Built-in fire pits for Winnipeg backyards
A good fire pit gives you a reason to actually use your backyard later into the season. When the evenings start getting cooler in September and October, having a warm place to sit can make a big difference.
The right setup really depends on how you plan to use the space, how much room you have, and what’s already in your yard.
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Stone and block fire pits
A simple, classic option that works well on its own in a lawn, gravel area, or open part of the yard. We can use natural stone or manufactured block and size the fire pit around the seating area you have in mind.
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Paver fire pits matched to your patio
If you already have a paving stone patio, we can match the fire pit to it so everything looks like it was designed together. We work with products from manufacturers such as Barkman and Belgard that are well suited to our climate.
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Sunken fire pit areas
These sit below the surrounding grade, with the seating and surrounding area built around the fire pit. They take more excavation and drainage work, but they can turn an unused part of the yard into a really nice gathering space.
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Fire pits with a seating wall
A low wall around two or three sides gives everyone a comfortable place to sit while also helping define the space. If your yard has some slope, the wall can also serve a practical purpose as part of the grade and retaining work.
- Building since
- 2014
- Rated on Google
- 5.0
- Working across
- Winnipeg and southern Manitoba
Gas or wood burning
This is usually the first decision we make with a homeowner because the fuel type affects both the design and the overall cost.
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Gas
Gas gives you an easy, clean-burning fire with no smoke, ash, or firewood to deal with. In Manitoba, the gas line and connection need to be handled by a licensed gas fitter. We coordinate that as part of the project so you don't have to arrange another trade yourself.
The trade-off is the higher upfront cost and the fact that the location needs to make sense for running the gas line from the house or supply point.
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Wood burning
Wood is generally less expensive to install and gives you the traditional campfire experience. There are City of Winnipeg rules around wood-burning fire pits, including requirements for containment and size, as well as considerations around smoke and neighbouring properties.
We take those requirements into account when we're planning the fire pit so you know what you're getting before we build it.
For smaller yards or properties where neighbours are fairly close, gas is often the simpler option. If you have more space and want that traditional wood fire, a wood-burning pit can be a great fit.
Building a fire pit that survives Winnipeg freeze-thaw
When a fire pit moves or cracks, the problem is usually underneath it rather than in the stone or block.
Winnipeg soil, particularly our clay, moves with moisture and temperature changes. If a fire pit is built directly on topsoil, sod, or a thin layer of loose sand, there's a good chance it will shift over time.
So we put the work into the base before we start building the actual fire pit.
We excavate down through the topsoil, prepare the area, and install a properly compacted granular base in layers. We also make sure water has somewhere to go rather than sitting underneath the fire pit and freezing.
Once the base is ready, we install the bedding material and build the fire pit using the appropriate setting and bonding method for the product.
For gas fire pits, we also plan the gas line into the project while we're doing the base work. That way we're not coming back later and cutting into finished paving to run a line.
It takes a little more work up front, but it's what gives the fire pit a much better chance of staying level and looking good for years.
What a fire pit costs in Winnipeg
Simple block or stone fire pits start around $1,800.
Most of the fire pits we build fall somewhere between $4,500 and $8,500. That typically includes the proper base, the fire pit itself, a stone or paver surround, and sometimes built-in seating.
Larger gas fire features with a full patio surround and integrated seating can reach $13,500 or more, depending on the design.
A few things can change the price quite a bit: gas versus wood, the amount of excavation required, the size of the fire pit, built-in seating, the paving or stone you choose, and how easy it is to access the backyard.
A backyard where we can bring equipment through a wide gate is obviously different from one where everything has to be moved through a narrow side yard by hand.
Before we start, we'll give you a clear, fixed price for the work so you know what the project is going to cost.
How it works
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Send us some photos
Send over a few photos of the backyard along with rough dimensions and tell us what you're thinking. We'll take a look and give you some realistic options and a price range.
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We come out and measure
If the project looks like a good fit, we'll come out, look at the space in person, take proper measurements, and work through the details with you.
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Get your fixed quote and schedule the build
We'll put everything together into a fixed quote. Once you're ready to move ahead, we'll schedule the work and take care of the build from there.
Most standard fire pit installations take one to three days on site once we're underway.
Fire pits we’ve built in Winnipeg
This is one back yard, seen from two sides: a square block fire pit set into a travertine-look paver patio under a cedar pergola.
Outdoor fireplaces
If you're looking for something with a little more presence, an outdoor fireplace can turn into a real focal point for the backyard. It also gives you some protection from the wind, which can make a big difference on cooler Winnipeg evenings.
Outdoor fireplaces are a larger project than a typical fire pit and require a proper footing and more substantial construction. If that's what you're after, let us know when you send your photos and we can talk through what would work in your yard.
Common questions
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Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Winnipeg?
It depends on the type of fire pit and how it's being built. Wood-burning fire pits need to meet the City's requirements for things like containment and size, while gas installations involve the appropriate gas-fitting permits. We'll figure out what's required for your particular project before we start.
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How far does it have to be from my house or fence?
There are clearance requirements to consider, but placement is about more than just measurements. We'll look at the location of your house, fences, neighbouring properties, the direction of smoke, and where the fire pit will actually be comfortable to use.
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Can you build one on my existing patio?
Often, yes. The main thing we need to determine is what's underneath the existing patio and whether the current base can support the additional weight. We'll take a look before recommending that approach.
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How long does the whole thing take?
Most standard fire pits take about one to three days on site. Larger surrounds, sunken fire pits, and more involved landscaping can take longer. The time between your quote and the start of the project depends on the season and our current schedule.
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Can you build in the fall?
Yes. We can generally keep building until the ground freezes. Fall can actually be a good time to get a project done, and scheduling can sometimes be a little easier later in the season.
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Which is cheaper, gas or wood?
Wood-burning fire pits are generally cheaper to install. Gas costs more upfront because of the gas line and licensed gas fitting, but many homeowners prefer the convenience of being able to turn the fire on without bringing out firewood or dealing with smoke and ash.
What Winnipeg Homeowners Say
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Great experience working with Jordan and Heavyscape. They landscaped both my front and back yards, installed pavers, built a fence, and constructed new stairs and a landing. Throughout the project they were flexible and thorough, approachable and easy to work with. Communication was excellent, the price was fair, and great quality of the work. Highly recommended.
mupayet
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Great experience with Jordan and his team. Communication was good and work on project was professional. Highly recommended. Would work with again.
Paul Laporte
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Great job! Good experience with planning, Jordan made improvements to our plan and the function is even better than we thought. Crew was friendly, organized and fast. Very happy with the experience and quality of the work.
CJ T