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The average cost of installing a fire pit is $700.
How much does it cost to install a fire pit?
An outdoor fire pit can be a great addition to your backyard. For this example, we’ll look at the cost of a common 5'x5' stone fire pit, which averages $700. Although it is possible to install a DIY fire pit, hiring a professional is frequently recommended.
Cost breakdown
- Materials: fire pits can be built with several different materials such as brick, stone or steel:
- Bricks: if bricks are used, you will need two types: firebricks 1 and regular bricks. Firebricks 1 are used to build the inner circle of the fireplace due to its high density, which makes them resistant to extreme heat. The average price of a good quality firebrick 1 is $1.20. The outer ring can be made of regular bricks because they are not exposed to extreme heat and, therefore, they don't need to be as dense as firebricks 1. Bricks average $3-$4, so the typical cost of a brick fire pit including both materials will be $150-$280.
- Stone: this is another commonly used material for building a fire pit, although it will cost 20% more than brick. However, if using stone, you will still need firebricks 1 for the inner circle. A typical stone fire pit that uses stone pavers and firebricks 1 will cost $180-$320.
- Steel: stone does not radiate heat as much as steel and that is why many people prefer this material, although steel fire pits are always portable. As they are normally crafted, they don't need professional installation. The average cost of a portable steel fire pit will be about $100-$150.
- Extra Materials:
- A standard fire pit bowl averages $80-$120.
- Mortar 2 will add an additional $50-$75.
- Many stores also sell pre-assembled fire pit kits for an average price of $200-$250.
- Labor: a contractor typically charges $50-$60 per hour and can usually install a fire pit in a day or less (4-8 labor hours) for a total cost of $200-$480.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Adding a built-in seating area can add another $1500-$2500 to the project total.
- Premium stones, such as granite or bricks with more detail, can increase the materials cost by up to 40%.
- A fire pit installed permanently and directly into a stone or tile patio costs much more and is included in the overall cost of the patio installation, which averages $2000 for a 12'x18' patio.
Additional considerations and costs
- A wood-burning fire pit is the easiest to install, which gas or electric fire pits require a connection to a fuel source. A gas-fired pit requires a gas line to be connected to a fuel supply and it will add approximately $500-$900 depending on whether there is a line already in place or a new line needs to be installed. All types of fire pits have the added use cost of purchasing wood, gas, or electricity. A place to store the wood will cost about $875.
- In order to connect the fire pit to the gas line, a professional plumber is needed. If charged hourly, most plumbers will charge $45-$65 per hour for labor.
- Many areas have regulations about where a fire pit can be built, especially how close it can be to other structures. Check your local regulations before constructing a fire pit.
- If you want to install larger fire pits it will cost about $300-$3000 depending on the materials and the labor.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Firebricks: A block of refractory ceramic material that is used to line fireboxes and other areas designed to contain fires. They are resistant to heat, and insulate the firebox by keeping the heat from escaping through the material
2 Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together
How much does it cost to install a fire pit in my city?
Cost to install a fire pit varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Methodology and sources
