How much does a fire pit cost?

Portable steel bowl: $100-$500 (buy and use immediately). Gas fire pit table (portable): $300-$2,000. DIY stone or brick fire pit: $200-$1,000 (materials). Professional stone pit installation: $1,000-$5,000. Custom gas fire pit (built-in, connected to gas line): $2,000-$8,000+. The cheapest option: a steel fire bowl ($100-$200) on a fire-rated pad. The most popular mid-range: a gas fire pit table ($500-$1,500) for convenience and clean operation.

Gas fire pit vs wood-burning: which is better?

Gas: cleaner (no smoke, no ash, no cleanup), more convenient (instant on/off), allowed in more areas (many municipalities restrict wood burning but allow gas), and easier to maintain. Cons: no crackling sound or smoky aroma, higher initial cost, and requires fuel supply (propane tank or gas line). Wood-burning: authentic fire experience (crackling, smoky aroma, cooking over flames), lower initial cost, and no fuel infrastructure needed. Cons: smoke (can bother neighbors and guests), ash cleanup, and restricted in some areas. For convenience: gas. For the traditional experience: wood. Many homeowners prefer gas for frequent casual use and keep a separate wood option for special occasions.

Do I need a permit for a fire pit?

It depends on your location. Many municipalities allow fire pits without a permit if: the pit is portable (not permanently installed), it is a certain distance from structures (typically 10-25 feet), and it meets size restrictions (often 3 feet in diameter or less). Permanent built-in fire pits and gas fire pits connected to a gas line typically require a permit ($50-$200). Always check: local fire codes, municipal ordinances, and HOA rules (if applicable). Some areas have seasonal or permanent burn bans that restrict all open fires. Natural gas connection always requires a licensed professional and permit.

How far should a fire pit be from the house?

Minimum 10-20 feet from any structure, fence, tree, overhang, or combustible material. Many local fire codes require 25 feet. Also consider: overhead clearance (no branches, awnings, or pergolas directly above), wind direction (smoke blows toward the house if too close), and neighbor proximity (smoke and noise). For decks: fire pits on wood decks are generally not recommended. If using on a deck: place on a fire-rated pad ($20-$50) AND use a gas fire pit (no sparks or embers). Composite decking is also a fire risk. The safest location: on a concrete or paver patio, 20+ feet from any structure.

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Fire Pit Guide: Types, Materials & Safety Rules

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Living & Fire Feature Specialists Jun 24, 2026 12 min read

Fire Pit Types

Wood-burning: The traditional campfire experience. Crackling flames, smoky aroma, and the ritual of building a fire. Uses firewood (hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn longest). Produces smoke and ash (requires cleanup). Must follow local burning regulations (some municipalities restrict open wood fires). Cost: $100-$3,000 (from a basic steel bowl to a custom stone pit).

Gas (propane or natural gas): Clean, convenient, and controllable. No smoke, no ash, no wood storage. Start and stop with a switch or button. Propane: uses a portable tank (hidden in the base or a side cabinet). Natural gas: connected to the house gas line (permanent installation). Adjustable flame height. Cost: $300-$5,000+ (from a portable table-top to a custom built-in). Running cost: propane ($1-$3/hour), natural gas ($0.50-$1.50/hour).

Gel/ethanol: Uses gel fuel or bioethanol. No smoke, no ash, no chimney needed. Can be used indoors and outdoors. Smaller flames (more decorative than functional). Cost: $50-$
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Fuel cost: $3-$5/hour.

Materials

Steel: The most common material for manufactured fire pits. Affordable ($100-$500). Lightweight and portable. Will rust over time (especially thin steel). Thicker steel (1/4 inch+) lasts much longer. Corten steel (weathering steel) develops an attractive rust patina and does not corrode further. A steel fire pit with a spark screen is the easiest entry point.

Cast iron: Very heavy and durable. Retains heat well (radiates warmth after the fire dies down). Susceptible to rust (requires a cover and occasional seasoning). Cost: $200-$800.

Stone/brick: A permanent, built-in pit. Materials: natural stone, brick, concrete pavers, or manufactured stone veneer. Professional build: $1,000-$5,
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DIY: $200-$1,
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Very durable (decades). Use fire-rated materials for the interior (regular concrete and some natural stones can crack or explode from heat — use fire brick or fire-rated pavers for the fire-contact surfaces).

Concrete: Modern, customizable shapes. Can be poured or assembled from concrete blocks. Must use heat-resistant concrete or a steel fire ring liner (regular concrete can crack from heat). Cost: $300-$2,000.

Copper: Premium, beautiful patina over time. Excellent heat conductor. Does not rust. Very expensive. Cost: $500-$3,000.

Safety Rules

Place the fire pit at least 10-20 feet from any structure, fence, tree, or combustible material (check local codes — some require 25 feet). Never place on a wood deck (use a fire-rated pad or place on pavers/concrete). Use a spark screen (especially with wood fires). Never leave a fire unattended. Have a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of sand nearby. Do not burn treated lumber, painted wood, or trash (toxic fumes). Check local regulations before building or using (some areas require permits, have burn bans, or restrict fire pit types). Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire pit fire (use fire starters, kindling, or a chimney starter).