What shapes the investment
- Fire feature type (pit, bowl, fireplace)
- Materials and finishes chosen
- Custom versus prefabricated
- Utility work (gas line, electrical)
- Structural and permitting requirements
- Surrounding seating and design
Fire Features
Custom Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplace Installation That Anchors Your Yard
A fire feature is a gathering place. It extends the evening, keeps people outside, and becomes the focal point of outdoor living. We design fire features that match your property, meet local code, and work with the rest of your outdoor room.
- 25+years of experience
- 10,000+projects completed
- In-housedesign-build crews
- LIC #715731licensed & insured
- 5-star
Start here
What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in Southern California, so the choices are suited to this climate.
-
01 A gathering place for entertaining A fire feature anchors seating areas and encourages people to linger after dark. See entertaining spaces -
02 Heat and light after sunset Fire features extend outdoor use into January, not just August, and light the yard at night. See fire features -
03 A statement focal point Fire features are sculptural. Modern fire bowls and traditional fireplaces make a design statement. See modern fire features
Service options
Fire Pits
Best for Informal entertaining and families who want a casual gathering place.
- Most affordable option
- Can be custom-built or prefabricated
- Propane or gas fuel options
- Can be built with seating walls or free-standing
- Lava rocks or fire glass for aesthetics
On your property Needs clear space around it for safety. Six feet minimum from structures and plantings.
- Seating benches
- Gravel or paver base
- Surrounding landscape
- Roasting equipment
Fire Bowls
Best for Contemporary homes and anyone who wants a sculptural, refined look.
- Modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Available in brass, copper, concrete, ceramic
- Takes up less space than a pit
- Can be placed on patios or in planting beds
- Remote control starter options
On your property Works on hard surfaces (patios, decks). Needs clearance for heat. Primarily for aesthetics and light, not primary heat.
- Modern architecture
- Patio furnishings
- Contemporary planting
- Minimal landscape
Outdoor Fireplaces
Best for Anyone wanting the most heat, the most focal point, and the most impressive feature.
- Highest heat output of any fire feature
- Architectural statement and focal point
- Traditional, timeless elegance
- Can burn wood or gas
- Builds secondary structures around it (hearth, seating)
On your property Most expensive. Needs structural foundation and chimney. May require engineering and permits. Needs clearance above and beside.
- Masonry walls
- Outdoor kitchen
- Large patios
- Traditional homes
How we work
-
Before Site assessment and code review
We check setback requirements, clearances, and local fire codes. What works in one city may not work in another.
-
Design selection Feature type and design
Fire pit, fire bowl, or fireplace. Fuel type (propane, gas, wood). Placement on the property. Materials and style.
-
Permitting Engineering and permitting
Fireplaces need structural and engineering approval. Our permitting team handles city requirements.
-
Under construction Installation and utility work
Base preparation, utility lines, feature installation, and testing. Gas lines are run by licensed technicians.
-
Finished Surrounding design
Seating, paving, lighting, and planting complete the space. The feature becomes the focal point of the whole area.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
-
Pit versus bowl versus fireplace
Pits are casual and affordable. Bowls are modern and refined. Fireplaces are expensive, impressive focal points.
-
Fuel source
Propane is most portable. Gas needs a line run. Wood is traditional but requires cleaning and maintenance.
-
Placement and sightlines
The feature should be visible from the house and entertaining areas. Placement affects how the yard circulates.
-
Seating and surrounding layout
Benches, walls, and furniture arrangement determine how people actually use the space.
-
Local code and setbacks
Los Angeles fire codes vary by city. Some cities restrict fire features. Engineering may be required.
-
Integration with other features
Fire features work with patios, kitchens, lighting, and planting to make an outdoor room.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Feature design and selection
- Permitting (varies by city)
- Gas utility coordination
- Material lead times
- Surrounding landscape work
Why custom fire pit was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Feature placement Position decides visibility from house and entertaining areas.
- Seating and gathering Benches or walls around the feature facilitate conversation.
- Utilities and access Gas lines or propane tanks placed for function and discretion.
- Clearance and safety Proper distance from structures and plants per code.
- Lighting and evening use The feature lights the space and extends use after dark.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
-
The fire pit is the centerpiece of our backyard now. Everyone gathers there in the evenings. It was worth every penny.
Satisfied Homeowner Google review · 1 year ago Fire pit installation and seating area -
Professional installation, beautiful craftsmanship. The fireplace has completely transformed our outdoor entertaining.
Verified Client Google review · 2 years ago Outdoor fireplace design and build
Frequently asked questions
Are outdoor fire pits legal in Los Angeles?
Fire pits and fire bowls are legal in Los Angeles, but some cities have restrictions. Fireplaces may need engineering approval. We check local codes before any installation.
What is the difference between a fire pit and a fire bowl?
Fire pits are typically ground-level or slightly raised, designed for casual gathering. Fire bowls are elevated, sculptural features ideal for patios and contemporary homes.
Can I use wood in an outdoor fireplace?
Yes, though gas or propane are cleaner and easier. Wood requires more maintenance and cleanup. Always check local air-quality rules about burning.
How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
Fire pits and bowls range from a few thousand to $20,000+. Custom fireplaces range from $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on materials and complexity.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.