How much does a fire pit cost?

Portable steel fire pit: $50-$300. Portable propane fire table: $200-$1,500. DIY built-in masonry fire pit: $200-$800 (materials only). Professional built-in fire pit: $1,500-$5,000. Built-in gas fire pit with gas line: $2,000-$8,000. The most popular option: a DIY stone or block fire pit built in the backyard for $200-$500 in materials and a few hours of work. For a clean, no-smoke option: a propane fire table ($500-$1,000) is excellent for deck and patio use. For a premium permanent installation: a natural gas fire feature with stone surround ($3,000-$8,000) provides the best combination of convenience, safety, and ambiance.

Can I build a fire pit myself?

Yes. A DIY masonry fire pit is one of the simplest backyard projects. Materials needed: fire-rated concrete blocks or natural stone ($100-$400), gravel for the base ($20-$50), and a metal fire ring insert ($30-$100, optional but protects the stone from heat damage). Steps: choose a location (at least 10 feet from any structure, overhanging trees, or combustible materials), excavate 6-8 inches deep in a circle (4-5 feet diameter), fill with 4-6 inches of gravel (for drainage), lay the first course of blocks in a circle (dry stack or use construction adhesive), stack 2-4 courses high (12-24 inches), and optionally add a steel fire ring insert inside. Time: 2-4 hours. Total DIY cost: $200-$500. No mortar is needed (dry stack is fine for fire pits). No permit is usually needed for a simple ground-level fire pit (but check local regulations).

Wood fire pit vs gas fire pit — which is better?

Wood: better for the traditional campfire experience (crackling, smell, cooking marshmallows). Lower upfront cost. Free or cheap fuel. Cons: smoke (gets in your eyes and clothes), ash cleanup, spark risk, and burn bans may restrict use. Gas (natural gas or propane): better for convenience, cleanliness, and deck/patio use. No smoke, no ash, no sparks. Instant on/off. Safer. Cons: higher upfront cost (especially natural gas with gas line installation), less traditional ambiance. Best of both worlds: a wood-burning fire pit for the backyard (away from the house) and a propane fire table for the deck or patio (where smoke-free is important).

Do I need a permit for a fire pit?

In most areas: no permit is needed for a simple, ground-level fire pit that is not permanently attached to a gas line. However, many jurisdictions have regulations: minimum distance from structures (usually 10-25 feet), maximum fire size, burn bans during dry conditions, and restrictions on wood burning in certain air quality zones. A gas fire pit connected to a natural gas line: typically requires a plumbing permit for the gas line. Always check with your local fire department or building department before building. Some HOAs also have fire pit restrictions.

Article

Outdoor Living

Fire Pit Guide: Types, Fuel & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Living & Fire Feature Specialists Aug 27, 2026 12 min read

Why a Fire Pit

A fire pit is one of the most popular and affordable backyard upgrades. It creates a gathering spot for family and friends, extends outdoor living into cooler months, provides ambiance and warmth, can be used for cooking (roasting marshmallows, grilling), and adds value to the home. Fire pits are available at every budget — from a $50 portable steel bowl to a $10,000+ custom stone installation.

Types

Portable steel fire pit: A standalone metal bowl or ring. Place on a patio or in the yard. Fuel: wood. Pros: very affordable, no installation, easy to move. Cons: can damage surfaces beneath (use a fire pit mat), no permanent presence. Cost: $50-$300.

Portable propane fire pit (table): A tabletop or freestanding unit with a propane burner and fire glass or lava rock. Fuel: propane (20-lb tank). Pros: clean (no smoke, no ash), instant on/off, safe for decks and patios, no wood storage. Cons: less ambiance than wood fire, ongoing propane cost. Cost: $200-$1,500.

Built-in fire pit (masonry): A permanent stone, brick, or concrete block fire ring built into the patio or yard. Fuel: wood or gas (natural gas or propane). The most popular permanent option. Pros: permanent, adds value, customizable, can be matched to the home and landscaping. Cons: permanent (cannot be moved), requires construction. Cost: $500-$3,000 (DIY), $1,500-$5,000 (professional).

Built-in gas fire pit (fire table): A permanent stone or metal table with a gas burner. Fuel: natural gas (plumbed) or propane (tank). Produces flame but no smoke. Popular for patios and decks. Pros: clean, convenient, no smoke, instant on/off, safe. Cons: less crackling ambiance than wood, gas line installation (if natural gas). Cost: $1,000-$5,000 (DIY), $2,000-$8,000 (professional with gas line).

Chiminea: A freestanding clay or cast-iron fireplace. Vertical design directs smoke upward. Fuel: wood. Pros: directs smoke away from seating, decorative, can be moved. Cons: fragile (clay models), limited fire size. Cost: $100-$500.

Fuel Comparison

Wood: Pros: traditional crackling fire, free or cheap fuel, cooking capability. Cons: smoke, ash, sparks, fire risk, wood storage needed, banned in some areas during burn bans.

Natural gas: Pros: clean (no smoke or ash), unlimited fuel (plumbed to house gas), instant on/off, low operating cost ($0.50-$1.00/hour). Cons: requires a gas line ($500-$2,000 to install), permanent location.

Propane: Pros: clean, portable (uses tanks), instant on/off, no gas line needed. Cons: ongoing tank cost ($3-$5/hour at full burn, a 20-lb tank lasts 8-10 hours), must refill or exchange tanks.