Fire Pits in North Bay & Powassan
Custom fire pit installations that extend your outdoor season in Northern Ontario. From natural stone wood-burning pits to sleek gas fire tables, we design and build gathering spaces your family will use from spring through winter — backed by 35 years of experience and full WSIB insurance.
Martin Services designs and installs custom fire pits for residential properties across Powassan, North Bay, Callander, Astorville, East Ferris, and surrounding communities in Northern Ontario. A well-built fire pit transforms your backyard into a year-round gathering space — somewhere to relax on cool fall evenings, host friends on summer nights, and even enjoy the outdoors during our long Northern Ontario winters. We build everything from simple wood-burning stone fire pits to custom gas fire tables with surrounding hardscape and seating walls.
Northern Ontario's short summers make outdoor living space even more valuable. A fire pit is one of the best investments you can make in your property — it extends your usable outdoor season by months and creates a natural gathering point that brings family and friends together. We design every fire pit to handle our freeze-thaw cycles, comply with local bylaws, and look beautiful in your landscape.
Signs You Need a Fire Pit
If any of these sound familiar, a fire pit could be exactly what your property needs.
Unused Backyard Space
You've got a great yard but no reason to spend time in it. A fire pit creates a destination and gives your outdoor space a purpose.
Short Outdoor Season
Northern Ontario summers are short. A fire pit extends your comfortable outdoor time from May through October — or even year-round.
No Evening Gathering Area
Once the sun goes down, there's nowhere comfortable to sit outside. A fire pit with seating creates a natural social hub for your family.
Boring Patio Area
You have a patio but it lacks a focal point. A fire pit adds warmth, ambiance, and a reason to use your patio after dark.
How We Build Your Fire Pit
Consultation
We discuss your vision, budget, fuel preference (gas vs wood), and how you plan to use the space.
Site Selection
Choosing the best location considering setback requirements, wind patterns, views, and proximity to your home.
Design Approval
We present the design including materials, dimensions, seating layout, and surrounding hardscape for your approval.
Base Preparation
Excavating, compacting granular base, and ensuring proper drainage so your fire pit sits on a solid, level foundation.
Fire Pit Construction
Building the fire pit structure with fire-rated materials, proper ventilation, and a steel fire ring or gas burner insert.
Gas Line (If Applicable)
For gas fire pits, licensed gas fitting for the supply line from your home to the burner — fully permitted and inspected.
Surrounding Hardscape & Seating
Installing the patio, seating wall, or gravel pad around the fire pit to complete the outdoor living space.
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
Testing everything, walking you through operation and safety, and making sure you're completely satisfied.
Fire Pit Styles We Build
From rustic to modern, we build fire features that match your home and landscape. Here are the most popular options.
Natural Stone Fire Pits
Built with locally sourced stone for a rugged, organic look that blends with Northern Ontario landscapes. The classic campfire experience with a permanent, beautiful structure.
Manufactured Block Fire Pits
Clean lines and consistent appearance using engineered block systems. Available in multiple colours and textures to complement your patio and home exterior.
Sunken Fire Pits
Built into the ground for a cozy, sheltered feel. Excellent wind protection and a dramatic look. Surrounding grade slopes gently toward the fire for natural seating.
Raised Fire Tables & Linear Features
Modern gas-powered fire tables and linear fire features that double as functional outdoor furniture. Perfect for contemporary patios and entertaining spaces.
Gas vs Wood-Burning: Which is Right for You?
The biggest decision in fire pit design is fuel type. Wood-burning fire pits give you that authentic campfire experience — crackling flames, the smell of burning wood, and the ability to roast marshmallows. They're simpler to install and cost less upfront.
Gas fire pits (natural gas or propane) offer instant on/off convenience, no smoke, no ash cleanup, and adjustable flame height. They cost more to install but are easier to live with day-to-day. For Northern Ontario winters, natural gas is the better cold-weather option since propane can lose pressure below -20°C.
At a Glance
- Wood-burning — Authentic experience, lower cost, more heat output
- Natural gas — Instant on/off, no smoke, best for winter use
- Propane — Portable option, no gas line needed, less reliable in extreme cold
- All options — Built to handle Northern Ontario freeze-thaw cycles
Hand-setting stones for a custom fire pit ring.
The finished product — stone pathway, fire pit, and seating area.
Fire Pit FAQs
Got questions about fire pits? Here are the ones we hear most. Can't find your answer? Call us at (249) 506-9211.
Gas vs wood-burning — which should I choose?
Wood-burning gives you the authentic campfire experience with crackling and the ability to roast marshmallows. Gas offers instant on/off, no smoke, and no cleanup. Wood-burning costs less upfront; gas is easier to live with. Most of our Northern Ontario clients choose wood-burning for the experience. Call (249) 506-9211 to discuss your options.
What are the setback requirements?
Ontario Fire Code requires wood-burning fire pits to be at least 2 metres (about 6.5 feet) from any structure, property line, or combustible material. Gas fire pits with CSA-approved burners typically have less restrictive requirements. We assess your specific property during consultation to ensure full compliance.
How much does fire pit installation cost?
Fire pit costs in the Powassan and North Bay area range from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on style, materials, and gas line work. Simple wood-burning stone pits start around $1,500-$2,500. Custom builds with seating walls and surrounding hardscape reach $5,000+. Call (249) 506-9211 for a free estimate.
Do I need a permit for a fire pit?
Wood-burning fire pits must comply with open-air burning bylaws but typically don't need a building permit. Gas fire pits may need permits for gas line work. We clarify the requirements for your municipality during consultation and handle permits if applicable.
Can a fire pit go on an existing patio?
Yes, with proper precautions. Concrete and natural stone patios work well with a fire-rated base. Paver patios need heat shielding underneath. Wood decks require fire-rated barriers and increased clearances. We'll assess your patio and recommend the safest approach during consultation.
Can I use a fire pit in winter?
Absolutely — that's one of the biggest reasons our clients install fire pits. Wood-burning pits work perfectly in winter with excellent heat output. Gas pits also work in cold weather, though natural gas is more reliable than propane in extreme cold (below -20°C). All our fire pits are built for year-round Northern Ontario use.
More Landscaping & Design-Build
Explore other services under our Landscaping & Design-Build umbrella.
Ready for a Fire Pit? Let's Build It.
Free estimates on every project. Whether it's a simple wood-burning pit or a full outdoor living space with gas fire table and seating walls, give us a call. We build fire pits that last and look great in every Northern Ontario season.