If you’re thinking about adding a fire pit, it helps to know what to expect. The right setup can make your patio more useful through every season and give you a warm spot to gather with family or friends.
Before you add one, decide how you’ll use it and which fuel fits your needs. Gas and wood models differ in rules, cost, and care. Proper planning and code checks ensure safety and long-term performance.
Choosing Between Gas and Wood-Burning Fire Pits
How Do You Plan to Use Your Fire Pit?
Before choosing a specific design, we always ask how you plan to use your fire pit. If your main goal is to cook over the flame, hot dogs, s’mores, or even camp-style foil dinners, a wood-burning fire pit is a better option. It produces natural flames and adds a smoky flavor that just can’t be matched by gas. Marshmallows roasted over wood taste cleaner and don’t pick up the fuel taste that can sometimes come with gas.
On the other hand, if convenience is the priority, a gas fire pit is much easier to use. You can turn it on with the flip of a switch, enjoy an hour or two of heat or ambiance, then shut it off and go back inside. There’s no firewood to manage or ash to clean up. For homeowners who want to entertain or relax with minimal effort, gas can be a better choice.
Consider Fuel Access and Installation
A gas fire pit requires a dedicated gas line. That means working with a licensed plumber to connect the fire pit to your home’s gas meter. We handle that process from start to finish, including securing permits and scheduling the final inspection. The inspector checks the line after it’s been pressurized with air for 24 hours to ensure there are no leaks.
Wood-burning fire pits don’t require this kind of connection, but you will need to make sure your city allows wood-burning units on residential lots and at what distance from the home.
Placement and Code Requirements
How Far Should It Be From the House?
Local codes vary depending on the city or county, so part of our job is to check those requirements during the design phase. In most areas, gas fire pits can be placed within 10 feet of your house. That’s similar to how gas grills are regulated, and it allows for more flexible placement on your patio.
For wood-burning fire pits, the rules tend to be stricter. In some municipalities, they need to be at least 30 feet from any structure. Others allow for a closer distance, sometimes as little as 10 feet, but it depends on local fire codes and how the fire pit is constructed. We’ll confirm the specific rules for your area before installation.
What Inspections Are Required?
Gas Fire Pit Inspection Steps
If you’re adding a fire pit that uses gas, expect a required inspection. Here’s how it works:
- A licensed plumber connects the gas line from your meter to the fire pit location.
- Both ends of the gas line will have risers, one at the meter and one at the fire pit.
- The line is filled with air and sealed.
- An inspector from your municipality checks to see if the line holds air pressure for 24 hours.
We coordinate this process and make sure it meets all code requirements, so you don’t have to manage the steps or hire a separate contractor.
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Adding a fire pit to your patio is more than just a design upgrade. It’s a functional improvement that brings people together. Before choosing a fire pit, think about how you plan to use it. Do you want to cook with it? Go with wood-burning. Do you want something simple and mess-free? Gas might be the better option.
Also, pay attention to placement. Codes vary, and the distance from your home could impact what type of fire pit is allowed. Gas fire pits typically allow for more flexibility, but they require a professional installation and inspection.
Here’s what to remember:
- Decide whether you want a gas or wood-burning fire pit based on usage.
- Check your local codes for required distances and permitted fuel types.
- Only gas fire pits require inspections, and we’ll manage the entire process for you.
- A fire pit can add value and enjoyment to your backyard when installed correctly.
Need help adding a fire pit to your patio? Contact Hinkle Outdoor Living to get a custom design that fits your lifestyle and meets all code requirements. Let’s build something you’ll enjoy year-round.
