Know how your fire pit gets to you.

Shipping a handcrafted steel fire pit is different from receiving a parcel. Here is what it costs, how returns work, and what to expect when freight delivery day comes.

Firepit lead time 36 days Last updated 4 hours ago.

Shipping

What is the average cost of shipping?

Freight cost rises with weight and distance. But we cap shipping rates to most areas so our company shares in that cost to keep sizing decisions focused on the right fire pit for your space.

3 foot Octagonal Cottager fire pit

Input your postal code to preview with a common size and series fire pit: 3' Octagonal Cottager.

Can I see the shipping cost before I buy?

Yes. Shipping is calculated before you confirm your purchase, as long as the ship-to postal code is entered correctly. An accurate postal code is what lets us calculate the right rate for your location, so double-check it at checkout.

How are fire pits shipped?

Fire pits are heavy, handcrafted steel, so most orders ship by LTL freight: the same way large, palletized goods move. Smaller items from the online store may ship separately through FedEx, Canpar, Purolator, or UPS.

Because each pit is built to order, it does not exist on a shelf when you place your order. We build it, then ship it. Learn the LTL details below.

Freight

01Planning

Why can't you give me an exact delivery date and time?

Freight does not move on a fixed parcel schedule. Your pit travels between freight terminals, and a delivery appointment cannot be set until it reaches the terminal closest to you. Until then, even the carrier does not know the exact day.

Once it lands at your local terminal, the carrier reaches out to arrange delivery, and that is when timing becomes clear. We'll keep you updated as your shipment moves so you know roughly where things stand.

Who schedules the delivery: you or the carrier?

The freight carrier schedules it directly with you, not Iron Embers. For residential deliveries, the carrier calls to set up a delivery window once your shipment arrives at the local terminal. We can help nudge things along if there is a snag, but only the carrier can lock in the appointment.

This is why an accurate phone number on your order matters so much. A wrong or unanswered number is the most common cause of delivery delays.

How much notice will I get before the truck arrives?

The carrier will call ahead to arrange a delivery appointment, typically offering a window of a few hours on a chosen weekday rather than a precise time. Most freight carriers deliver Monday to Friday during business hours, not evenings or weekends.

Answer the carrier call, or return it promptly. Setting the appointment quickly keeps your pit moving.

Do I have to be there in person?

Yes. Because of the value and size of the shipment, someone must be present to receive and sign for it at the scheduled appointment. It can be you or someone you trust to inspect and sign on your behalf.

If no one is there for the appointment, the carrier cannot leave the freight, and re-delivery may be required.

02Receiving

Where exactly will the driver put my fire pit?

Standard freight delivery is threshold delivery. The driver lowers the pallet with a liftgate and places it at the first safe, accessible point: usually the driveway, curb, garage, front entry, or another clear threshold the truck can reasonably reach. It does not include backyard placement, stairs, unpacking, or moving the fire pit to its final location.

Will the driver help me move it?

No. The driver delivers to the threshold and is not responsible for moving the pit into place or helping unload it from the pallet. Plan to have equipment or help ready for final placement.

Why do I need to inspect before signing?

This is the most important step, and the one people skip. Inspect your shipment before you sign. Your signature on the delivery receipt is a legal confirmation that the item arrived in good condition. Once you sign clean, it becomes much harder to claim for damage that happened in transit.

  • Walk around the pallet and look the pit over for visible damage.
  • Take clear photos from several angles before and after unwrapping if you can.
  • If you see damage, note it on the delivery receipt before signing. Be specific, not just "damaged."
  • Damage to the outer pallet or packaging does not always mean the pit is damaged, but it is worth noting and photographing either way.
What if my fire pit arrives damaged?

Do not refuse the shipment. Accept it, but document everything first. Note the damage clearly on the delivery receipt before signing, photograph it from multiple angles, and keep all original packaging and the pallet.

Then contact us right away at 1 (888) 575-4766 or info@ironembers.com so we can help you sort it out. Acting quickly, ideally the same day, gives the best chance of a smooth resolution.

03Checklist

Quick checklist: what should I prepare?
  • Correct phone number on your order so the carrier can reach you.
  • Answer the appointment call and confirm a window promptly.
  • Be available, or arrange someone, to receive and sign on a weekday.
  • Inspect and photograph before signing the delivery receipt.
  • Keep the packaging and pallet until you are sure all is well.
I'm shipping to a cottage or remote property. Anything else?

Cottage deliveries take extra planning. Make sure someone is in the area and available during a weekday window, the address and access are clear for a full-size freight truck, and you have help to move the pit once it is at the curb. If timing is hard to coordinate at the cottage, consider shipping to your primary residence instead, or ask us about picking up through our dealer network.

Can I waive the signing requirement?

We strongly recommend not doing this. A signature protects you because it gives you a chance to inspect the shipment and record damage before accepting it. If freight is delivered without inspection and something is wrong, the claim becomes much harder to resolve.

If you still need to make special arrangements, call us first. We can talk through the risk and help coordinate with the freight service provider where possible.

Returns

What is the return window?

You may request to return standard Iron Embers products within 14 days of delivery for a refund. We require photographic confirmation of condition to confirm the product is new and unused before a request is eligible. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method.

Are there any fees on a return?

A few things to know before you return:

  • Return shipping can be arranged by us, but freight charges are the customer's responsibility.
  • Original shipping charges are not refundable, including refused packages and shipments.
  • Approved refunds are subject to a 15% restocking fee, deducted from the refund total.
Where do I send a return?

Address approved returns to:

Iron Embers

Attn: Returns

32 Airpark Pl. Unit 1

Guelph, ON N1L 1B2

Can I return a customized fire pit?

Customized products, including custom design projects, personalized cut-outs, and other requested modifications, are not eligible for return or exchange unless the product arrives damaged or defective.

If a mistake with a configuration, personalization, or design happens during production, our team will work with you to find a suitable solution case by case.

I bought from a dealer or retail partner. What's my policy?

Purchases made through a third-party authorized dealer follow the seller's return policies and are considered non-refundable by the manufacturer. Reach out to the dealer you purchased from for their terms.

Full details

Shipping Policy

Iron Embers accepts and ships online orders from residents within Canada and the United States. Iron Embers offers several North American shipping options for online orders based on the destination, shipping dimensions, and shipping weights. Shipping estimates are available before purchase confirmation, provided that the ship-to postal code is correct.

Orders may be shipped using LTL freight with or without tailgate delivery services, (provided the order is shipping to a commercial address). Smaller items from the online store may be shipped separately by conventional shipping providers: FedEx, Canpar, Purolator, or UPS. After an order is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. You will receive another email confirmation once the order is complete and ready to be shipped.

Cancelation Policy

Orders may be canceled before shipment by contacting our office at 1 (888) 575-4766. Online orders are built to order, and you must call as soon as possible to cancel the order before it is shipped. Please do not request cancellations by email or online messages.

Custom projects may be subject to a cancelation fee or partial payment for materials that have been ordered custom or personalized for the project.

Standard Returns Policy

You may request to return standard Iron Embers products within 14 days of delivery for a refund. Iron Embers will require photographic confirmation of condition to ensure the product is in new and unused condition before the request may be eligible for a refund. Approved refunds are processed and applied to the original payment method.

Iron Embers can arrange return shipping with freight charges incurred at the customer's expense. No refunds will be available for original shipping charges, including refused packages and shipments. Approved refunds are subject to a 15% restocking fee, deducted from your refund's total value.

Retail and Dealer Purchases

Iron Embers products are available from our growing network of retail locations and online drop-shipping partners. Purchases made through a third-party authorized dealer are subject to the seller's return policies and are considered non-refundable by the manufacturer (Iron Embers).

Returning Customized Products

Customized products include custom design projects, units with personalized cut-outs, and other requested modifications. Due to personal configuration or design on these products, Iron Embers does not accept returns or exchanges unless the product is damaged or defective upon arrival.

If a mistake or error with a configuration, personalization, or design occurs during the production process, our team will work together with the customer to find a suitable solution on a case-by-case basis.