How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
How much does an outdoor fireplace cost?
$1,500 – $9,000 average prefab fireplace cost installed
$6,000 – $20,000 cost to build a custom fireplace
Outdoor fireplace cost by type
An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $9,000 installed for a prefab unit or $6,000 to $20,000 for a custom build. Prefabricated outdoor fireplace prices are $1,000 to $5,000 for materials and $500 to $4,000 for labor, depending on the material and fuel type. Electric and propane fireplaces cost less than wood-burning units.
| Fireplace type | Average cost installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated | $1,500 – $9,000 | Built off-site and delivered by truck |
| Custom | $6,000 – $20,000 | Built and assembled according to your specifications |
| Unfinished contractor kit | $1,000 – $4,000 | Materials that allow some customization |
| Chiminea | $150 – $500 | Small, portable, wood-burning fireplace |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Prefabricated fireplace
Prefab outdoor fireplace kits cost $1,500 to $9,000 installed on average. Manufacturers partially assemble these kits off-site, which makes them easier and faster to install than raw materials. Prefab fireplaces cost less in labor and materials but are not customizable.
Custom fireplace
Custom outdoor fireplaces cost $6,000 to $20,000 with installation, depending on the size and type. Choosing a custom-built fireplace allows you to control its size, material, style, and add-on features to fit your home and lifestyle.
Contractor kits
Unfinished contractor kits cost $1,000 to $4,000 and are basically non-assembled prefabricated fireplace kits. While these kits are affordable, they take longer to install than prefab fireplaces and can't be tailored to your space like custom fireplaces.
Chiminea
Chimineas cost $150 to $500 and are a type of clay firepit with a small chimney on top. Chimineas are portable, premade, and an affordable alternative to traditional fireplaces.
Cost of an outdoor fireplace by material
Metal outdoor fireplaces are usually premade and affordable, while brick and stone fireplaces cost more and are often custom-built.
| Material | Average cost (materials only) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stone | $1,500 – $8,000 | Traditional choice |
| Brick | $1,500 – $8,000 | Good for outdoor kitchens |
| Metal | $200 – $2,200 | Non-traditional but simple |
Outdoor fireplace cost by fuel type
The type of fuel a fireplace uses will influence its cost. Wood-burning fireplaces typically cost the most, while propane and electric units cost less but require running a gas line to the new fireplace.
| Fuel type | Average cost (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Gas | $750 – $6,000 |
| Propane | $200 – $5,000 |
| Wood | $1,000 – $20,000 |
| Electric | $200 – $5,000 |
Each fuel type requires different additional services during installation:
Gas – Running gas lines costs $12 to $25 per linear foot or $360 to $740 on average.
Propane – A propane tank costs $600 to $2,500 installed, depending on the size. Fireplaces typically use 100- to 325-gallon propane tanks.
Wood – Rebuilding a chimney costs $1,000 to $5,000 for an outdoor wood fireplace if the existing chimney is not in good condition.
Electric – Running electricity outdoors costs $10 to $25 per linear foot.
Cost factors to build an outdoor fireplace
The following table shows the average material and labor costs for installing a prefabricated outdoor fireplace:
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Labor | $500 – $4,000 |
| Total cost | $1,500 – $9,000 |
These factors influence the overall cost:
Size – A large fireplace may require more time or a higher number of workers to build or install it.
Labor – Your contractor may charge more for labor costs depending on the type of fireplace you choose, fireplace design, or hard-to-access spaces. A prefabricated fireplace may only take 2 to 4 hours to build.
Maintenance – Chimney sweeping costs $150 to $375 and should be done once per year.
Permits – You may need a permit to build an outdoor fireplace, especially if installing gas lines. Make sure your contractor checks to see if any permits are needed.
Although small fireplaces cost less, they do not produce as much heat. If you want to have large fires and lots of heat, consider spending a little more for a larger fireplace.
Prefab fireplace kit prices by brand
Prefabricated outdoor fireplace kits vary by brand. Many fireplace kits are modular, so you can easily add features like wood boxes, grills, and pizza ovens.
| Brand | Price range |
|---|---|
| Belgard | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Unilock | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| FlameCraft | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Techo-Bloc | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| American Fyre Designs | $5,500 – $10,000 |
Outdoor fireplace add-ons
Adding other features to your backyard at the same time as your fireplace may save money in labor fees in the long run.
| Feature | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Outdoor kitchen cost | $7,000 – $35,000 |
| Landscape lighting cost | $800 – $6,000 |
| Landscaping cost | $3,000 – $16,000 |
| Patio cost | $1,000 – $14,000 |
| Porch cost | $8,000 – $30,000 |
Indoor-outdoor
An indoor-outdoor fireplace costs 60% to 100% more than a one-sided fireplace. These double-sided fireplaces provide heat for both the home and the backyard because they are built into the home's external wall. However, dual-sided fireplaces do not provide as much heat as indoor-only or outdoor-only fireplaces.
Outdoor fireplace FAQs
Are outdoor fireplaces worth it?
Outdoor fireplaces are worth it because they increase the value of your home by up to 20% and can help you sell your home faster. An outdoor fireplace also provides a nice focal point and helps you to enjoy your backyard more during colder months.
How long does an outdoor fireplace last?
Prefabricated outdoor fireplaces last 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality and how well you maintain it. Custom-built masonry fireplaces last longer than prefabricated or factory-made ones.
How close can an outdoor fireplace be to the house?
Most building codes and HOA rules state that outdoor fireplaces must be at least 10 to 15 feet away from the house. Check your local codes and regulations before starting a project.
Can you put an outdoor fireplace on a deck?
You can put an outdoor fireplace on a deck as long as you abide by your municipal building codes. Many codes require safety features like fire-resistant mats and a certain level of clearance from branches, bushes, or other flammable items.
What’s the difference between an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit?
Fireplaces have a firebox to contain the fire and a chimney that draws smoke up and away. A fire pit costs $325 to $2,000 installed but has no chimney. Fire pits allow guests to gather in a circle and have a more casual feel than fireplaces.
Getting estimates from outdoor fireplace builders
Before hiring an outdoor fireplace installer near you, follow these steps:
Choose fireplace companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Look for a fireplace installer that has been in business for more than five years.
Browse their company's reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get three or more estimates that include fireplaces of equal quality when comparing quotes.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote because quality may suffer.
Ask for a written estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Follow a payment plan instead and only make the final payment when fully satisfied.
Questions to ask
To find the best outdoor fireplace builder, ask these questions:
How many outdoor fireplaces have you installed recently?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Will you hire any subcontractors for this?
What type of fireplace do you recommend for this space?
What size fireplace would be best?
How long will this installation take?
Will this project require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?
What kind of maintenance does this fireplace need?
Does your company perform fireplace inspections, repairs, or cleaning?
What kind of warranty is included?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.