How Much Does a Fire Pit Cost in 2024?

Average Fire Pit Cost

Fire Pit Cost Factors

Fire pits range from budget-friendly to premium costs depending on building materials, configuration, fuel type, and other variables.

Fuel Type

The fuel type influences the available fire pit models and the final cost. Charcoal, propane, wood-burning, electric, and natural gas each have specific advantages and price points.

For example, many homeowners prefer the rustic ambiance of a wood-burning fire pit, but smoke, local regulations, and upkeep may outweigh the benefits. In contrast, gas fire pits are more expensive because they require more involved installation but carry minimal mess, emissions, and overall upkeep.

Built-In vs. Portable

Choosing between built-in and portable units impacts the style, functionality, and cost of a fire pit. Ranging from $75 to $500, portable fire pits are versatile, easy to use, and made from affordable ceramic or metal materials.

In-ground fire pits are a type of built-in style that average between $1,000 and $3,000, with some models reaching $5,000 or more. Dug into the ground and often lined with brick or other materials, in-ground fire pits offer a polished and permanent look customized to your landscaping or patio design.

Above-ground fire pits, which cost between $200 and $1,500, are a middle ground between portable and in-ground options. Although technically built-in and not meant to move, they sit above ground level. 

Size 

Fire pit sizes range from 20 to 60 inches and beyond, but most fire pits come in standard sizes between 36 and 48 inches. 

Prefab vs. Customization

Prefab fire pit kits, which range from $200 to $3,000, are generally more affordable than a customized build. With average costs between $1,500 and $7,000, customized built-in fire pits can be up to twice as expensive.

Despite the upfront costs, a customized build allows you to design your installation to suit specific aesthetics, functionality, and other preferences. It may offer a better return on investment in increased personal and home value.

If your budget is better suited to a prefab kit, you’ll still find a variety of shapes and finishes to choose from. Most affordable prefab kits come in round or hexagonal shapes that easily accommodate several people while evenly distributing heat. Square and rectangular fire pits are more expensive and often feature decorative or premium elements to suit spaces with more intentional aesthetic choices.

Labor

Hiring a local fire pit installation contractor averages about $400 to $500, equating to about a day of work. A handyperson costs about $50 to $150 per hour, depending on local demand and expertise. Landscapers and brick installers have similar hourly rates and may have additional fees for consultation and design. These services are especially valuable for customized builds, particularly if the contractor specializes in fire pit installation.

Some installations are complex and cost more due to additional labor hours or hiring other professionals. For example, hiring a plumber to connect a gas line costs about $30 to $75 per linear foot, and electricians charge between $50 and $150 per hour plus to wire an electric fire pit.

Additional Features

Certain features can enhance the appearance or functionality of your fire pit, but they come with extra costs to consider.

Additional Fire Pit Cost Factors

Beyond the main costs for fire pit installation, consider permits, prep, and other potential factors.

Permits

Local regulations may require a permit for certain fire pit installations, which range from $20 to $500 each. Building permit fees for an outdoor structure cost anywhere from $20 to $500, with higher costs reflecting fire pit installations that require building a deck or patio. Electrical and plumbing permits cost up to $500 each.

Prep

Fire pits must be installed on a level area at least 15 feet from flammable structures or objects. Leveling a yard costs between $500 and $2,500, and removing trees and stumps costs between $400 and $900 or $200 and $700, respectively.

Patio Installation

Installing a fire pit above or integrated with a patio adds significantly to the total expense. Building a patio itself averages $3,500. With a built-in fire pit, expect to pay an average of $6,750 or up to $17,300. Retrofitting an existing patio with a fire pit requires additional labor and costs. Regardless of the fire pit type, the patio or area may also need seating, lighting, drainage systems, and other accessories.

Fire Pit Cost by Material

Material costs for fire pits range from $400 to $500. Fire pits typically include an inner wall, an outer wall, and functional or decorative elements. The inner wall must be fireproof, and the outer wall should be heat-resistant. Most fire pits use stone, metal, concrete, brick, or a combination of these materials.

Concrete

Averaging $200 to $1,000, concrete is popular with homeowners for its budget-friendly pricing, weather resistance, and durability. Low-end concrete prioritizes function and doesn’t usually include decorative elements, but high-end concrete fire pits may feature split-face, coloring, or other styles.

Stainless Steel

A standard stainless steel fire pit costs between $250 and $1,200. Portable fire pits made from stainless steel offer durability, weather resistance, versatility, and a range of styles. They require minimal upkeep and pair well with different fuel types. Expect higher costs for customized options, such as steel bowls. Other metals, including copper and cast iron, are also appropriate for fire pits.

Brick

Expect to pay between $300 and $2,200 for a brick fire pit, which is made from specialized thermal-resistant firebricks. Besides complementing brick homes or landscaping details, brick fire pits slowly absorb and radiate heat even after the fire dies down. Firebricks are only essential for the inner wall—the outer wall can be made from standard or decorative brick pavers.

Stone

Stone fire pits have the highest costs, ranging from $350 to $4,000. Like natural materials in most projects, stones are less available and considered a more premium choice than other options.

Stones come in various shapes and types, but most stone fire pits are made from granite, basalt, quartzite, soapstone, or other metamorphic or igneous stones because their non-permeable structures don’t trap moisture. Other rock types have soft structures and air pockets that may cause the rocks to explode when exposed to fire.

Fire Pit Repairs vs. Replacement

Fire pits require occasional repairs to maintain visual appeal, performance, and safety. Over time, you may need to replace grates, stones, or other components, and small repairs may cost as little as $30.

Extensive rust, cracks, warping, or other deterioration may compromise safety and performance. Older or deteriorated fire pits may also lack modern safety elements, clash with your landscaping or patio, heat inefficiently, or simply don’t meet your needs.

Replacement may be more cost-effective than patching a fire pit nearing the end of its lifespan, and it allows for an aesthetically appealing upgrade. 

Does Installing a Fire Pit Increase Home Value?

Installing a fire pit enhances your property by providing an extra gathering space outside, encouraging time outdoors through colder parts of the year, and adding overall ambiance and design appeal.

While not as significant as major home remodeling, the benefits of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can increase home value. Surveys show high enjoyment and over 50% cost recovery. Certain attributes, such as minimal upkeep, low emissions, and high-quality materials, may increase a fire pit's curb appeal factor.

Budgeting for a Fire Pit

Maximize the value of your investment by streamlining your costs with these budgeting tips:

• Get multiple estimates from contractors and compare rates, warranties, and other details.

• Consider fuel costs—natural gas and electric may have lower operating costs than wood, even if the upfront cost is higher.

• Research and compare materials and kits from different retailers.

• Look for seasonal promotions or discounts.

• Inquire about packages, such as added patio upgrades or fire pit accessories.

• Opt for prefab kits that suit your preferences and budget rather than customizing a build.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.