True Cost Guide Outdoor Living Build an Outdoor Fireplace

How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$1,500 - $20,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated August 30, 2024

Reviewed by Ezra Laniado, Expert Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $9,000 on an outdoor fireplace.
Key cost factors include size, labor, materials, and fuel type.
Prefabricated fireplaces cost less than custom designs.
An outdoor fireplace can increase home value and comfort.
Additions like a grill, pizza oven, rotisserie, or outdoor kitchen increase the total cost.

The average cost to build an outdoor fireplace is around $3,000, with a typical range of between $1,500 and $9,000 for pre-made kits and unfinished contractor models. On the low end, a simple outdoor fireplace can start at $1,500, and on the high end, it could reach $20,000 or more for a custom project.

Average Cost to Install an Outdoor Fireplace

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$3,000	$20,000	$1,500

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Fireplace Installation Cost Factors

Outdoor living brings relaxation and dining to the outdoors and enhances the beauty of your home. Some key factors that influence the cost of installing an outdoor fireplace include size and labor.

Size

A small premade fire pit can cost as little as $400 for the fireplace and installation. A 15-foot-tall wood-burning fireplace with a mantle and two wood boxes can easily run $20,000. Check local code requirements before choosing a fireplace. Some municipalities and HOAs may have restrictions on outdoor fireplace size.

Labor

Labor is a major cost factor for fireplace construction, particularly when installing a custom fireplace. Labor for installing a fireplace averages between $70 to $150 per hour, but these rates can vary depending on your location.

Prefabricated fireplaces may only take two to four hours to install, saving you money on labor. Larger custom installations can take a multi-person team a week or more.

Location

If your fireplace requires utilities like gas or electricity, you’ll pay more for a fireplace further from the house. Running utilities to your fireplace will cost about $15 to $25 per linear foot. An extra 25 feet can end up costing you an extra $600 or more.

Chimneys

Wood-burning and some gas-burning outdoor fireplaces require chimneys for venting. The cost of a chimney runs between $100 to $200 per linear foot for an outdoor fireplace, depending on length, width, and height, for a total cost of $1,000 to $2,000. Prefab and modular kits have chimneys already installed.

Maintenance and Repairs

Owning an outdoor space means maintenance, cleaning, and sometimes repairs. An outdoor fireplace needs cleaning just like its indoor counterpart. You’ll spend between $100 to $300 for annual fireplace cleaning.

Weather-damaged stonework repairs cost an average of $450. This usually consists of repairing loose or cracked stone or brickwork due to weather damage. Some fireplace repairs cost upwards of $3,000. Repairing cracks early stops them from becoming worse. Brick repair costs about $45 to $75 per hour in masonry labor.

Average Fireplace Prices by Material

The materials you choose and the type of fireplace all play into the final costs. Keep in mind these costs include a range of prefabricated kits to custom work. However, with custom work, budget and space only limit the design. Additions, like a grill or pizza oven, can jump costs even higher.

Material	Price Range	Average Cost
Stone	$1,500–$20,000	$10,750
Brick	$1,500–$20,000	$10,750
Metal	$100–$20,000	$10,050

Stone

Stone fireplace kits run between $1,500 to $8,000, whereas custom work can easily surpass $20,000. The size of the fireplace will impact your final costs. When choosing a professional, find a mason who specializes in stone.

Brick

Much like stone, brick kits cost between $1,500 and $8,000. Custom work can exceed $20,000. Both stone and brick are excellent choices for installing a pizza oven, grill, or a complete outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens cost $5,000 to $20,000.

Metal

Metal fireplaces have a modern look and cost between $100 and $20,000. Most metal kits are premade portable fire pits and chimineas, which cost anywhere from $100 to $500. For a built-in metal fireplace, you’ll need to contact a metal worker for a custom project, which can reach or exceed $20,000. Speak with your contractor or designer for a quote.

Costs by Fuel Type

The type of fuel significantly influences the cost of the fireplace. Wood-burning units tend to cost the most, while electric and propane are the most affordable.

Fuel Type	Price Range	Average Cost
Gas	$750–$6,000	$3,370
Propane	$200–$5,000	$2,600
Wood-burning	$1,000–$20,000	$10.050
Electric	$200–$5,000	$2,600

Gas

Prefabricated natural gas fireplaces run between $750 to $6,000. Installing the gas line and the fireplace size affects cost. Custom work prices vary depending on the type of material used.

Since the fireplace needs a gas line, obstacles like pools, retaining walls, and decks affect installation costs. Installing the pipe alone costs about $25 per linear foot. However, the upside is a smoke-free, clean fireplace with little or no maintenance and cleaning.

Propane

Propane is a type of gas fireplace with a standalone propane tank. Kits run from $200 to $5,000, though you’ll need to budget another $100 to $500 annually for a propane tank. Burying a propane line will run about the same as a gas line, or $25 per linear foot without any obstacles. Some natural gas types can run propane with a conversion kit for around $50.

Wood-Burning

Wood-burning fireplaces tend to cost between $1,000 and $6,000 for a kit or up to $20,000 for custom work. Most units don’t need lines or connections to the house. Installing electrical lighting, outlets, or fixtures will require running a line to your home for an additional $300 to $1,000.

Some disadvantages include regular cleaning and buying, splitting, curing, and storing wood. Many of these models include storage for fire tools, maintenance equipment, and wood.

Electric

An electric outdoor fireplace is nothing more than an electric heater with the look of fire. This type usually comes as an insert for stone, brick, and other types of fireplace surrounds, but some standalone varieties are also available. Inserts and independent units cost from $200 to $1,000, while stone and brick surrounds cost between $3,500 and $5,000.

Prefab Fireplace Kits vs. Custom Builds

Prefabricated fireplaces are usually the most affordable option, particularly those made of concrete that burn natural gas or propane. Modular kits are a good compromise between cost, ease of installation, and a custom look. Custom builds tend to cost the most, but the design options are endless. You can have a fireplace designed that burns any type of fuel, fits into any space, is any shape you fancy, and contains extra features like seating, shelving, and a place to cook.

Belgard Kits and Other Top Brands

Installation costs will be about the same across brands when buying kits similar in size and material. Kits are usually modular, meaning you can start with just a fireplace and a mantle, wood boxes, grills, and pizza ovens. As you add on, the price goes up.

Brand	Model/Series	Cost
Belgard	Bristol, Jamestown, & Brighton, Wexfor	$2,000–$12,000
Unilock	Tuscany, Moda, Bella & Ventana	$7,500–$12,000
FlameCraft	Finished and Unfinished	$4,500–$7,000
Techo-Bloc	Foyer	$2,000–$5,500
American Fyre Designs	Mariposa, Phoenix, Manhattan, Firefall & Cordova	$5,500–$10,000

Unfinished Fireplace/ Contractor Kits

You may consider an unfinished fireplace for between $1,500 and $3,500 and then finish it with custom stone veneer for $11.50 to $23.50 per square foot. Unfinished kits—also known as contractor kits or modular kits—are usually unfinished concrete waiting on a veneer. Think of it as a half-prefabricated fireplace with the final look completely customizable.

You’ll need to attach veneers made from stone, brick, tile, stucco, or just about any fireproof exterior material. This gives you a price advantage of a prefabricated kit with a completely customizable finished look.

Does an Outdoor Fireplace Increase Home Value?

An outdoor fireplace can increase your home's curb appeal and value, making it a great investment. It also lets you enjoy your outdoor space year-round by providing an attractive area for dining and entertaining.

The style of outdoor fireplaces impacts the home value, with some fireplaces increasing home value by as much as 20%. Custom fireplaces, large designs, and fireplaces that don’t require significant maintenance or repairs are most appealing.

Budgeting for an Outdoor Fireplace

Building and installing an outdoor fireplace requires professional tools and expertise, but there’s plenty you can do to make this project budget-friendly:

Explore prefabricated options, which can save you a lot on materials and labor.
Browse end-of-summer sales to find prefabricated fireplaces, then book your installation for the following season.
Remove furniture, greenery, and debris from the work area to help save time and money on labor. If you feel comfortable tackling a little DIY, consider clearing the ground to prepare for fireplace installation.
Contact several fireplace installers in your area to compare quotes.
Check local requirements and obtain a building permit before you book your installation.

When considering fireplace options, it’s important to compare upfront and long-term costs. While some designs may have a lower upfront cost, you’ll also have to incorporate maintenance requirements, fireplace repair costs, and the cost of any fuel or utilities.

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.

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FAQs

Do you need a permit to build an outdoor fireplace?

In most cases, you don’t need a permit to build an outdoor fireplace. However, permitting requirements are municipality-specific, so check your local codes before starting a project. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, check HOA requirements for height, outdoor fires, and building.

Can you cook with an outdoor fireplace?

Yes, you can cook with an outdoor fireplace if you have the right additions. You can build in a pizza oven, add a rotisserie for cooking skewered meats and veggies, or add a hook and chain for suspending a large pot or Dutch oven for soups, stews, and other one-pot meals. And, of course, you can add a grill plate for the traditional barbecue cookout. These cooking appliances vary widely in price and lead time, so make sure you know what you want and have everything ordered before you start construction.

How close can an outdoor fireplace be to the house?

As a general rule, fireplaces must be at least 10 feet from property lines and combustible materials and should be 15 feet away from a residence. However, the exact regulations about how close an indoor fireplace can be to a house depend on the codes in your location.

What’s the difference between an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit?

Fireplaces usually have a chimney to pull smoke up and away from the immediate area, and the fire is contained in a hearth or firebox. A fire pit has no chimney, so smoke can billow around the seating area, and the fire is less contained as it's in an open pit. While fire pit costs are typically lower than the cost of installing a fireplace, they add less to the home value.