How much does a fire pit cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a fire pit cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a fire pit cost?

$325 – $2,000average cost to build a fire pit
$2,200 – $6,800average cost to build a patio with fire pit

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$325 – $2,000 average cost to build a fire pit

$2,200 – $6,800 average cost to build a patio with fire pit


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
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Sarah Noel
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Fire pit cost

Building a custom fire pit costs $325 to $2,000 on average. Prefab fire pit prices are $75 to $500 with no assembly required. The cost of a stone patio with a fire pit is $2,200 to $6,800. A gas fire pit installation costs $3,500 to $8,000 for labor and materials.

Fire pit cost by type
Fire pit type Average cost installed
Portable / off-the-shelf fire pit $75 – $500
Prefab fire pit kit $200 – $700
Custom built-in fire pit (9 to 16 square feet) $325 – $2,000
Custom-built patio with fire pit $2,200 – $6,800

Get free estimates from fire pit installers near you.

Fire pit prices installed by size

Fire pit prices start at $150 to $500 to install a 24” wide fire pit or $1,300 to $4,500 for a 72” wide fire pit. These prices are for a basic fire pit only using materials such as concrete blocks or bricks with construction-grade adhesive.

Fire pit prices installed by size
Size (width) Average cost installed*
24” $150 – $500
36" $330 – $1,150
40" $400 – $1,400
44" $500 – $1,700
48" $600 – $2,000
60" $900 – $3,150
72” $1,300 – $4,500

*Prices for hand-built fire pits in square shapes without masonry finishes or fuel lines.

Prefab fire pit prices

Prefab fire pit prices are $75 to $500 for units with no assembly required. Fire pit kits are $200 to $700 for materials to build it onsite.

Prefab fire pit pricing
Type Average material price Details
Metal fire pit $75 – $300
  • Assembled & ready to use
  • Metal
  • Easy to move
  • Mostly wood-burning
Fire pit tables $200 – $500
  • Propane-burning or wood-burning models
  • Easy to move
  • Propane-tank storage inside
Fire pit kits $200 – $700
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comes with stones blocks & metal liner
  • Wood-burning
  • Some can convert to gas-burning

A metal prefab fire pit surrounded by outdoor seating.
A metal prefab fire pit surrounded by outdoor seating.

Cost to build a custom fire pit

The cost to build a custom fire pit is $325 to $2,000 minimum for a standard block design, excluding a surrounding patio or fuel connections. Total costs depend on the fire pit type, size, material, fuel type, and customization level.

Cost to build a custom fire pit
Factor Average cost*
Materials $200 – $1,700
Labor $125 – $300
Total cost to install $325 – $2,000

*Prices based on a standard 9- to 16-square-foot size up to 5 rows tall without finishes.

Fire pit building materials prices

Fire pit building material prices are $80 to $300 for plain concrete blocks or up to $3,400 for natural stone kits. Most kits are for pit sizes from 40” to 52” wide.

Fire pit material costs per kit
Material type Material prices per fire pit Description
Natural stone $290 – $3,400
  • Fieldstone, flagstone, granite, or slate pavers
  • Higher prices for bluestone
  • Special capstone options to make a wider pit ledge
Fire brick $150 – $450
  • Heat-treated bricks that don’t crack in outdoor fires
  • Ideal for fire-pit interior
Concrete blocks $80 – $300
  • Plain or interlocking types
  • Paver stones with faux-rock designs
  • Many shapes & colors available
  • Higher prices for faux-stone designs
Nicolock $600 – $1,600
  • Comes in 5 – 13 colors depending on the model
  • Round or square pit designs
  • Smokeless insert or standard metal insert
  • Paver blocks made of colored concrete molded into stone shapes
Techo-Bloc Valencia $700 – $1,600
  • Comes in 4 colors
  • 80 split-faced concrete blocks to build a round pit
  • Requires heat-resistant concrete adhesive
Unilock Stones $500 – $1,750
  • Comes in 7 colors
  • Round or square pit designs
  • Concrete blocks in split-faced or stacked-stone shapes
  • Comes with metal insert

Labor cost to install a fire pit

Fire pit installation labor costs depend on the amount of ground-prep work needed and whether gas or electrical connections are necessary. Site-prep work may include:

Fire pit cost by fuel type

Fire pit costs start at $500 to$900 installed for wood-burning types or propane fire-pit tables. Costs go up to $8,000 installed for permanent natural-gas fire pits. Wood-burning fire pits are best for cooking and can use charcoal. Gas fire pits require a propane tank or natural-gas-line supply.

Fire pit cost by fuel type
Fuel type Average cost installed*
Propane fire pits $900 – $2,000
Wood- and charcoal-burning fire pits (Basic blocks to extra stonework or stucco finishes) $500 – $6,000
Natural gas fire pits $3,500 – $8,000

*Prices include materials and labor for various prefab and custom fire pits.

  • Gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per linear foot.

  • A propane tank costs $35 to $150 for 20 lb. to 100 lb. models.

  • Electronic ignition kits cost $400 to $2,000. Electronic ignition kits include a switch, remote control, and flame sensor for gas shutoff when a flame goes out. Contractors add this extra feature to natural gas or propane fire pits.

  • The cost to run power to the backyard is $10 to $25 per linear foot for underground conduit.

Fire pit seating cost

Building an aboveground fire-pit seating wall costs $4,400 to $15,800 on average, depending on the size, materials, and design. A stone or brick wall costs $40 to $120 per linear foot installed for a 2’ tall sitting wall, or twice as much with a back rest.

  • Installers typically use the same building materials for the fire pit and seating for a matching design.

  • Prices decrease for wooden benches, but not all building codes allow wood near a fire pit since it's flammable.

A custom-built fire pit, paver patio, and seating wall in a residential backyard.
A custom-built fire pit, paver patio, and seating wall in a residential backyard.

Sunken in-ground fire pit with seating cost

A sunken fire pit with built-in seating costs $3,000 to $8,800 installed. Work includes excavating dirt, installing drainage, materials, and installing the fire pit and bench seating. Costs are up to 10 times more with stone retaining walls on a patio. Prices vary by the depth and seating types.

Additional fire pit features & costs

The following table shows prices of common fire pit enhancements:

Fire-pit features prices
Accessories Average material cost Details
Fire glass $20 – $40 per 10 lb. bag
  • Transparent pebbles for fire-pit base
  • Disperses flames & heat without burning
  • Enhances visual appearance
  • Comes in many colors
Safety screens $75 – $200
  • Keeps sparks inside to stop fires outside the pit
  • Prevents kids & pests from falling into the fire pit
  • Comes in various designs
Fire grates $50 – $200
  • Holds logs above the ground to promote airflow
  • Burns wood more evenly
Cooking grill grate $75 – $150
  • Cooks food above the fire
  • Comes in many sizes & shapes
  • Best with wood-burning models
Lava rock prices $20 – $50 per 10 – 50 lb. bag
  • Improves aesthetic
  • Protects gas burner from the flame
  • Provides an even heat source
Fire pit ring $50 – $200
  • Lines the inner wall
  • Protects outer pit walls from heat damage
  • Best for permanent fire pits
Protective cover $25 – $50
  • Prevents damage from moisture, pests, & rust
  • Reduces fire risk from embers after flames go out
Pathway & pit lighting $1,000 – $3,000
  • Safer pathway to walk to or from the fire pit at night
  • Ambient light posts for easier party catering
  • Accent lights for style

Other installation options include:

Get free estimates from fire pit installers near you.

Cost of patio with fire pit

The cost of a stone patio with a fire pit is $2,200 to $6,800 for sizes of 144 to 225 square feet. Total costs vary according to the design and materials.

Outdoor paver patio with fire pit cost by size
\Patio size (feet) Average cost installed*
8’x8’ $960 – $1,920
10’x10’ $1,500 – $3,000
12’x’12’ $2,200 – $4,300
10’x20’ $3,000 – $6,000
15’x15’ $3,400 – $6,800
12’x24’ $4,300 – $8,600
20’x20’ $6,000 – $12,000
24’x24’ $8,600 – $17,300

Outdoor paver patio with fire pit cost by size

A new concrete or paver patio alone costs $4 to $17 per square foot installed:

Firepit cost vs. outdoor fireplace

The cost to build an outdoor fireplace is $3,000 to $15,000 installed, depending on whether it’s a pre-built unit or a custom-built design with mortar and bricks or stone. Total costs depend on the size, materials, fuel type, and finishes.

Firepit vs. outdoor fireplace
Outdoor fireplace Outdoor firepit
  • More cooking options
  • Less space to sit around
  • Bigger fire capacity & more smoke
  • Requires concrete foundation
  • Fewer cooking options
  • Bigger seating area for more guests
  • Makes less smoke
  • Only needs a gravel base

DIY cost to build a fire pit

The DIY cost to build a fire pit is $200 to $650 for tools and materials. Always hire a licensed professional for gas and electricity work for a safe installation that satisfies building codes.

Fire pit building tools and materials
Item >Average price
Shovel $15 – $25
Hand tamper $30 – $70
Tape measure $10 – $20
Level $10 – $30
Construction adhesive $5 – $10
Metal fire pit ring $50 – $200
Pea gravel cost $1 – $3 per cubic foot
Retaining wall blocks $80 – $300
Total material cost: $200 – $650

Steps to build a fire pit:

  1. Select the location, fire pit size, and shape, and mark the site.

  2. Remove the sod, dirt, or any existing pavers.

  3. Add a layer of compacted gravel on the ground to create the base.

  4. Lay out the first layer of blocks.

  5. Test if the fire-pit bowl fits inside and adjust the blocks accordingly.

  6. Stack the remaining blocks with construction adhesive between them.

  7. Let it cure for several days before lighting the first fire.

How many bricks or pavers do I need to make a fire pit?

Get free estimates from fire pit installers near you.

An average round fire pit with a 3’ to 4’ diameter needs 75 to 150 bricks or pavers. Fire brick prices for a fire pit are $150 to $450 total or $2 to $3 per brick. Use more bricks for pits more than 5 layers tall in other shapes.

Important: If the blocks are larger than the size of a common brick, you’ll only need 40 to 60 pieces depending on their thickness.

Outdoor fire pit FAQs

How long do fire pits last?

Most fire pits last from a few years to a lifetime, depending on the material and maintenance frequency. Steel burners with thin coatings rust easily, and untreated bricks crack in extreme temperatures. Stainless steel, copper, and stones last the longest.

Does a fire pit add value to a home?

A fire pit adds the most value to a home when it’s part of a larger stone or concrete patio installation. Fire pits installed without a surrounding patio increase curb appeal for buyers in some places, but they yield a lower return on investment (ROI).

How long does it take to build a fire pit?

Building a fire pit takes 2 to 6 hours for most 3’ to 4’ wide designs using paver stones. Both custom brick-and-mortar fire pits and stone-block fire pits take an extra 1 week minimum for the mortar or adhesive to cure before you can use it.

Where should I build my fire pit?

Build a fire pit in a place where it’s:

  • At least 10 to 15 feet away from the house for a gas-fired unit

  • At least 15 to 30 feet away from the house for a wood-burning unit

  • On a level surface with no trees above it

  • Sheltered from high-wind areas

  • Supported by a base of either gravel, sand, pavers, or concrete

  • Surrounded by an open, fire-resistant patio of concrete, brick, or paver stones

  • Close to a water source for safety reasons

How big should I make a fire pit?

A fire pit should have a 30” to 45” inner diameter with a height of 12” to 14” tall. Total width including outer walls can be 5’ to 6’ across maximum. However, most cities limit the size of a fire inside a pit to 3’ in diameter.

What is the best material for a fire pit?

The best material for a fire pit depends on your budget and backyard. Standalone fire pits made with metals like steel or copper are cheaper, portable, and suit all yard types. Hand-built stone and brick fire pits cost the most, are permanent, and require more space.

Getting estimates from fire pit installers

Before hiring a fire pit installer near you, be sure to:

  • Compare multiple bids from companies with at least 5 years of experience.

  • Check that the company has licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.

  • Ask if installers have National Fireplace Institute (NFI) training, gas-line certifications, or education in landscape design.

  • Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before work starts.

  • Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.

  • Give the final payment only after the job is complete.

Questions to ask

  • How many backyard fire pits have you installed?

  • Can I see photos of your past projects?

  • What are my choices for the shape and design of this fire pit?

  • How far away from my house should the pit be to satisfy local regulations?

  • Will you use building materials that match my home exterior?

  • Which fuel type do you recommend for my fire pit and why?

  • If I buy a prefabricated fire pit, can you install it with gas or electrical hookups?

  • Do city codes require me to keep a screen over the fire to control sparks?

  • What type of seating around the fire pit would best suit my yard?

  • Will you call the utility company to mark underground lines before digging?

  • How long will the installation take?

  • What should I do to prepare my yard before work begins?