How much does a fire pit cost?

Portable metal (wood-burning): $50-$500. Portable gas (propane): $100-$800. Gas fire pit table: $300-$3,000. DIY built-in: $200-$500. Professional built-in: $1,000-$5,000. Premium gas (natural gas): $3,000-$8,000. Best value: a DIY stone fire pit ($200-$500 in materials) is a weekend project that adds $4,000-$8,000 to perceived home value. Best convenience: a propane fire pit table ($300-$1,500) offers instant on/off with no smoke.

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

Wood-burning: authentic experience (real flames, crackling, smoky aroma), more heat output, and no fuel cost if you have wood. Cons: smoke, sparks, ash cleanup, and cannot use during burn bans. Gas: clean and convenient (no smoke, no sparks, instant on/off), adjustable flame, and can use during most burn bans. Cons: less heat, no authentic experience, and ongoing fuel cost ($1-$3/hour propane). Choose wood if: you want the real campfire experience and your neighbors/codes allow it. Choose gas if: you want convenience, live in an area with burn bans, or have close neighbors who would be bothered by smoke.

How far should a fire pit be from a house?

Minimum: 10 feet from any structure, fence, tree, or overhead branch. Recommended: 20 feet for maximum safety. Also check: local fire codes (may require more distance), HOA rules, and overhead clearance (no branches within 21 feet above). Place on non-combustible surfaces (concrete, stone, gravel). Never on a wood deck without a fire-rated pad. If using on a paver patio: place at the center away from the edges. Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water within reach at all times.

Can I build a fire pit on my patio?

Yes, but with precautions. Concrete patio: safe for both wood-burning and gas fire pits. The concrete can discolor from heat (use a fire pit pad or heat shield underneath). Paver patio: generally safe. The pavers can discolor from heat. Use a metal ring or pad underneath. Wood deck: NOT recommended for wood-burning. Gas fire pits can be used with a fire-rated pad underneath and proper clearance. Composite deck: NOT recommended for any fire pit (composite can melt). Best practice: use a fire-rated pad ($20-$50) under any fire pit on any surface to protect against heat damage and sparks.

Article

Outdoor Living

Fire Pit Guide: Types, Materials & Safety

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Living & Fire Feature Specialists Sep 8, 2026 11 min read

Fire Pit Types

Wood-burning: The classic campfire experience. Burns real wood for authentic flames, crackling sounds, and smoky aroma. Types: metal bowl/ring ($50-$500), stone/brick built-in ($500-$3,000), and prefab concrete ($200-$1,000). Pros: authentic experience, no fuel costs (if you have wood), and intense heat. Cons: smoke (can bother neighbors), sparks (fire risk), ash cleanup, and cannot use during burn bans.

Gas (propane or natural gas): Clean, convenient flames at the push of a button. Types: gas fire pit table ($300-$3,000), built-in gas fire pit ($1,000-$5,000), and portable gas fire pit ($100-$800). Propane: portable, uses 20-lb tanks. Natural gas: permanent connection, unlimited fuel. Pros: no smoke, no sparks, instant on/off, adjustable flame, and no ash cleanup. Cons: less heat than wood, no authentic crackling, and fuel costs ($1-$3/hour for propane).

Gel/ethanol: Tabletop or small fire features. Clean-burning alcohol fuel. Decorative rather than functional heating. Cost: $50-$500. Pros: no installation, no smoke, and can use indoors. Cons: minimal heat and high fuel cost.

Materials

Steel: Most common for portable fire pits. Corten (weathering) steel develops a natural rust patina. Powder-coated steel resists rust but will eventually chip. Cost: $100-$1,000. Lifespan: 5-15 years.

Cast iron: Heavy, durable, and retains heat well. Requires maintenance (seasoning to prevent rust). Cost: $200-$800. Lifespan: 10-20+ years.

Concrete/stone: For built-in fire pits. Use fire-rated concrete or natural stone. Do NOT use river rocks (they can explode from trapped moisture). Fire brick lines the interior. Cost: $500-$5,000. Lifespan: 20+ years.

Copper: Premium look, develops a green patina over time. Excellent heat conductor. Cost: $200-$2,000. Lifespan: 20+ years.

Fire glass: Tempered glass pieces that replace logs in gas fire pits. Reflective and colorful. Cost: $10-$30 per pound (most pits need 20-40 lbs). Purely decorative (works only with gas).

Safety

Location: Place at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, tree, or overhead branch. 20 feet is recommended. On a non-combustible surface (concrete, stone, gravel, bare dirt). Never on a wood deck without a fire-rated pad underneath. Check local fire codes (many areas have setback requirements).

Operation: Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or accelerants in a wood-burning fire pit. Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave unattended. Supervise children at all times. Fully extinguish before leaving (drown, stir, and feel for heat).

Wind: Do not use when wind exceeds 15 mph. Use a spark screen on wood-burning pits.

Burn bans: Check local fire department for burn ban status. Gas fire pits are typically exempt from burn bans.

HOA/local codes: Some HOAs prohibit fire pits entirely. Check codes before building permanent structures.

Costs

Portable metal fire pit (wood-burning): $50-$500.

Portable gas fire pit (propane): $100-$800.

Gas fire pit table: $300-$3,000.

DIY stone/brick fire pit: $200-$500 (materials only).

Professional built-in fire pit: $1,000-$5,000.

Premium gas fire pit (natural gas, built-in): $3,000-$8,000.

Operating costs: Propane: $1-$3/hour ($15-$25 per 20-lb tank, lasts 8-10 hours). Natural gas: $0.50-$1.50/hour. Wood: free to $300/cord (a cord lasts many fires).

ROI: A fire pit is one of the highest-ROI outdoor investments, adding $4,000-$8,000 to perceived home value for a $500-$3,000 investment.