If you’re looking to make your Arizona backyard usable year-round, a custom outdoor fire pit is one of the best investments you can make. Arizona winters are mild, but evenings cool down fast — and nothing beats gathering around a fire pit with family and friends. At Arizona Living Landscape & Design, we custom design and build fire pits for homeowners across Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Florence AZ.
“View our fire pit and outdoor fireplace gallery to see examples of our work.”
Types of Outdoor Fire Pits We Build
Choosing the right type of fire pit starts with how you plan to use it. We build three types of custom fire pits: gas, propane, and wood burning.
Gas & Propane Fire Pits
Gas and propane fire pits are the most popular choice for Arizona homeowners. They’re clean, easy to light, and easy to shut off — no wood, no ash, no mess. If you have a gas line at your home, a natural gas fire pit is the most convenient option. If not, a propane fire pit works just as well.
We build gas fire pits using block construction and cap them in your choice of materials including pavers, travertine, flagstone, concrete, or stucco. The interior is finished with sand and decorative glass or lava rock. Glass adds a beautiful visual element and can be customized in a variety of colors. Lava rock produces more radiant heat if warmth is a priority.
Gas Fire Pit Pros:
- Clean and easy to use
- No wood storage or cleanup
- Can be placed under a patio cover or lattice
- Instant on/off control
Gas Fire Pit Cons:
- Requires a gas line or propane tank
- Slightly higher upfront cost
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Wood burning fire pits give your backyard that classic campfire feel. They produce more heat than gas pits and have a natural, rustic appeal that a lot of homeowners love. We build wood burning fire pits with heat-rated block and mortar designed to handle the higher temperatures of a wood fire.
One important tip — never use gas or lighter fluid to start a wood burning fire pit. Always let the fire build slowly to protect the structure and extend its life.
Wood Burning Fire Pit Pros:
- More heat output
- Classic, natural campfire feel
- Generally lower cost to build
Wood Burning Fire Pit Cons:
- Requires wood storage
- Needs regular cleaning
- Should be placed further from the house
Fire Pit Location: What to Consider
Where you place your fire pit matters as much as what type you choose. Here are the key things we consider when planning fire pit placement:
- Distance from the house — Wood burning fire pits need more clearance due to smoke and higher heat. Gas fire pits can be placed closer and even under a covered patio.
- Seating space — You need enough room around the fire pit for comfortable seating for your group.
- Clearance from plants and flammable materials — Keep the fire pit away from hanging plants, wood fencing, and other flammable landscaping elements.
- Wind patterns — We consider the natural airflow in your yard to minimize smoke blowing toward seating or the house.
Fire Pit Shapes & Styles
One of the things our customers love most is that your fire pit can be completely custom. We’ve built fire pits in every shape imaginable — round, square, rectangular, six-sided, D-shaped, and even custom geometric designs. Whether you want an intimate fire pit for two or a large gathering space for a crowd, we design it to fit your yard and your lifestyle.
Finish options include stucco to match your home’s exterior, stacked stone, cultured stone, or any combination of materials that complements your existing landscape design.
Custom Fire Pits in the East Valley & Southeast Valley
We build custom fire pits for homeowners throughout the greater Phoenix area including Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Florence, and SE Tempe. Every fire pit we build is custom designed for your specific yard, budget, and style.
“Ready to add a custom fire pit to your backyard? Browse our fire pit and fireplace portfolio to see our work, then call us for a free consultation and quote. 480-390-4477″
The cost of a custom fire pit varies depending on size, type, and materials. Gas and propane fire pits typically run higher due to the gas line installation, while wood burning fire pits are generally more affordable to build. Contact us for a free quote specific to your yard and design.
Permit requirements vary by city. In most East Valley cities a permanent built-in fire pit may require a permit depending on size and whether it involves a gas line. We handle the planning process and can advise you on local requirements during your consultation.
Gas and propane fire pits can be placed under a lattice or open patio cover with proper clearance. Wood burning fire pits should never be placed under a covered patio due to smoke and heat. We’ll help you find the best location during your design consultation.
Arizona’s heat and UV exposure can be tough on materials. We recommend travertine, flagstone, or concrete pavers for the cap as they hold up well in extreme heat and look great long term. Stucco and cultured stone are excellent choices for the sides.