How much does a fire pit cost?

Portable metal (wood-burning): $50-$500. DIY block/stone: $50-$1,000. Professional built-in: $1,000-$5,000. Portable propane: $200-$2,000. Built-in gas: $1,000-$5,000+. Fire table: $500-$5,000. Most popular: DIY retaining wall block pit ($50-$200, 2-4 hours). Best value: a simple metal fire pit bowl ($100-$300) or DIY block pit.

Wood-burning vs gas fire pit?

Wood-burning: pros: authentic campfire experience. Crackling sounds and smell. No fuel cost (use firewood). More heat output. Cons: smoke (bothers neighbors, gets in clothes/eyes). Sparks. Ash cleanup. May be restricted in some areas. Gas: pros: instant on/off. No smoke. Clean (no ash). Adjustable flame. Often allowed where wood-burning is not. Cons: less authentic feel. Fuel cost (propane tanks or natural gas). Natural gas requires professional installation. Recommendation: wood-burning for the classic experience. Gas for convenience and smoke-free enjoyment. Many people choose gas when they have close neighbors.

Can I build a fire pit myself?

Yes. One of the easiest DIY outdoor projects. Simplest option (retaining wall blocks): cost: $50-$200. Time: 2-4 hours. Steps: 1. Choose a level spot 10+ feet from structures. 2. Mark a circle (36-44 inches diameter). 3. Dig 6 inches deep. 4. Add 4 inches of gravel for drainage. 5. Stack retaining wall blocks in a circle (2-3 courses high). 6. Optional: add a metal fire ring insert inside. No mortar needed (gravity holds blocks in place). More advanced options: mortared stone or brick ($200-$1,000, 1-2 days). Built-in gas (requires gas line professional). Tip: use fire-rated blocks or natural stone. Regular concrete blocks can crack with heat.

Do I need a permit for a fire pit?

Depends on your location: portable fire pits: usually no permit needed. Permanent built-in (wood-burning): check local fire codes. May need a permit. Gas fire pit: often requires a permit for the gas line installation. Common regulations: minimum 10-25 feet from structures (varies by jurisdiction). Maximum fire pit size (often 3 feet diameter). Burn ban compliance (seasonal restrictions). Smoke ordinances. HOA rules. Where to check: local fire department. City or county building department. Your HOA (if applicable). Tip: even if no permit is needed, check for burn bans during dry seasons.

Article

Outdoor Living

Fire Pit Guide: Types, Cost & Safety Tips

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Living & Fire Feature Specialists Nov 24, 2026 7 min read

Fire Pit Types

Wood-burning: Portable metal bowl: $50-$500. Classic campfire experience. Simple ring/insert: $100-$300 (just the ring for a DIY build). Built-in stone/brick: $500-$3,000 (materials) or $1,000-$5,000 (professional). Pros: authentic experience, crackling fire, no fuel cost (use firewood). Cons: smoke, sparks, ash cleanup, restrictions in some areas.

Gas (propane or natural gas): Portable propane table: $200-$2,000. Built-in gas fire pit: $1,000-$5,000+. Fire table (integrated table): $500-$5,000. Pros: instant on/off, no smoke, clean, adjustable flame. Cons: less authentic feel, fuel cost, requires gas line (natural gas).

Gel/ethanol: Tabletop or small freestanding. Cost: $100-$500. No smoke, indoor/outdoor use. Small flame (ambiance, not warmth).

By shape: Round: most popular, traditional. Square/rectangular: modern, often gas. Linear/trough: contemporary, great for tables.

Cost

By type: Portable metal (wood-burning): $50-$500. DIY stone/brick (wood-burning): $200-$1,000 (materials). Professional built-in (wood-burning): $1,000-$5,000. Portable propane: $200-$2,000. Built-in gas: $1,000-$5,000+. Fire table: $500-$5,000.

DIY fire pit: Retaining wall blocks (simplest): $50-$200. Stone or brick (mortared): $200-$1,000. Time: 2-4 hours for a basic block pit.

Gas line installation: Natural gas line to fire pit: $500-$2,000. Must be installed by a licensed plumber or gas fitter.

Surrounding area: Paver patio around fire pit: $500-$3,000. Seating (built-in stone): $1,000-$5,000. Adirondack chairs: $100-$300 each.

Safety

Placement: Minimum 10 feet from structures, trees, and fences (check local codes). On a non-combustible surface (stone, pavers, gravel, concrete). Never on a wood deck (unless using a fire pit pad and raised pit). Level ground. Away from overhanging branches.

Regulations: Check local fire codes and burn bans. Some areas restrict or ban wood-burning fire pits. HOA rules may apply. Permit may be required for permanent gas installations.

Safety tips: Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby. Use a spark screen (wood-burning). Never leave a fire unattended. Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never use accelerants (gasoline, lighter fluid on a fire pit). Fully extinguish before going inside.

Smoke management (wood-burning): Use seasoned hardwood (less smoke). Keep the fire hot (smoldering fires produce more smoke). Smokeless fire pits use double-wall airflow design to reduce smoke ($200-$500).