Outdoor Fire Pits: What to Know Before You Build

Adding an outdoor fire pit to your backyard can completely transform your landscape. It provides a warm, inviting space that allows you to:

• • Entertain friends and family in a cozy, social setting
  • Unwind and relax outdoors, even on cool evenings
  • Extend your outdoor season into fall, early spring, and even winter
  • Increase your property’s value with a custom, built-in feature

In the Portland area—where cool, damp weather is common for much of the year—a fire pit isn’t just a luxury. It’s a functional upgrade that helps you make the most of your outdoor space year-round.

But before you start building, there are a few key things to consider. Factors like fire safety codes, fuel type, location, and materials can all affect:

• • How often you’ll be able to use your fire pit
  • Whether it complies with local regulations
  • How well it integrates into your existing landscape
  • The longevity and safety of the installation

If you’re a homeowner in Portland, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, or anywhere in the surrounding area, this guide will walk you through what to know before you build. It’s designed to help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and create a fire pit that enhances your lifestyle for years to come.

Key Considerations Before Installing a Fire Pit

Building a fire pit involves more than just picking out a design. It’s about creating a space that’s safe, functional, visually appealing, and tailored to your landscape. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic wood-burning setup or a sleek, gas-powered centerpiece, thoughtful planning ensures your fire pit enhances—not disrupts—your outdoor space.

Here’s what you should consider before starting your fire pit project:

1. Choose the Right Location

Where you place your fire pit matters for both safety and aesthetics. A poorly placed fire feature can lead to safety hazards, smoke issues, or awkward traffic flow in your backyard.

• • • Keep the fire pit at least 10–25 feet from your home, garage, fencing, trees, and any overhanging structures
    • Place it on a flat, level surface with proper drainage to avoid pooling water
    • Avoid wind-prone areas that can cause smoke to blow toward seating or neighboring properties
    • Think about how the fire pit will connect to patios, walkways, and other landscape features
    • Leave space for comfortable movement and furniture around the fire pit

Tip: At White Oak Landscapes, we assess the entire property layout, including grade changes, existing hardscaping, and wind patterns to help you select the safest and most comfortable location.

2. Know the Local Fire Code

Portland-area cities and counties have specific regulations around fire pit installations. These vary depending on whether you plan to burn wood or use a gas system.

• • • Some areas may restrict wood-burning units during wildfire season (especially in summer)
    • You may be required to install a spark screen, non-combustible materials, or maintain clearance zones
    • Permits may be required, especially for larger or gas-connected fire pits
    • Natural gas fire pits are often easier to permit and more versatile for year-round use

Example: In Oregon City and Lake Oswego, fire safety restrictions can limit when you’re allowed to use a wood-burning fire pit. Many of our clients choose natural gas fire pits for their convenience, safety, and compliance with local codes.

Pro tip: Always consult with your local fire department or let us handle code compliance as part of our design and installation process.

3. Decide Between Gas or Wood Burning

Both gas and wood-burning fire pits can provide warmth and ambiance—but they serve different lifestyles and property types. Understanding the pros and cons helps you choose what fits best.

Gas Fire Pits:

• • • Ignite instantly and produce consistent, controlled flames
    • Clean-burning—no smoke, ash, or flying embers
    • Can be connected to your home’s natural gas line or a portable propane tank
    • Great for low-maintenance entertaining and frequent use
    • Higher initial installation cost, especially if trenching gas lines is needed

Wood Fire Pits:

• • • Offer a traditional campfire feel with crackling wood and natural flame movement
    • Don’t require a gas hookup or propane tank
    • Tend to be more affordable to install
    • Require regular cleaning, wood storage, and fire management
    • May be restricted during dry seasons or burn bans

At White Oak Landscapes, we design and build both styles. We’ll help you choose the right type based on your usage habits, budget, and property layout.

4. Select the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials for your fire pit affects everything from safety to durability to how well it blends into your landscape design.

• • • Use non-combustible materials like stone, pavers, fire bricks, or concrete block
    • The interior wall of the fire pit should be lined with heat-resistant fire bricks
    • Choose materials that match or complement your patio, retaining walls, or outdoor kitchen
    • Ensure any surrounding surfaces—like a patio or walkway—are also fire-safe and slip-resistant

At White Oak Landscapes, we source high-quality, long-lasting materials that match your design style while standing up to Portland’s rainy winters and hot summer sun.

5. Incorporate the Fire Pit Into Your Landscape Design

A fire pit shouldn’t feel like it was dropped in the middle of your yard—it should feel like it belongs there. When integrated into a complete landscape plan, your fire pit becomes a natural focal point.

Ideas for integration:

• • • Connect it to a paver patio or stone seating area
    • Add built-in seat walls for a clean, low-maintenance seating option
    • Install landscape lighting around the fire pit for safety and nighttime ambiance
    • Frame the space with plantings, privacy hedges, or a pergola
    • Use paths and walkways to guide guests to and from the area

We help Portland-area homeowners create fire pit spaces that feel intentional and elegant—designed for year-round usability and curb appeal.

6. Plan for Seating and Comfort

The fire pit itself is just the beginning. The surrounding space and seating options determine how inviting and functional your fire feature really is.

• • • Leave at least 5–7 feet of open space around the pit for safe movement and furniture
    • Include movable chairs or built-in benches to suit your entertaining needs
    • Add weather-resistant cushions and furniture for comfort in all seasons
    • Install outdoor lighting and ensure walkways are lit and slip-resistant

Example: A client in West Linn wanted a low-maintenance gathering space that didn’t require daily furniture setup. We installed a gas fire pit with a circular paver patio and a curved stone seating wall—perfect for evening conversations, year-round.

Proudly Serving Portland and Surrounding Areas

White Oak Landscapes provides expert landscape design and fire pit installation services throughout the Portland metro area, including:

• Portland
• Oregon City
• Lake Oswego
• West Linn
• Tualatin
• Milwaukie
• Damascus
• Nearby communities in Clackamas County and beyond

Ready to Build Your Outdoor Fire Pit?

Let’s turn your backyard into the perfect gathering space. At White Oak Landscapes, we design and install custom outdoor fire pits that fit seamlessly into your landscape—and your lifestyle.

Call us today or request a estimate to get started. We proudly serve Portland, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, West Linn, Milwaukie, Damascus, and surrounding areas with expert landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor living solutions.