How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pizza Oven in 2024?

Average Cost to Build a Pizza Oven

Cost Factors for Building a Pizza Oven

Material and labor make up most of the costs of building a pizza oven.

Size

The size of your pizza oven is one of the main influences on total material and labor costs. Standard pizza ovens measure 36 inches in hearth diameter, which can comfortably house several pizzas and fit most outdoor spaces. Keep in mind that the hearth is just the main measurement—depending on the design, some pizza ovens may need more substantial bases or concrete foundations.

Prefab vs. Customization

Prefab pizza oven kits range from $700 to $6,000, averaging around $2,500. Kits include the materials needed to build a modular oven, making for a more convenient installation than custom designs. While less costly than custom designs, the materials in prefab kits may not always be of the same quality you might obtain at comparable prices for a custom build.

Custom pizza oven builds are almost always more expensive, but you can be more selective about materials and design. They’re often well-suited for built-in designs for outdoor kitchens since you can alter finishings and other details.

Design

Larger or more intricate pizza oven designs generally correspond to increased material and labor costs. Whether a prefab or custom pizza oven, a simple design is almost always more affordable and easier to install than elaborate designs.

For example, many homeowners install a pizza oven to function as a design and gathering centerpiece for their outdoor space. These builds may have custom details such as a barrel-vault oven, decorated facades, intricate masonry work, or multiple cooking chambers. Likewise, built-in ovens cost more than freestanding options since they require more planning, resources, square footage, and skill to build, but they typically offer superior cooking capabilities and space.

High-end custom designs can reach $20,000 or more, but they’re not without value. Custom designs can be tailored to specific requirements or preferences and include unique sizes, materials, and features not offered with a standard pizza oven design. Outdoor fire features also typically reflect well in increased home value. Whatever degree of customization or design intricacy you opt for, it’s important to choose a design that aligns with your cooking, gathering, and outdoor design goals without overextending your budget.

Materials

Materials for pizza ovens usually represent between $800 and $4,000 of the total cost, with higher-quality materials or custom designs representing the top-end cost range.

Pizza ovens include a hearth, dome, flue, and insulation as the basic components. Some designs may also require a poured concrete base, a foundation made from bricks or cement blocks, and rebar for framing support.

Materials can vary—mainly, the hearth’s interior wall should be made from heat-resistant firebricks or comparable materials, with most ovens requiring between 100 and 250 bricks, but you can incorporate other relatively durable materials for the oven’s finishing. Alternatively, some ovens are made from cob and use a mix of clay, sand, straw, and rocks.

Labor

Hiring a professional for pizza oven installation adds to total costs, approximately $70 to $110 per hour for a brick mason, $300 to $500 per day for a general contractor, or $50 to $150 per hour for a handyperson. Rates vary depending on local cost of living and contractor expertise.

Some brick masons or general contractors specialize in outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or pizza oven builds. Their rates may fall on the higher end of the average range, but hiring a specialist to design and install an oven helps guarantee a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing result.

Additional Pizza Oven Cost Factors

While they don’t impact every project, consider how site prep, permits, and other factors may influence your installation costs.

Prep

Pizza ovens need a level and stable surface to ensure the integrity of the structure. If you’re not building on an existing concrete slab or patio, your installation may come with additional excavation costs. If you’re building on an existing structure, additional reinforcement may be necessary to support the weight of the oven.

Consider other safety regulations or recommendations before committing to a location. Some regulations require pizza oven installations to be located a certain distance away from existing structures or property lines.

Permits

Depending on local regulations, installing a pizza oven may require a building permit, especially if your build involves significant construction. Costs vary, but permits for outdoor building structures typically range from $20 to $60.

Interior vs. Exterior

It’s possible to build a pizza oven indoors, but indoor installations may require more complex planning and execution. Most indoor pizza ovens are electricity-based and may require additional wiring or electrical upgrades. They may also have specialized ventilation requirements for safety and efficiency and may require premium finishes to match indoor kitchen designs. Together, these factors may significantly increase labor and material costs.

Add-Ons

Consider additional features and ongoing costs for your pizza oven, such as:

• Firewood storage

• Brick cleaning and mortar repair

• Firewood fuel costs

• Digital thermometers

• Pizza peel, paddle, rocker cutter, and other cooking tools

• Outdoor task and ambiance lighting

Some homeowners build a pizza oven as part of a larger overall patio or outdoor kitchen, which range from $2,000 to $6,000 and $6,300 to $27,000 respectively. These installations include features that complement a pizza oven, such as food prep areas, storage, and seating and eating areas.

Budgeting for Building a Pizza Oven

Get the most from your installation and keep your budget in check with these cost-saving strategies:

• Get multiple estimates: Compare quotes from several contractors and consider the details of each option.

• Look for seasonal promotions: Look for off-season promotions or discounts for materials or labor.

• Choose a simple design: Opt for a simple prefab oven to streamline material and labor costs, and avoid complex features or upgrades.

• Select affordable materials: Research cost-effective materials, such as reclaimed bricks or concrete blocks.

• Invest in insulation: Proper insulation minimizes heat loss and helps reduce fuel consumption.

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.