Hardscaping
Fire Pits & Outdoor Kitchens
The backyard you actually live in. Fire pits, seat walls and outdoor kitchens built right into the patio, made for long nights outside.
A patio is a floor. Outdoor living is what makes people stay outside: a fire pit with somewhere to sit, a counter beside the barbecue, a spot in the shade and lighting for after dark. Groundwork Landscaping designs and builds these features into the patio, using the same block and stone, so everything looks like one build.
What's included
- Fire pits, wood-burning or gas, built from block or stone with a steel liner.
- Seat walls around the fire or along the patio edge, at a comfortable seat height.
- Barbecue islands with counter space and room for a built-in grill.
- Outdoor kitchens with counters, storage, a sink rough-in and a bar top.
- Pergolas and shade to make the patio usable on hot afternoons.
- Built-in lighting under caps, in steps and over the cooking area.
How the build works
- Plan the layout. Where you cook, eat and sit, and how people move between them.
- Check the rules. Fire pit rules and setbacks vary by municipality.
- Build the structure. Footings, block, stone and caps, built with the patio.
- Connect. Gas lines by a licensed gas technician, and wiring by a licensed electrical contractor.
Start with a solid floor
Outdoor living features sit on or beside an interlock patio built to carry the weight. Finish it with landscape lighting and planting from a full landscape design.
What affects the cost of fire pits & outdoor kitchens
Outdoor living features vary widely. A simple wood-burning fire pit kit costs far less than a custom gas fire table or a full outdoor kitchen with counters, storage and a bar. Materials, size, gas and electrical work by licensed trades, pergolas and whether the patio is being built at the same time all affect the cost.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Kitchens questions
Wood or gas fire pit?
Wood gives you real crackle and smell. Gas lights with a switch, has no smoke or sparks and may be allowed where open burning isn't. We'll go over both.
Are backyard fire pits allowed?
It depends on your municipality. Many allow small recreational fires with conditions, and some have stricter rules. We check the local bylaw for your address.
Who connects the gas line?
In Ontario, gas lines must be installed by a licensed gas technician. We coordinate that part of the job.
Can an outdoor kitchen survive the winter?
Yes, if it's built for it, with frost-resistant materials, proper footings and water lines that can be drained before freezing.
Can you add a fire pit to my existing patio?
Often, yes. A fire pit can be built on a solid existing patio, or a section can be cut in and rebuilt to fit it.
Can you build a pergola over the patio?
Yes. A pergola adds shade and defines the outdoor room. It needs proper footings, and larger structures may need a building permit.
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
Many municipalities set minimum distances from buildings, fences and trees for wood fires. We follow your local rules and the manufacturer's clearances.
Where we offer fire pits & outdoor kitchens
We provide fire pits & outdoor kitchens for homes and businesses in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Let's build something.
See a ballpark for your project in about a minute, or book a site visit for a written quote.