Can You Use Charcoal In A Wood Fire Pit?

BY Collin Champagne Sep 12, 2025

: charcoal in wood fire pit

If you have a wood fire pit, you may have wondered if you can use other types of fuel to start your fire. The answer is yes. In a wood fire pit, you have two options for fuel: charcoal and wood. Because many people aren't aware they can make a coal fire in their wood fire pit, we want to spend some time discussing how to do just that.

Wood and coal can be used interchangeably in a wood fire pit. The only thing you need to keep in mind is removing the previous fuel from the fire before starting a new one. The great thing about having coal as another option is, it is much cheaper than wood and way less labor intensive.

I mean, how hard is it to go to Walmart & get a few bags of coal, right? Depending on where you live & how chaotic your neighborhood Walmart is, you may prefer chopping wood by hand, but the point is still the same.

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.