Gas Line for Fire Pit Cost (2026)
A backyard fire pit connected to your home gas supply means instant flames with no tanks to refill and no wood smoke, and the gas line for fire pit cost is the main expense beyond the pit itself. In 2026, running a gas line to a fire pit typically costs $800 to $2,000 for a standard patio installation, with a national average near $1,300. Longer runs, trenching through concrete or pavers, and high-BTU burners can push the total to $2,500 or more.
Average Gas Line for Fire Pit Cost
Most homeowners pay $800 to $2,000 for the gas line portion of a fire pit project. A short run of under 30 feet across an open lawn, with easy trenching, lands near $800 to $1,200. A run of 50 to 100 feet, or one that crosses a patio, sidewalk, or driveway, lands near $1,500 to $2,500. The fire pit burner kit or complete pit is a separate cost, typically $300 to $2,500 depending on size, material, and whether you buy a drop-in kit or a custom-built feature.
Combined, a complete installed gas fire pit project often totals $1,500 to $5,000, including the line, burner, pit structure, and finishing materials. A simple round kit on an existing patio is at the low end, while a custom stone fire table with seating walls and lighting is at the high end.
Cost Breakdown: Pipe, Trenching, Burner
The gas line itself, usually buried polyethylene (PE) pipe with risers at each end, costs about $12 to $20 per linear foot before trenching. Trenching adds $4 to $12 per linear foot in open soil, and significantly more where concrete, pavers, or rock must be cut and restored. A shutoff valve, usually a key valve near the pit, adds $75 to $200. Permit fees run $50 to $300, and the pressure test and inspection are typically included in the permit or installer fee.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Buried PE gas pipe (per foot) | $12 - $20 |
| Trenching (per foot, open soil) | $4 - $12 |
| Shutoff / key valve | $75 - $200 |
| Burner kit (drop-in) | $300 - $900 |
| Permit and inspection | $50 - $300 |
Surface restoration is the cost most often missed in quotes. Cutting a paver patio or concrete walk and restoring it neatly can add $300 to $1,000. Ask whether restoration is included and what finish to expect before work starts.
Cost by Distance From the House
Distance drives the total more than any other factor. A fire pit 20 feet from the house might need only $500 to $900 of line and trenching. At 50 feet, expect $1,000 to $1,600. At 100 feet or more, the line alone can exceed $2,000, and the installer may need to upsize the pipe to maintain pressure for a high-BTU burner. If the route crosses a driveway, boring under the concrete is possible but adds $500 to $1,500 versus cutting and repouring.
Route choice matters too. Running along a fence line or planting bed is cheaper than cutting across a finished patio. If you are planning patio work anyway, coordinate the gas trench with the patio contractor so the trench is dug once, not twice.
Natural Gas vs Propane Fire Pits
Natural gas fire pits connect to the home supply and never run out, which is their main advantage. They produce a slightly smaller flame than propane at the same burner rating, but the convenience and lower fuel cost usually win for pits used often. Propane pits use a tank, which costs $30 to $60 per fill and must be refilled, but they need no gas line at all, so the upfront cost is much lower.
If you already have natural gas at the house and plan to use the pit weekly, the gas line usually pays for itself in convenience within a season or two. If you use a pit only a few times a year, or your home has no gas service, a propane pit or a portable tank setup may be the smarter spend. Some burners are convertible, but conversion kits must match the burner model and be installed correctly.
Permits, Codes, and Safety Clearances
Most cities require a permit for a new outdoor gas line, plus a pressure test and inspection. The installer must bury the line at the required depth, usually 18 to 24 inches, with warning tape above it, and use approved risers where the pipe enters and exits the ground. Clearances matter as well: fire pits typically must sit at least 10 feet from structures, fences, and overhanging trees, though local codes vary, and some areas restrict open flames during fire season or drought conditions.
Before digging, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. This free service prevents dangerous strikes on electric, water, and sewer lines and is required in most states before excavation. Your installer should also confirm the gas meter and main can handle the added BTU load of the burner, which commonly runs 50,000 to 150,000 BTU.
Fire Pit Kit vs Custom Build
A drop-in burner kit, installed in a pre-built bowl or a simple block enclosure, costs $300 to $900 for the kit plus $200 to $600 for the enclosure and finishing. A complete manufactured fire table costs $800 to $2,500 and may only need the gas connection. A fully custom stone or concrete fire feature, built by a mason, costs $2,000 to $6,000 or more including the burner, but it becomes a permanent landscape centerpiece.
For most homeowners, a quality drop-in kit in a block or stone enclosure offers the best balance of cost and durability. Choose a burner rated for outdoor use, with a pan sized to the enclosure, and confirm the ignition type: match-lit kits are cheapest, while electronic ignition with a key valve or remote costs more but lights reliably in wind.
Ongoing Costs and Maintenance
Natural gas for a fire pit is inexpensive to run. A 65,000 BTU burner used for three hours costs roughly $1 to $2 in gas at typical residential rates, so even weekly use adds only a few dollars a month to the gas bill. Maintenance is light: keep the burner ports clear of debris, cover the pit when not in use, and inspect the key valve and connections annually. Lava rock and fire glass may need occasional topping up or cleaning.
Plan for winter care in cold climates. Shut off the gas at the key valve, cover the burner, and drain any water-collecting features. If the pit will sit unused for months, a quick annual check by a gas fitter is cheap insurance against corrosion or insect nests in the burner.
How to Save Without Cutting Corners
Another way to control the budget is to choose the burner and enclosure together rather than separately. A burner that is too large for its enclosure wastes gas and can overheat the surrounding material, while a burner that is too small looks weak and underwhelming. Most manufacturers publish a recommended pan size for each burner, and matching them avoids a costly swap later. If you are building a stone enclosure, confirm the opening dimensions with the burner supplier before the mason starts, since resizing a finished opening is expensive. Also confirm whether the kit includes a key valve and a mounting plate, or whether those are separate purchases, so the quote comparison is apples to apples.
Place the fire pit as close to the house gas supply as your layout and clearance rules allow, since every foot of trench costs money. Coordinate trenching with other yard work, get three itemized quotes, and ask whether restoration is included. Buying the burner kit yourself can save markup, but confirm the model and BTU rating with your installer first so the pipe is sized correctly.
Never skip the permit, pressure test, or licensed installer to save money. Outdoor gas lines face soil movement, moisture, and accidental digging strikes, so proper depth, materials, and testing are what keep the installation safe for decades. For related indoor and utility pricing, see our guides on gas line extension cost, gas line for a stove, and gas meter relocation, or start from the gas lines hub. Ready to add a gas fire pit? Call (877) 762-1902.