What shapes the investment
- Fire feature type (pit, bowl, fireplace)
- Materials and finishes chosen
- Custom versus prefabricated
- Utility work (gas line, electrical)
- Structural and permitting requirements
- Surrounding seating and design
Fire Features
Pismo Beach Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplace Installation
Pismo Beach carries a resort-style entertaining tradition that most other San Luis Obispo County coastal towns don't, and a fire feature fits right into that: a real gathering piece for a property built to host. We design fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces to match that scale, and check local code before anything is installed.
- 25+years of experience
- 10,000+projects completed
- In-housedesign-build crews
- LIC #715731licensed & insured
- 5-star
Start here
What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in the Central Coast, so the choices are suited to this climate.
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01 A gathering place for entertaining A fire feature anchors seating on a Pismo Beach resort-style patio and gives a property built for hosting a real evening focal point. See entertaining spaces -
02 Heat and light after sunset Pismo Beach's dune-country wind brings a chill once the sun goes down. A fire feature keeps a poolside patio in use well past dinner. See fire features -
03 A statement focal point A curved built-in bench around the fire feature suits Pismo Beach's resort-style entertaining scale better than a handful of loose chairs. See modern fire features
Service options
Fire Pits
Best for Informal entertaining and families who want a casual gathering place.
- Most affordable option
- Can be custom-built or prefabricated
- Propane or gas fuel options
- Can be built with seating walls or free-standing
- Lava rocks or fire glass for aesthetics
On your property Needs clear space around it for safety, six feet minimum from structures and plantings.
- Seating benches
- Gravel or paver base
- Surrounding landscape
- Roasting equipment
Fire Bowls
Best for Contemporary homes and anyone who wants a sculptural, refined look.
- Modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Available in brass, copper, concrete, ceramic
- Takes up less space than a pit
- Can be placed on patios or in planting beds
- Remote control starter options
On your property Works on hard surfaces such as patios and decks, and needs clearance for heat. Primarily for aesthetics and light, not primary heat.
- Modern architecture
- Patio furnishings
- Contemporary planting
- Minimal landscape
Outdoor Fireplaces
Best for Anyone wanting the most heat, the most focal point, and the most impressive feature.
- Highest heat output of any fire feature
- Architectural statement and focal point
- Traditional, timeless elegance
- Can burn wood or gas
- Builds secondary structures around it, such as a hearth or seating
On your property Most expensive option. Needs a structural foundation and chimney, and may require engineering and permits, plus clearance above and beside.
- Masonry walls
- Outdoor kitchen
- Large patios
- Traditional homes
How we work
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Before Site assessment and code review
We check setback requirements, clearances, and local code for Pismo Beach before design starts.
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Design selection Feature type and design
Fire pit, fire bowl, or fireplace. Fuel type, placement, and materials get chosen to match a resort-style, hosting-focused property.
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Permitting Engineering and permitting
Fireplaces need structural and engineering approval. Our permitting team handles the requirements for the City of Pismo Beach.
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Under construction Installation and utility work
Base preparation, utility lines, feature installation, and testing. Gas lines are run by licensed technicians.
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Finished Surrounding design
Seating, paving, lighting, and planting complete the space, built at Pismo Beach's resort-entertaining scale.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
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Pit versus bowl versus fireplace
Pits are casual and affordable. Bowls are modern and refined. Fireplaces are expensive, impressive focal points.
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Fuel source
Propane is most portable. Gas needs a line run. Wood is traditional but requires cleaning and maintenance.
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Placement and sightlines
The feature should be visible from the house and the entertaining areas. Placement affects how the yard circulates.
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Seating and surrounding layout
Benches, walls, and furniture arrangement determine how people actually use the space.
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Integration with other features
Fire features work with patios, kitchens, lighting, and planting to make an outdoor room.
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Local code and setbacks
Pismo Beach's dune-adjacent wind exposure is worth planning around for flame management, alongside the standard city clearance rules.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Feature design and selection
- Permitting (varies by city and county)
- Gas utility coordination
- Material lead times
- Surrounding landscape work
Why custom fire pit was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Feature placement Position decides visibility from the house and the entertaining areas.
- Seating and gathering Benches or chairs around the feature keep conversation close to the heat.
- Utilities and access Gas lines or propane tanks placed for function and discretion.
- Clearance and safety Proper distance from structures and plants, per code.
- Lighting and evening use The feature lights the space and extends its use after dark.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
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The designer captured our vision for family gatherings and outdoor dining with stunning plants and irrigation. Our backyard is now the perfect setting for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Peter S. Google review · 1 year ago Outdoor living plan for family gatherings -
The pool, spa, and patio renovation turned out beautifully, and the custom waterslide became a favorite feature for the family. Our kids absolutely love it, and it's become the gathering spot for our entire neighborhood. The quality of the work and attention to creating a family-friendly space was exceptional.
Monty Richards Google review · 2 years ago Pool, spa, and patio renovation
Frequently asked questions
Does Pacific Outdoor Living serve Pismo Beach?
Yes. Pismo Beach is within our San Luis Obispo County service region, and our in-house design-build team works throughout the area.
Are outdoor fire pits legal in Pismo Beach?
Fire pits and fire bowls are generally allowed in Pismo Beach, though a fireplace may need engineering approval under the current city code. We confirm the specifics before anything is installed.
What is the difference between a fire pit and a fire bowl?
A fire pit is typically ground-level or slightly raised and built for casual gathering. A fire bowl is an elevated, sculptural feature suited to a patio or a more contemporary property.
Can I burn wood in an outdoor fireplace?
Yes, though gas or propane are cleaner and easier to maintain. Wood needs more upkeep, and it is worth checking local air-quality rules before committing to it.
How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
Fire pits and bowls range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 or more. Custom fireplaces range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on materials and complexity.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.