Custom Gas & Wood-Burning Fire Pits in Atlanta

It depends on your location and the type of fire pit. In unincorporated Fulton County, permanent outdoor fire features typically don't require a building permit unless gas or electrical work is involved — in which case you'll need a mechanical or electrical permit. The City of Atlanta and many HOAs have their own rules about open flames, setback distances, and fuel types. We check your specific county and HOA requirements before we build so everything is compliant from day one.

Gas fire pits (natural gas or propane) light instantly, produce no smoke, and are easy to control — flip a switch and you're done. They're the better choice if you have close neighbors or an HOA that restricts open flames. Wood-burning fire pits give you real flames, crackling sounds, and that campfire feel, but they produce smoke, require more clearance from structures and trees, and need regular ash cleanup. Both look great — it comes down to how you want to use the space and what your local codes allow.

Most Georgia jurisdictions require a minimum of 10 feet from any structure, including your house, fence, pergola, or deck. Some counties and HOAs require 15-25 feet of clearance. You also need to keep fire pits away from overhanging tree branches and property lines. We measure all of this during our site visit and position your fire pit to meet code while still being a functional part of your outdoor living space.

Gas fire tables and certain fire pit designs can be installed on a composite or wood deck with proper precautions — including fire-rated barriers, heat shields, and adequate ventilation underneath. Wood-burning fire pits are not recommended on decks due to the risk of sparks and radiant heat. For deck installations, we typically recommend a gas fire table with a rated heat barrier. If you want a wood-burning fire pit, we can build it on a nearby patio area adjacent to your deck.

It varies widely based on fuel type, materials, and seating design. A simple wood-burning fire ring with a gravel surround can cost as little as a few thousand dollars. A custom stone gas fire pit with a natural gas connection and stone seating wall is a larger investment. We provide free estimates tailored to your specific design, so you'll know the exact cost before any work begins.