Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces — types costs and code requirements

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

A fire pit or outdoor fireplace extends your yard season and creates a gathering spot. There’s something primal about sitting around a fire that draws people together. But outdoor fire features come with responsibilities: local codes, safety requirements, and maintenance demands. Building one incorrectly or illegally can result in citations or fire danger.

The good news is that properly built fire features are safe, legal, and incredibly enjoyable. Understanding the rules and options before installing prevents problems.

Types of Fire Features

Wood-burning fire pits are the classic option. You dig a pit or build a ring, light a wood fire, and enjoy natural flames. They provide ambiance, warmth, and the distinctive smell of woodsmoke. The downside is they require wood sourcing, produce ash and smoke, and are limited or banned in some areas during fire season or in fire-prone regions.

Propane fire pits use pressurized propane to fuel flames. They ignite with a switch, require no wood, produce minimal ash, and don’t produce the same ambiance as real wood. But they’re cleaner, controllable, and often legal in areas where wood fires are banned.

Natural gas fire features (patio tables with integrated burners, standalone firepits) connect to your home’s gas line. They’re clean and controllable but require professional installation and plumbing work, adding cost.

Outdoor fireplaces are permanent structures with an open firebox and chimney. They can burn wood or gas. They’re more substantial than pits, look nicer, and perform better (less smoke, better draft), but they cost significantly more to build.

Portable fire pits (tabletop devices or standalone units) sit on a patio and require no installation. They’re temporary and can be stored. Cost ranges from $100 to $1000 depending on materials.

Location and Clearance

Most codes require fire pits at least 10 to 15 feet from structures (houses, garages, sheds). Propane and gas pits sometimes need less clearance, but 10 feet is a safe standard. Check your local code.

Distance from property lines varies by jurisdiction. Many require 10 to 15 feet from property lines. Check your local fire code or ask your local fire marshal.

Clear area overhead of overhanging branches. Sparks can ignite tree branches. Keep tree canopy at least 12 to 15 feet above the pit.

Vegetation around the pit should be cleared. A 10-foot-radius circle of bare ground or hardscape around the pit reduces fire risk.

Never place a fire pit on wood decking or near wooden structures. Wood can ignite from radiant heat. Stone, concrete, or hard-packed earth are appropriate surfaces.

Building a Fire Pit

The simplest DIY fire pit is a ring of stones or pavers in your yard. Dig a shallow pit (6 to 12 inches deep), lay a ring of fire brick or stones, and you have a pit. Cost is minimal (stones cost $50 to $200 depending on size and material). This works if your code allows wood fires.

Metal rings designed for fire pits fit in a dug pit and contain the fire. These cost $100 to $400 and make a tidier pit than stacked stones.

A permanent fire pit built with brick or stone requires more work. The materials cost $300 to $800, and labor (professional installation) adds $500 to $2000. A permanently built pit looks nicer and lasts longer but is obviously much more investment.

Propane pits come as complete kits—you assemble them and connect the tank. Cost ranges from $300 to $1500 depending on materials and size. Professional installation isn’t required for most portable propane pits.

Outdoor fireplaces with a full chimney and fireplace structure cost $3000 to $8000 professionally installed. DIY masonry fireplaces are possible but require serious skills and knowledge.

Safety and Legal Requirements

Check your local fire code before building. Some areas ban wood fires entirely. Others permit them with setback requirements. Some ban fires during fire season. Ignorance of local rules can result in citations.

Spark screens prevent sparks from leaving the pit area, reducing fire danger. Required for many wood-burning pits. Cost is $100 to $300.

Keep a fire extinguisher or hose near the pit. This is simple safety—have water accessible in case of emergency.

Never leave a fire unattended. Always fully extinguish fires before leaving. Use water to extinguish, not just letting them burn down (coals can reignite).

Smoke is a neighbor consideration. Smoke drifting into a neighbor’s property can create issues. Try to position the pit so prevailing winds don’t blow smoke toward neighbors. If smoke is a problem, consider a gas pit instead.

Some homeowners’ insurance policies restrict fire pits or require additional coverage. Check with your insurer before building.

Maintenance and Care

Wood fires produce ash. Ash should be cleaned out periodically to prevent buildup that can cause poor fire performance. Scoop ash out and dispose of it (never dispose of hot ash—let it cool completely).

Propane pits need minimal maintenance. Check connections and hoses occasionally for leaks (apply soapy water to connections—bubbles indicate leaks). Replace damaged hoses.

Covers protect pits from weather and debris. Canvas or vinyl covers cost $50 to $150. Store covers in winter in cold climates to prevent deterioration.

In winter, store propane tanks indoors (away from doors and windows) to prevent freeze damage to the valve. Remove tanks from outdoor fixtures.

Gas line maintenance for permanent gas pits is the same as other gas appliances. Have a professional inspect connections annually.

Making It Work

Start with a simple fire pit to determine if you actually use it. A basic ring fire pit costs minimal money and takes minimal time to build. If you’re using it regularly, you can invest in something nicer later.

Respect fire codes and neighbors. A properly built, legal fire pit is a joy. One that creates neighbor conflict or legal issues is a headache.

Keep it simple. A fire pit with a ring of chairs is perfect for many situations. Not every outdoor fire feature needs to be a built-in fireplace.

© The Whole Home Guide