Gas burner types, material options, gas line costs, and fire media comparisons, real pricing from a licensed contractor
Get a Free Fire Pit EstimateAverage Installed Cost
$2,500 base
For a round block fire pit. The gas line, accessories, and permit are priced separately.
The type of fire pit you choose determines the majority of your budget. Here is what each option costs installed in the High Desert, including all labor, materials, and gas connection.
| Type | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SRW block kit (Angelus Stonewall II) | $2,500 base (gas line, accessories, and permit extra) | Budget-friendly, quick install. Pre-manufactured blocks stack in a few hours. Add a drop-in burner and you are done. |
| Basic gas fire pit (CMU block) | $2,500 base (gas line, accessories, and permit extra) | Reliable and customizable. CMU block core with stucco or tile finish. Any shape, round, square, rectangular. |
| Stone veneer over CMU | $3,000-$8,000 | Premium look, most popular choice. Real or manufactured stone veneer over a CMU core. Matches paver patios and outdoor kitchens. |
| Custom outdoor fireplace | $12,000-$35,000+ | Statement piece, full masonry construction. Includes firebox, flue, chimney, and hearth. Requires engineering and a building permit. |
A $6,000 fire pit project = ~$125/mo with approved financing through Lyon Financial. Up to $200K, terms to 20 years, no equity required.
Every fire pit project has the same core components. Here is what each one costs individually so you can see exactly where your money goes.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Gas burner (ring, 60K-90K BTU) | $150-$600 |
| Fire glass (tempered) | $3-$10/lb |
| Lava rock | $0.50-$2/lb |
| Wind guard (tempered glass) | $100-$500 |
| Gas line installation (20-50 ft run) | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Concrete pad (8′ x 8′) | $448 to $960 |
| Building permit | $200-$500 |
The gas line is the single most expensive component on most projects. If your gas meter is on the opposite side of the house from your patio, expect the line to eat 30-50% of your total budget. Shorter runs, 10-15 feet from an existing outdoor gas stub, save $1,000+. At Monarch Landscaping, we include the gas line run in every fire pit estimate so there are no surprises. We build fire pits throughout Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley, and the High Desert.
Ready to see what’s possible? Visit our fire pit design and installation page for project photos, material options, and details on our build process. Planning a full patio and outdoor living setup? We design complete backyard spaces.
Fire pit pricing varies widely because of six factors. Here is how each one moves the number up or down.
The fuel source you choose affects both upfront and long-term costs. Most High Desert homes have natural gas service, making it the better option for permanent installations.
| Feature | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Operating cost | $1-$3/hour | $3-$6/hour |
| Upfront cost | Higher (gas line required) | Lower (tank only) |
| Convenience | Always on, no refills | Tank refills every 10-20 hours |
| BTU output | Unlimited, steady | Limited by tank pressure |
| Best for | Permanent installations | No gas line available |
At $1-3 per hour for natural gas, most homeowners spend $15-$45/month using their fire pit 3-4 nights a week during fall and winter. Propane tanks run $3-$6/hour, roughly double, and need refilling. If you plan to use your fire pit regularly, the gas line pays for itself within 2-3 years.
Fire media is what sits on top of your burner and creates the visual effect. Each option has a different look, cost, and maintenance level.
| Media | Cost | Look | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire glass (tempered) | $3-$10/lb | Modern, reflective, catches light and sparkles. Available in dozens of colors. | None. Will not melt, discolor, or degrade. |
| Lava rock | $0.50-$2/lb | Natural, classic volcanic look. Black or red-brown tones. | Minimal. Rinse annually to remove dust and ash residue. |
| Ceramic logs | $50-$300/set | Realistic wood-burning look without the smoke, ash, or sparks. | Replace every 3-5 years as ceramic degrades from heat cycling. |
| Fire balls | $5-$20 each | Contemporary, sculptural. Smooth ceramic spheres in various sizes. | None. Same durability as fire glass. |
Pro tip: Layer lava rock on the bottom (2 inches) and fire glass on top (2 inches). The lava rock fills volume cheaply, radiates heat effectively, and nobody sees it under the glass. A 36-inch round pit needs about 40-50 lbs of media total, layering saves $100-$200 compared to all fire glass.
A fire pit is not just decorative in the desert, it is one of the most practical outdoor features you can add. Here is why.
Already have a fire pit that needs work? Fire pit renovation costs $1,500-$6,000 depending on the scope. Here is what common renovation projects cost in the High Desert.
| Renovation Type | Cost Range | What’s Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Burner replacement | $300-$900 | Swap a corroded or undersized burner for a new ring or H-burner. Includes fire media refresh and valve inspection. |
| Re-veneer existing fire pit | $1,500-$4,000 | Strip old stucco or damaged stone and apply new stone veneer over the existing CMU core. Most popular renovation, completely changes the look. |
| Wood-burning to gas conversion | $2,500-$5,000 | Install gas line, burner, valve, and fire media in an existing wood-burning pit. Includes fire brick lining if missing and gas pressure test. |
| Add wind guard + fire media upgrade | $200-$700 | Tempered glass wind guard plus new fire glass or ceramic logs. Quick upgrade that improves both safety and appearance. |
| Full rebuild (demo + new construction) | $4,000-$8,000 | Demolish a deteriorating fire pit and build new from scratch. Includes new pad, CMU core, veneer, burner, gas line inspection, and permit. |
Most fire pit renovations take 1-3 days. Re-veneer jobs and gas conversions require a building permit in San Bernardino County, the same permit process as new construction. If your existing fire pit has a cracked CMU core or compromised fire brick, a full rebuild is usually more cost-effective than patching.
These are High Desert ranges. Gas line runs and material choice swing the price a lot. Get an exact, no-pressure quote from a local crew that has built here since 2009.
★★★★★ 4.8 Google rating · Licensed CSLB #957605 · Free on-site estimates
$2,500 base for a round block fire pit, with the gas line, accessories, and permit priced separately. The gas line is often the biggest single cost, new runs from the meter are $45-$95 per linear foot, so a 50 ft run can add $2,000-$3,000 alone. Call (760) 792-7627 for exact pricing on your project.
Yes. San Bernardino County requires a building permit for permanent gas fire features. The permit covers the gas line installation, pressure testing, and a final inspection to verify everything meets code. Budget $200-$500 for permit fees. Portable propane fire pits on existing patios typically do not require permits, but permanent built-in gas features always do.
An Angelus Stonewall II round block fire pit at a $2,500 base, with the gas line, accessories, and permit priced separately. These use pre-manufactured SRW (segmental retaining wall) blocks that stack quickly without mortar, a crew can build one in a single day. Add a drop-in ring burner ($150-$600) and fire glass to finish it as a gas fire pit. The blocks come in multiple colors and textures that match Angelus paver systems.
$1,500-$3,000 for a typical 20-50 foot run. That includes trenching, 3/4″ black iron or CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) pipe, fittings, and a shutoff valve within 6 feet of the pit. Gas lines must be buried a minimum of 18 inches per code. If you already have an outdoor gas stub from a BBQ or pool heater, tying into that existing line can cut costs significantly, sometimes to $500-$1,000.
Fire glass ($3-$10/lb) is smoke-free, modern, and completely maintenance-free. It will not melt, discolor, or degrade over time. Lava rock ($0.50-$2/lb) radiates more heat, costs significantly less, and gives a natural volcanic look. The best approach: fill the bottom 2 inches with lava rock and top with 2 inches of fire glass. You get the modern fire glass look from every angle, the heat radiation of lava rock, and you save 40-50% on glass cost.
Fire pit renovation costs $1,500-$6,000 depending on scope. A burner swap runs $300-$900, re-veneering an existing pit costs $1,500-$4,000, and converting a wood-burning pit to gas runs $2,500-$5,000 including the gas line, burner, and permit. If the CMU core is cracked or the fire brick is failing, a full rebuild ($4,000-$8,000) is usually more cost-effective than patching. Call (760) 792-7627 for a free renovation estimate.
Gas burners last 15-20+ years with minimal maintenance. The stone or block structure lasts 25-50+ years, it is the same masonry used in retaining walls and outdoor kitchens. Fire brick interior lining lasts 20-30+ years before needing replacement. Annual maintenance is minimal: check gas connections for leaks, clean fire media, and verify the shutoff valve operates. A well-built fire pit is a lifetime feature.
Every fire pit is different, size, material, gas line distance, and design all affect price. Get a free on-site estimate with exact pricing.
Financing available through Lyon Financial, fire pit projects from $125/mo
Or call now: (760) 792-7627
Free estimates for all High Desert properties
