How much does fire pit installation cost in 2026?

A fire pit extends your outdoor season by weeks on each end. Cool September nights, early spring evenings, even the occasional mild winter day all become usable when you've got a flame going.

Costs vary widely depending on what you want. A portable propane fire pit runs $300 to $950. A built-in fire pit costs $1,500 to $7,000. And a fully plumbed gas fire pit installation can reach $3,500 to $8,000.

We'll walk through each option below.

Fire pit cost comparison

Portable propane fire pits: $300 to $950

This is the entry point. Portable propane fire pits sit on your patio, connect to a standard propane tank, and produce a clean flame with no smoke. You can move them around, store them in winter, and set one up in an afternoon.

The lower end gets you a basic bowl-style unit. Spend closer to $950 and you'll find table-style fire pits with glass guards, adjustable flame height, and decorative fire glass. No installation is required, so the sticker price is the total cost.

The ongoing expense is propane. Depending on how often you use it, expect to refill your tank every two to four weeks during the season at roughly $25 to $40 per refill.

Built-in fire pits: $1,500 to $7,000

A built-in fire pit becomes a permanent part of your landscape. These range from simple stone ring constructions to elaborate masonry features with seating walls, caps, and custom finishes.

At the lower end, you get a functional stone or concrete block fire ring with a basic burner or designed for wood burning. Move toward the higher end and you'll see natural stone veneer, integrated seating, decorative surrounds, and connection to a gas line.

The wide price range reflects the huge variety of designs available. A simple DIY-friendly kit from a landscape supply store might cost $1,500 installed, while a custom masonry fire pit designed by a landscape architect could hit $7,000 easily.

Gas fire pit installations: $3,500 to $8,000

A natural gas fire pit is the premium option. It connects directly to your home's gas supply, so there's no propane tank to refill and no wood to haul. You turn it on, adjust the flame, and turn it off.

The fire pit itself is only part of the cost. Running a gas line from your home to the fire pit adds $500 to $1,500, depending on the distance. Gas lines cost $15 to $25 per linear foot, so a fire pit 30 feet from your house means $450 to $750 just for the line, plus connection and valve work.

You'll also need a licensed gas fitter for the connection and an inspection before you can use it. Those costs are built into most professional quotes but worth asking about.

Additional costs to plan for

Permits. Most municipalities require a permit for permanent fire features, especially gas-connected ones. Permit costs range from $20 to $500 depending on your city and the scope of work. Check your local bylaws before you start. In Montreal, setback requirements from structures, property lines, and fences all apply.

Patio or base. Your fire pit needs a non-combustible surface underneath. If you don't already have a stone patio or concrete pad, you'll need one. A small 10x10 paver pad can add $1,500 to $3,000 to the project.

Built-in seating walls around a fire pit look great and add comfort, but they also add cost. Freestanding outdoor chairs are the budget-friendly alternative.

Drainage. For in-ground or sunken fire pit designs, proper drainage prevents water from pooling in the bowl after rain.

Gas vs propane vs wood-burning

Each fuel type has its pros and cons.

Natural gas is the most convenient. No fuel to buy, consistent flame, clean burning. But it requires professional installation and you can't move the fire pit once it's connected. Highest upfront cost, lowest ongoing cost.

Propane gives you portability and relatively clean burning. You can place a propane fire pit anywhere and relocate it as your patio layout changes. The tradeoff is ongoing tank refills and the look of a propane tank sitting nearby, though many designs hide the tank inside the base.

Wood-burning gives you the most authentic campfire experience. Real crackling sounds, real smoke, real cooking capability. But wood fires produce smoke (something to think about if you have close neighbours), require ash cleanup, and need a supply of dry firewood. Many municipalities restrict open wood fires, so check local regulations.

What affects your total cost

Beyond the fire pit itself, a few factors move the needle.

Distance from gas supply. Every extra foot of gas line adds to the bill. Plan your fire pit location with this in mind.

Material choices. A concrete block fire ring costs a fraction of a natural stone surround. Bluestone caps look great but cost three to four times more than precast concrete caps.

Flat, accessible yards are cheaper to work with. Sloped sites, rocky soil, or tight access add labour costs.

Design complexity. Circular fire pits are straightforward. Rectangular designs, multi-level surrounds, and integrated features like storage or cooking grates all add time and cost.

Getting your fire pit project started

The best fire pit for your backyard depends on how you'll use it, where it'll sit, and what your outdoor space already looks like. A quick conversation can narrow down the options fast.

Call Montreal Paysagement Pro at 514-900-3867 or send us photos of your backyard. We'll help you figure out the best option for your space and give you a clear estimate.

Sources

• Angi - Fire pit installation costs
• HomeGuide - Fire pit cost guide