How Much Does a Fire Pit Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Adding a fire pit instantly turns any backyard—urban or rural—into a cozy gathering spot. Expect to spend an average of $850, with most projects ranging between $200 and $3,000, depending on size, location, and build quality. Plan to hire a professional for fire pit installation and set aside a little extra cash for routine maintenance so your new pit lasts for years.

Fire Pit Cost Factors

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

Fuel Type

Your choice of 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.

A wood-burning pit delivers that rustic campfire vibe, but remember the smoke, local rules, and extra upkeep can cancel out the charm. On the other hand, gas fire pits are more expensive because they require a more involved installation, but they offer minimal mess, reduced emissions, and overall lower upkeep.

Built-In vs. Portable

Decide early whether you want a built-in or a portable unit—the choice drives the look, function, and final price of your fire pit. Portable pits range in price from $75 to $500, offering you plenty of flexibility, and come in lightweight ceramic or metal.

In-Ground

In-ground fire pits range from $1,000 to $3,000, with some models exceeding $5,000. Dug into the ground and often lined with brick or other materials, in-ground fire pits offer you a polished and permanent look customized to your landscaping or patio design.

Above-Ground

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

Size

The larger your fire pit, the higher your total bill will be. You can find fire pit sizes ranging from 20 to 60 inches and beyond, but most come in standard sizes between 36 and 48 inches in diameter. 

Prefab vs. Customization

When you’re ready to invest a little more upfront, a custom build lets you dial in the exact look and features you want—and it can pay back in daily enjoyment and future resale 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

Plan on paying a local fire-pit installer $400 to $500 for less than a day of labor. If you prefer a handyperson, rates range from $60 to $125 per hour. Landscapers and masons charge similar hourly fees and may add consultation or design costs, which can be a wise investment if you’re opting for a custom design.

Some installations are complex and may incur higher costs due to additional labor hours or the need to hire other professionals. Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour to wire an electric fire pit, plus the cost of materials. Natural gas plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour. Running a natural gas line costs $15 to $25 per linear foot.

Permits

Local regulations require you to obtain a permit for certain fire pit installations, which range from $20 to $500 each. Building permit fees for an outdoor structure range from $20 to $500, with higher costs associated with fire pit installations that require the construction of a deck or patio. Electrical and plumbing permits cost up to $500 each.

Preparation

You’ll need to install your fire pit on a level area that’s at least 15 feet away from any flammable structures or objects. Leveling a yard costs $1 to $2 per square foot, removing trees costs an average of $750, while removing stumps costs $180 to $560.

Patio Installation

Installing a fire pit above or integrated with a patio adds significantly to your total expense. Building a patio costs an average of $3,500. If you’re adding a built-in fire pit, retrofitting an existing patio can cost up to $5,000, while building a new patio with a built-in fire pit averages $6,750. Regardless of the type of fire pit, allow room in your budget for seating, lighting, drainage systems, and other necessary accessories.

Additional Features

If you want to dress up your fire pit, accessories boost looks and convenience, but each one increases the final bill.

Fire Pit Cost by Material

Material costs for fire pits range from $400 to $500. Your fire pit will 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 a popular choice for homeowners due to its budget-friendly pricing, weather resistance, and durability. Low-end concrete prioritizes function and typically doesn’t include decorative elements, whereas high-end concrete fire pits may feature split-face, coloring, or other decorative 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, such as copper and cast iron, are also suitable 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 $3,000. 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

Expect to handle the occasional repair—such as swapping out a grate, replacing cracked stones, or tightening hardware—to keep your fire pit looking great and running safely. While these minor fixes are easy to fix, extensive rust, cracks, warping, or other deterioration may compromise safety and performance, warranting a complete replacement. Older or deteriorated fire pits may also lack modern safety features, clash with your landscaping or patio, heat inefficiently, or simply fail to 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?

A fire pit provides an additional spot to gather outside—even when the temperature drops—and adds instant ambiance and curb appeal.

While not as significant as major home remodeling projects, investing in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can increase your home's value. Many homeowners see an average return on investment (ROI) of 67% to 80%. Certain attributes, such as minimal upkeep, low emissions, and high-quality materials, can enhance your fire pit's curb appeal.

Budgeting for a Fire Pit

To maximize the value of your investment, streamline your costs with these budgeting tips:

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

• Consider your fuel costs. Natural gas and electricity may have lower operating costs than wood, even if the upfront cost is higher.

• Shop around for kits and materials to snag the best price.

• Look for seasonal promotions or discounts to save on your purchase.

• Inquire about packages that include added patio upgrades or fire pit accessories.

• Choose 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.