Choosing the right fuel type for your outdoor fire feature is an important decision. Here is an honest comparison of natural gas and propane fire pits for Bend homeowners.
Natural gas fire pits connect directly to your home's gas line, providing unlimited fuel without the need for tank refills. If your home has natural gas service, this is often the most convenient option.
The trade-off: a natural gas fire pit requires a licensed plumber to run a gas line to the patio, which adds $500–$2,000 to the project cost depending on the distance from your gas meter.
Propane fire pits use a refillable tank (typically 20 lb or 100 lb) stored near or beneath the fire feature. They offer the convenience of gas without requiring a gas line connection.
The trade-off: propane tanks need to be refilled periodically (a 20 lb tank lasts 4–8 hours at medium flame). Some homeowners find tank management inconvenient; others prefer the flexibility of a portable or semi-portable propane feature.
The upfront cost difference between natural gas and propane fire pits is primarily the gas line installation cost.
A propane fire pit installation is typically $500–$2,000 less expensive than natural gas because no gas line work is required. However, ongoing propane costs are higher than natural gas.
Wood-burning fire pits provide the authentic campfire experience — crackling fire, wood smoke, and the ritual of building and tending a fire. Many Bend homeowners prefer wood-burning for its ambiance.
Wood-burning fire pits are typically less expensive to install than gas options (no fuel line required) but require wood storage and more cleanup. Check Bend's current burn restrictions before using a wood-burning fire feature.
Yes — Cascade Natural Gas serves most of Bend. If your home has natural gas service, you likely have access to natural gas for an outdoor fire feature. We can verify gas service availability and coordinate the gas line extension with a licensed plumber.
A standard 20 lb propane tank costs $15–$25 to refill at most Bend hardware stores and propane dealers. A 100 lb tank costs $60–$100 to refill. For frequent use, many homeowners upgrade to a 100 lb tank for fewer refill trips.
Many fire pit burner systems are available in both propane and natural gas configurations, and some are convertible with a conversion kit. However, conversion is not always straightforward — we recommend discussing fuel type before installation rather than converting later.
Pricing Disclaimer: All prices shown are typical market ranges for general planning purposes only and do not constitute a binding quote or guarantee of cost. Actual costs depend on site conditions, property size, scope of work, and materials. Advertised flat rates are firm as stated. All other estimates require a free on-site assessment. Contact us for a written estimate.