Fire Pit Construction: Gas vs. Wood, Materials, Clearances, and Local Codes
FriendsWithTools.io earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We do not test these tools ourselves — all claims are sourced from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated user reviews, each linked inline. Prices and ratings were verified on April 2026 and may have changed.
A fire pit is one of the most popular backyard projects because the result is immediately usable and the construction is not complicated. But fire codes, setback requirements, and material choices determine whether your fire pit is legal, safe, and lasting. Gas and wood-burning fire pits have different construction requirements, different operating costs, and different experiences. Here is what you need to know for each.
Check Local Codes First
Before buying materials, call your local fire department or building department. Many municipalities regulate open flames with specific requirements for fire pit size (usually limited to 3 feet in diameter for wood-burning), setback distances from structures (typically 10 to 25 feet from any building, fence, or overhang), and fuel type restrictions.
Some HOAs prohibit wood-burning fire pits entirely. Some cities allow them only with a permit. Some counties in fire-prone areas ban open fires seasonally or permanently. A $500 fire pit project can turn into a $500 fire pit demolition project if you skip this step.
Gas fire pits face fewer restrictions than wood-burning because they produce no sparks and can be shut off instantly. But they still need clearances from combustible materials and may require a gas line permit.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
A basic in-ground wood fire pit is a ring of fire-rated blocks or stones set in a shallow depression with a gravel base for drainage. Dig out 6 inches of soil, add 4 inches of gravel, then stack your blocks or stones to the desired height (typically 12 to 18 inches above grade).
Use fire-rated materials only. Standard concrete blocks, clay bricks, and river rocks can crack or explode when heated. Fire bricks, fire-rated retaining wall blocks, or natural stone that is not porous (granite, bluestone) are safe choices. Sandstone, limestone, and any rock that has been submerged in water are not.
Line the interior with a steel fire ring or fire-rated fire brick. This protects the outer block wall from direct flame contact and extends the life of the pit.
Leave gaps or weep holes at the base for airflow and water drainage. A fire pit that holds water after rain becomes a breeding pool for mosquitoes, and the trapped moisture makes it difficult to start a fire until everything dries out.
Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits use a burner kit installed inside a non-combustible enclosure. The burner connects to a natural gas line or a propane tank. Natural gas provides unlimited fuel from the house supply. Propane is portable but requires tank refills.
The burner kit includes the burner ring, a gas valve with a key, a flex line, and lava rock or fire glass to cover the burner. Kits range from $150 to $600 depending on BTU output and materials.
Running a natural gas line to the fire pit requires a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions. The gas line must be buried below the frost line and connected with approved fittings. This is not a DIY project unless you are a licensed gas fitter — an improperly connected gas line is an explosion hazard.
Propane fire pits can use a standard 20-pound tank (same as a grill) hidden inside the fire pit base, or a larger buried or remote tank with an underground line. A 20-pound tank runs a medium-output burner for about 8 to 10 hours.
Building the Enclosure
For a stone or block enclosure, set the first course on a compacted gravel base. Use construction adhesive between courses — do not dry-stack a fire pit that will be left unattended, as dry-stacked blocks can be knocked over.
A cap course on top finishes the look and provides a surface for setting drinks. Use the widest flat stones or cap blocks you can find. Adhere with construction adhesive rated for high temperature.
For a gas fire pit, frame the enclosure from steel studs and cement board rather than wood. Cover with stone veneer or stacked stone. The interior must be non-combustible throughout — no wood framing, no plywood, no composite materials.
Include an access panel in a gas fire pit enclosure so you can reach the valve, burner connections, and propane tank without dismantling the structure. Maintenance access is the detail most DIY gas fire pit builds forget.
Safety and Maintenance
Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose within reach when using a wood fire pit. Never leave a fire unattended. Douse the fire completely with water before going inside — coals can reignite hours after the flames are out.
Clear a 10-foot perimeter around the fire pit of combustible materials — dry leaves, mulch, dead grass, and overhanging branches. Replace mulch with gravel or stone in the immediate fire pit area.
Cover the fire pit when not in use. A cover keeps water out (preventing freeze-thaw damage), blocks debris from clogging gas burner ports, and keeps animals from nesting in the ash.
Clean ash from a wood fire pit after every 3 to 4 uses. Ash absorbs moisture, promotes rust on steel fire rings, and blocks the drainage weep holes. Dispose of cold ash in a metal container, not a plastic trash bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fire pit cost to build?
A basic wood-burning fire pit using retaining wall blocks costs $200 to $500 in materials. A gas fire pit with a stone enclosure and a burner kit runs $800 to $2,000. Adding a natural gas line from the house adds $500 to $1,500 for the plumber.
Can I put a fire pit on my deck?
Wood-burning fire pits should never go on a wood deck — sparks, radiant heat, and falling embers create a fire risk. Gas fire pits can go on composite or wood decks if you place a fire-rated pad underneath and maintain manufacturer-specified clearances. But most deck builders and insurance companies recommend against any fire pit on a deck.
What burns best in a fire pit?
Seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, hickory) with less than 20 percent moisture content. Softwoods like pine burn fast, produce heavy smoke, and throw more sparks. Never burn treated lumber, plywood, or painted wood — the chemicals in the treatment produce toxic fumes.