AntoineAsphalt.caGas vs Wood Fire Pit: Which Should You Build?
Quick answer
On most Hamilton and Burlington urban lots the choice is made for you: gas fire pits need no burn permit, while wood fires are not permitted without one. Oakville allows a screened wood pit under By-law 2006-174 s. 2.2. A custom gas pit runs $3,000–$6,000 and a wood block pit $1,500–$3,500 (Project Landscaping, May 2026); gas has no smoke or sparks.
Which one do the rules allow?
| City | Wood | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | Not permitted in the urban area without an inspected permit; rural with a permit (By-law 02-283) | Allowed urban and rural, no burn permit (City of Hamilton, July 2021) |
| Burlington | Not permitted in urban areas; free rural permit (By-law 065-2019) | Allowed; not on apartment balconies or where condo rules prohibit them |
| Oakville | Allowed under s. 2.2 conditions (By-law 2006-174) | Allowed |
Rules change and burn bans happen in dry weather; check with your fire department before lighting.
How do smoke and neighbours compare?
Clean Air Hamilton notes that wood smoke contains PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, carbon monoxide and carcinogenic compounds, and that "open air burning is highly polluting". Oakville's conditions include no nuisance to neighbours (Nuisance By-law 2007-143), and Hamilton doesn't allow burning when wind would make smoke a nuisance. A gas flame gives no smoke or sparks.
What does each cost to build?
Gas versus wood is the biggest price driver (Project Landscaping, May 2026).
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-burning concrete wall block pit | $1,500–$3,500 | Project Landscaping, May 2026 |
| Interlock fire pit, installed | $1,500–$6,000 | Project Landscaping, May 2026 |
| Custom natural gas fire pit | $3,000–$6,000 | Project Landscaping, May 2026 |
| Each extra 10 ft of gas line | ≈ $50–$120 | EcoFrost, GTA, Oct 2026 |
| Underground trenching | may add $300–$800 | EcoFrost, GTA, Oct 2026 |
Gas extras include a stainless burner pan, fire glass or lava rock, and licensed trades to trench and run the line. Match-lit ignition costs less than electronic or app ignition.
What does gas cost to run?
This is approximate arithmetic, not a utility rate quote.
- 1 m³ of natural gas ≈ 35,000–37,000 Btu, so a 65,000 Btu/h burner on high uses about 1.8 m³ an hour.
- A 20 lb propane cylinder holds roughly 430,000 Btu, about 6.5 hours at 65,000 Btu/h on high.
Which needs more upkeep?
A wood pit needs clean, dry wood, someone attending the fire, an extinguisher or water close by and a spark screen (required in Oakville). Its steel ring keeps flame off the block face and drainage gravel lets rain out (industry practice). A gas pit needs clear vents on opposite sides of the enclosure, a reachable shut-off valve and the clearances in its burner manual; propane users store spare cylinders away from the unit, outdoors, ventilated and out of the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gas fire pit cheaper than wood?
Usually not upfront. Project Landscaping lists a wood-burning block pit at $1,500–$3,500 and a custom natural gas pit at $3,000–$6,000 (May 2026), and the gas line adds cost with distance from the meter: about $50–$120 per extra 10 ft, with trenching possibly adding $300–$800 (EcoFrost, Oct 2026).
Can I have a wood fire pit in Burlington?
Not in urban areas: Burlington's By-law 065-2019 counts fire pits as open-air burning, which isn't permitted there. Designated rural areas can get a free permit. Gas fire tables and bowls are permitted, except on apartment balconies or where condo rules forbid them.
How long does a propane tank last on a fire pit?
Roughly 6.5 hours on high for a 65,000 Btu/h burner, since a 20 lb cylinder holds about 430,000 Btu. That's approximate arithmetic; your burner's rating and how high you run it change the number.
How much natural gas does a fire pit use?
About 1.8 m³ an hour for a 65,000 Btu/h burner on high, because 1 m³ of natural gas holds roughly 35,000–37,000 Btu. It's approximate arithmetic; multiply by your gas rate for an hourly cost.
Does a gas fire pit smoke?
No. A gas flame gives no smoke or sparks. Wood smoke contains PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, carbon monoxide and carcinogenic compounds, according to Clean Air Hamilton.
Do I need a licensed installer for gas?
Yes. Gas line work must be done by a licensed gas technician working for a TSSA-registered contractor; DIY gas line work isn't allowed in Ontario (EcoFrost Heating, Oct 2026). The burner should be certified to ANSI Z21.97 / CSA 2.41.
Related guides & services
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Prices are typical market ranges from the named third-party sources and dates, not Antoine's prices. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
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