeowners are building patios that include several zones: an outdoor kitchen, a dining space, a lounge area, and a fire feature.
A fire pit or fire table can help anchor the lounge area while an outdoor kitchen handles cooking and entertaining. When planned together, these features create a backyard that feels useful for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and cooler evenings outside.
What These Trends Mean for Your Patio
The biggest lesson from HPBExpo 2023 is that outdoor spaces are becoming more intentional. Customers are not just looking for a single product. They are looking for complete outdoor environments that are comfortable, attractive, and easy to use.
That might mean adding an outdoor heater to extend your patio season, choosing a gas fire pit as a central gathering point, upgrading to a fire and water feature for a pool area, or designing a full outdoor living space with multiple zones.
Final Thoughts
HPBExpo 2023 confirmed that outdoor living continues to move toward more comfort, more convenience, and more design flexibility. Patio heaters, fire and water features, larger fire tables, smart ignition systems, and mixed-material fire features are all helping homeowners and businesses create outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed more often. If you need help choosing the right product, planning your project, or finding compatible components, contact our product specialists for expert guidance.
