A gas fire table turns a chilly patio into a spot you actually use all year. Late summer is the best time to buy because stores need to clear floor space for fall inventory, meaning you can often snag a floor model for a discount.
You should expect to spend around $600 for a quality unit. Get at least three quotes from local fireplace shops or hardware stores to see who is cutting prices the deepest before the season turns.
That 18-month window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once the time is up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever remains, which can get expensive quickly.