Custom Fire Pits vs. DIY Kits: Which One is Right for You?
A backyard fire pit isn’t just a trendy upgrade—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle. Whether you're designing a cozy retreat or crafting an entertainer’s paradise, a fire pit brings people together. But when adding one to your outdoor space, you’ll want to choose the right path forward: should you go with a Custom Stone Gas Fire Pit or a DIY Gas Fire Pit Kit?
Let’s break down the differences to help you decide which one fits your space, budget, and timeline.
What’s the Difference Between Custom Stone Gas Fire Pits vs DIY Kits?
Custom Stone Gas Fire Pits (Pre-Designed, Personalized)
Our Custom Stone Fire Pits are ready-to-ship models that can be tailored to your vision—there is no need for design consultations or long timelines. You can choose capstone colors, base stone types, height, gas type, and ignition preferences right from the product page. Once you customize online, our expert masons will do the heavy lifting, build your fire pit, and ship it directly to your driveway.
These are perfect if you want a custom build's elevated look and feel, without starting from scratch.
💡 Important Note: These are not fully bespoke fire pits (those require offline consultation). But they offer deep personalization, fast turnaround, and professional craftsmanship—all with a few clicks.
DIY Gas Fire Pit Kits (For Hands-On Projects)
Our DIY Kits are made for customers who want to roll up their sleeves. Each kit comes with pre-cut blocks, burner systems, media, and installation instructions, making it easy to assemble your fire pit over a weekend. Many of these kits also allow you to choose burner type and finish, giving you semi-custom flexibility.
Consider Your Budget
|
Option |
Price Range |
What's Included |
| Custom Stone Fire Pits |
|
Mason-built, driveway-delivered, tailored stone and gas features |
| DIY Fire Pit Kits | $500 – $3,000 | Pre-packed components for self-installation |
While DIY saves on labor, custom stone models bring premium finishes and professional assembly—no contractors needed.
Timeline and Effort
Are you in a rush to get that fire pit glowing?
- Custom Stone Fire Pits typically ship within 6-8 weeks: no permits or on-site labor required.
- DIY Kits can be built in 1–2 days if you’re comfortable leveling, gluing, and handling gas components—or with light help from a handyman.
Design Freedom vs. Simplicity
What’s more important to you: creative control or ease of use?
- Custom Stone Fire Pits let you choose finishes and functions while benefiting from curated designs that look professionally built (because they are).
- DIY Kits are best for simple forms—round, square, or rectangular—and may have limited material options, though you can enhance the look with fire media and landscaping.
Evaluate Your Skill Level
Some homeowners love a hands-on project. Others prefer to supervise with a coffee in hand.
- Custom Stone Fire Pits are ideal for a polished final product without getting your hands dirty—our team builds, tests, and delivers.
- DIY Kits are great if you’re comfortable with tools and want to be hands-on.
Long-Term Goals and Maintenance
Both options can last for years, but consider your plans. If you're designing a forever-home backyard oasis or want a fire pit that adds real estate value, a custom fire pit might be a wise long-term investment. It's built to suit your landscape and can become a permanent focal point.
If you're experimenting with layout, living in a rental, or want flexibility, a DIY kit gives you a high-quality feature without the permanence. Some kits are portable or semi-portable, which is excellent for future moves.
| Factor |
Custom Fire Pits |
DIY Fire Pit Kits |
| Definition | Professionally designed and built from scratch to match the customer's exact vision and space | Ready-to-assemble kits with all necessary parts, instructions, and fire media |
| Price Range | $2,500 – $10,000+ |
$500 – $3,000 |
| Labor Involvement |
Built by professionals |
Assembled by homeowner (or with light help) |
| Timeline | Several weeks due to planning, sourcing, and building | 1–2 days for most installs |
| Design Flexibility | Unlimited customization (shape, materials, size, fuel, seating, integration) | Limited to pre-set shapes (round, square, rectangular) with optional upgrades |
| Skill Level Needed | None – managed by experts | Moderate – basic construction knowledge helpful |
| Permanence & Longevity | Ideal for forever homes, high resale value, long-term investment | Good for rentals or temporary setups; some portability available |
| Emotional/Style Appeal | Matches architecture and creates seamless outdoor ambiance; a statement piece | Offers modern, sleek options at a lower commitment |
| Maintenance & Upkeep | Professionally installed—typically lower risk of errors | DIY requires proper setup and understanding to avoid long-term issues |
| Best For | Homeowners seeking a unique, high-end backyard experience | Budget-conscious DIYers, renters, or those wanting faster setup |
So, Which One’s Right for You?
- Choose a Custom Stone Fire Pit if you want expert craftsmanship, personalized finishes, and a premium product without the fully custom price tag or timeline.
- Go DIY if you enjoy the process, want more flexibility, or working with a rental or temporary space.
Either way, you’ll enjoy the same reward: warm nights, flickering flames, and unforgettable moments around the fire.
🔗 Shop the Collections
🔥 Browse Custom Stone Gas Fire Pits → Choose your stone, ignition, and gas type—built by our masons, delivered to your driveway.
🛠️ Browse DIY Gas Fire Pit Kits → Unbox, assemble, and enjoy—with detailed guides and support from our team.
