Fire Pit Installation in Colorado Springs
Custom wood-burning and gas fire pits designed for Colorado's 247 sunny days and cool mountain evenings. Built to meet El Paso County fire codes.
What Shapes a Fire Pit Project
Fire pit and patio combo projects that integrate seating walls and pavers fall at the higher end.
CN Landscaping designs and builds custom fire pits throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Black Forest, and the Pikes Peak region. Colorado's 247 sunny days per year and cool mountain evenings make fire pits one of the most-used outdoor features homeowners choose. Unlike a patio table or grill that sits unused for months, a well-built fire pit extends your outdoor season from early spring through late fall — and on Colorado's regular 50-degree winter days, it keeps your backyard comfortable year-round.
Every fire pit we install accounts for El Paso County fire codes, altitude considerations for combustion efficiency, and the wind patterns that come off Pikes Peak and the Front Range. We handle permits, gas line coordination, material selection, and construction from start to finish.
Types of Fire Pits We Build
We install wood-burning, gas, and combination fire features.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
The classic fire pit experience — crackling flames, natural wood smoke, and campfire ambiance. Built with natural stone or concrete block in round, square, or custom shapes. The tradeoff is smoke, ash cleanup, and restrictions during El Paso County burn bans. Best for homeowners who value the traditional fire experience and have the space to meet the 15-foot clearance requirement.
Gas Fire Pits
Propane or natural gas fire pits offer instant on/off convenience, adjustable flame height, and zero smoke or ash. They operate during burn bans — a major advantage in fire-conscious Colorado. Natural gas connections provide unlimited fuel, while propane tanks offer flexibility for remote locations. The most popular choice for Colorado Springs homeowners.
Fire Pit and Patio Combos
The highest-value fire pit projects integrate the fire feature with a paver patio, seating walls, and landscape lighting into a complete outdoor gathering space. Seating walls built at 18 to 20 inches with flat caps provide permanent, low-maintenance seating for 8 to 12 people around the fire. Paver patios create a clean, level surface that eliminates mud and uneven ground.
Fire Pit Materials for Colorado's Climate
Material selection matters more in Colorado than in most regions. Our altitude (6,035 feet in Colorado Springs), intense UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and rapid temperature swings demand materials that perform under stress. We build fire pits using four primary material categories.
Natural stone (flagstone, sandstone): The premium choice for Colorado fire pits. Flagstone and locally sourced sandstone blend naturally with the Front Range landscape and handle freeze-thaw cycles well. Each piece is unique, creating a one-of-a-kind fire feature. Natural stone fire pits are the most durable option and age beautifully over decades.
Manufactured to withstand high heat and Colorado's temperature extremes. Available in a range of colors and textures that complement paver patios.
Manufactured stone veneer: Provides the appearance of natural stone over a concrete block or steel frame structure. Lighter weight than full-depth stone, allowing more design flexibility.
Steel and corten fire bowls: Modern steel fire bowls and corten (weathering steel) options create a contemporary focal point. Corten steel develops a natural rust patina that protects the underlying metal and complements Colorado's earth tones. Fire bowls work well on existing patios where a built-in pit is not practical.
Fire Pit Regulations and Conditions in Colorado Springs
Building a fire pit in Colorado Springs involves local codes and environmental factors that differ from other markets. CN Landscaping builds fire pits that meet every requirement so you can enjoy your landscape without concern.
El Paso County fire codes: Permanent fire pits require permits from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Gas fire pits need both a building permit and a gas line permit. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, fences, and overhanging branches. We handle all permit applications and inspections.
Burn ban awareness: El Paso County and Colorado Springs issue burn bans during dry periods and high-wind events, typically in summer months. Burn bans prohibit all wood-burning fires but exempt approved gas fire features. If year-round, unrestricted use matters to you, a gas fire pit is the clear choice.
Altitude and combustion: At 6,035 feet, Colorado Springs has roughly 18% less oxygen than sea level. This affects wood-burning fire pit performance — fires burn slightly cooler and require seasoned, dry hardwood for efficient combustion. Gas fire pits need properly rated burners calibrated for high altitude to produce a full, even flame. We specify altitude-rated components on every gas installation.
Wind patterns: Downslope winds from Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain create gusts that affect fire pit placement and design. We position fire pits to minimize wind exposure and can incorporate windbreak walls or strategic plantings that block prevailing winds without obstructing views.
How We Design and Build Your Fire Pit
From initial consultation to final walkthrough, our process ensures your fire pit is built right the first time.
1. Consultation
We visit your property and assess the best location for your fire pit based on wind exposure, views, proximity to your home, and how you plan to use the space. We discuss fuel type (gas vs. This consultation is free with no obligation.
2. Design and Material Selection
We create a custom design showing fire pit placement, dimensions, material selections, and integration with your existing landscape. For gas fire pits, we plan the gas line route and burner specifications. We revise until you are fully satisfied with the design.
3. Permits and Construction
We handle all Pikes Peak Regional Building Department permits — building, gas line, and electrical if applicable. Utility locates are completed before excavation. Our crew builds the fire pit according to the approved design, including base preparation, drainage, masonry, and gas line installation. Most fire pit projects take 3 to 7 days of on-site construction.
4. Final Walkthrough
We test the fire feature with you present, walk through operation and safety procedures, and provide maintenance guidelines. For gas fire pits, we demonstrate the ignition system, flame adjustment, and shutoff. We stand behind every fire pit we build.
Site Conditions and Preparation
Here are typical ranges for Colorado Springs installations.
Includes base preparation, materials, and construction. A solid entry point for homeowners who want a functional fire feature without extensive surrounding hardscaping.
Includes seating wall cap and integrated drainage. The most popular wood-burning option.
Includes gas line installation from your home to the fire pit location. Clean, convenient, and burn-ban exempt.
A complete outdoor gathering space that serves as the centerpiece of your backyard.
Every project includes a free consultation, detailed written estimate, permit coordination, and our workmanship guarantee.
Fire Pit Installation FAQs
Permanent gas-fueled fire pits require a building permit from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department and a separate gas line permit. Portable wood-burning fire pits under 3 feet in diameter generally do not require permits but must follow Colorado Springs Fire Department regulations, including placement at least 15 feet from any structure or fence. CN Landscaping handles all permit applications for permanent fire pit installations.
Gas fire pits offer instant on/off convenience, adjustable flame height, no smoke or ash cleanup, and they operate during burn bans. However, wood-burning pits create smoke, require ash cleanup, and cannot be used during El Paso County burn bans. In Colorado Springs, gas fire pits are the more popular choice because of burn ban restrictions.
Colorado Springs Fire Department regulations require fire pits to be placed at least 15 feet from any structure, fence, or overhanging tree branches. Gas fire pits with approved safety shutoffs may be placed closer in some cases, but 10 feet is the practical minimum. We design every fire pit layout to meet or exceed local fire safety codes and ensure adequate clearance from your home, deck, and property lines.
Yes. We regularly add fire pits to existing patios throughout Colorado Springs. For gas fire pits, we run a gas line beneath or alongside the patio to the fire pit location. For wood-burning pits, we can build directly on an existing paver or concrete patio with proper base preparation. If the existing patio needs to be extended to accommodate the fire pit and seating area, we match the existing materials for a seamless look.
During burn bans issued by the El Paso County Sheriff or Colorado Springs Fire Department, all open wood-burning fires are prohibited, including wood-burning fire pits. Gas fire pits with approved safety shutoffs are exempt from burn bans and can be used normally. Colorado Springs typically experiences burn ban periods during dry summer months and high-wind events. If year-round use is important, we recommend a gas fire pit installation.