How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fire Pit?
A fire pit creates a natural focal point and gathering place for backyard evenings. From rustic to contemporary, traditional to modern, fire features are an attractive addition to your home’s landscaping. They are a highly sought-after design feature that may attract prospective homeowners.
When selecting or designing a fire pit, the price is determined by the construction material and fuel type. The average cost for a fire pit is $300 to $1,400, with most homeowners paying around $850 for a 36” propane-burning brick fire pit.
Fire Pit Costs
| Pit Fire Installation Costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $850 |
| Average range | $300-$1,400 |
| Minimum cost | $200 |
| Maximum cost | $5,000-$10,000 |
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Fire Pit Installation Cost by Project Range
Fire Pit Prices by Material
The choice of building material affects both the look and cost of a fire pit. Options range from basic entry-level choices to unique custom materials:
| Fire Pit Material | Fire Pit Average (for a 36" pit) |
|---|---|
| Concrete Block | $108 |
| Stainless Steel | $200 |
| Brick | $252 |
| Field or Quarried Stones | $288 |
| Fire Pit Kits | $550 |
Concrete Fire Pit
Concrete blocks are the entry-level and most affordable building material option for fire pits. They are a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers due to their weather-resistant nature and inexpensive pricing. Concrete blocks are sturdy, although somewhat bulky and heavy. Expect to spend $108 for a 36” concrete block fire pit.
Stainless Steel Fire Pit
Stainless steel is a popular material for portable fire pits. It radiates heat well and can be used with multiple fuel types. Stainless steel fire pits are rust-resistant and designed to hold up to outdoor use. The cost for a basic 36” stainless steel fire pit averages $200.
Brick Fire Pit
Brick fire pits coordinate well with traditional brick homes. For the best look, choose a brick that ties into your color scheme but does not exactly match the color of your house. Two types of bricks are used to build a brick fire pit. The inner layer of the pit, which is exposed to direct high-heat conditions, is made of dense thermal-resistant specialty firebricks. The outer layer uses standard brick pavers. Bricks hold heat well after the fire is extinguished, so a brick fire pit continues to radiate heat and keeps you warm well into the night. Budget $252 for a 36” brick fire pit.
Stone Fire Pit
Stone fire pits offer a natural feel in muted earth-tone colors. The stones are available in a variety of shapes, from rounded to angular. Metamorphic and igneous stones are the best choices for fire pits because of their dense nonpermeable structure, which does not trap moisture. The soft structure and air pockets of sedimentary rock are ill-suited for fire pit construction because they can cause the rocks to explode when exposed to high heat. The cost for a 36” stone fire pit averages $288.
Fire Pit Kits
A fire pit kit offers a hybrid approach between the prefabricated out-of-the-box fire pits from a big-box retailer and a completely custom-built installation. Fire pit kits usually come with a strong galvanized steel frame and fuel hookups, if applicable. Some kits include the overlay material, while others require purchasing it separately. Finding a kit that fits your fire pit vision can save on build time and labor costs. Expect to pay around $550 for a 36” fire pit kit.
Fire Pit Cost by Fuel Type
The second major decision is what fuel type to use. While wood is the most traditional fuel option, there are plenty other choices with each fuel type having pros and cons. The best type depends on your situation, personal preferences, and how you plan to use your fire pit:
| Type of Fire Pit | Fire Pit Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Charcoal | $250-$350 |
| Propane | $300-$400 |
| Wood-Burning | $300-$800 |
| Natural Gas | $400-$3,000 |
Charcoal Fire Pit
Charcoal fire pits are generally considered safer than wood since they do not produce sparks. There is also no smoke to get on your clothes or disturb neighbors. Depending on your location, it may be easier to obtain charcoal than wood fuel, and a charcoal fire is generally easier to start than a wood fire.
Although charcoal fires do not generate sparks, they do create ash that needs to be removed. Charcoal fires also take longer to extinguish than propane or natural gas. Average costs for charcoal fire pits average $250 to $350.
Propane Fire Pit
A propane fire pit is quick and easy-to-light. It produces no smoke, sparks, embers, or ash. Although a propane fire provides less warmth than a wood fire, it burns more efficiently. Depending on the building materials, a propane fire pit may be light and portable so that it can be moved to a new location.
The flames in a propane fire are produced through a fire ring that can clog and must be covered by filler material to simulate a natural fire appearance. Propane fire pits are fueled by a removable propane bottle rather than a permanently attached gas line. The pit must be designed to house and conceal the bottle, which must be removed and refilled when empty. Expect to pay an average of $300 to $400 for a propane fire pit.
Wood-burning Fire Pit
Wood-burning fire pits come in many styles, materials, and sizes to fit nearly any outdoor space. This affordable fire pit is quick-to-install and provides a cozy campfire feel with crackling wood, glowing embers, and the smell of burning wood. It also generates a lot of heat, although it does not burn cleanly.
Wood fires produce smoke and potentially dangerous sparks and embers along with ash that needs to be cleaned up regularly. It takes longer to light a wood fire, and the fire must be fed continually while using the pit. It is also necessary to store plenty of wood for fuel.
A wood fire takes a long time to extinguish, and these fire pits are subject to more strict city regulations and codes than other pits. Wood-burning fires may be prohibited year-round in some areas or be impacted by seasonal burn bans that do not apply to other types of fire pits. On average, they cost between $300 and $800.
Natural Gas Fire Pit
A natural gas fire pit is highly efficient, producing 99% fewer emissions than wood. It also lights quickly and easily by flipping a switch or turning a key. There is no smoke, sparks, or ashes with a natural gas fire pit. Homeowners who choose natural gas fire pits also enjoy a higher return on investment when reselling their homes.
Although natural gas is very efficient, it does not produce as much heat as wood. The installation costs are also the highest of any fuel type since the gas company must run a natural gas supply line to the fire pit. It is not easy to reposition a natural gas fire pit as it requires this dedicated gas line. The costs range between $400 and $3,000.
Labor Cost to Build a Fire Pit
Professional landscape companies can be hired to build a fire pit. Expect to pay an average hourly labor rate of $55 to $60. Many fire pits can be completed in less than a day at a labor cost of roughly $340 to $360.
Cost to Run a Gas Line to Fire Pit
If your fire pit is gas-fueled, you may need to run a gas line to it. To run the line from an existing house gas line, budget $12 to $25 per linear foot. A 20-linear-foot line extension usually costs $240 to $500.
Cost of a Patio with Fire Pit
When installing a fire pit, homeowners may also choose to add or renovate a patio to create a joint patio and fire pit space. Expect to spend around $6,000 for this combination space. The two most commonly used materials for a patio with a fire pit construction are stamped concrete and pavers.
A stamped concrete patio consists of a large pad of poured cement that has been stamped to give it a textured brick or stone appearance. Installing a stamped concrete patio is relatively quick and easy, but maintenance costs are higher. A stamped concrete patio usually costs $6 to $10 per square foot.
A paver patio is made up of many individual paver stones set side by side. Pavers take longer to install but have a lower maintenance cost over time. Patio pavers usually cost $12 to $22 per square foot.
Pros and Cons of Building a Fire Pit
Installing a fire pit on your property is a home improvement project that has pros and cons. A fire pit provides warmth, ambiance, and a dedicated outdoor entertainment area. It can update your landscaping and encourage you, your family, and your guests to spend more time outdoors.
However, a fire pit also comes with additional costs as well as logistics and safety considerations. It takes up dedicated space in your landscape, and you may have to consult local regulations on the installation and use of residential fire pits. Fire pits present a potential fire hazard. If you have young children or pets, you must plan to keep them safe around the fire pit.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Built-in Seating Area
Rather than using free-standing chairs to gather around your fire pit, opt for a built-in seating configuration. The seating area is usually made of the same construction materials as your fire pit and is positioned 40 to 48 inches away from it. The average cost for a built-in seating area is between $1,500 and $3,000.
Fire Glass
Fire glass is the name for the sparkly, reflective bits of tempered glass that are often used to disperse heat, hide the fire ring, and enhance the visual appearance of propane and natural gas fire pits. Fire glass comes in many colors, and its many reflective surfaces capture the light of the fire. The average cost for a 10-pound bag of fire glass is $50 to $90.
Safety Screens
A metal safety screen helps keep sparks in and children and pets out. Safety screens reduce the risk of accidental fire spread in dry conditions, and they help to protect clothes and patio cushions from getting singed by tiny embers. Safety screens can be as simple in design as a standard one-piece fine stainless steel mesh dome or as elaborate as a custom-sized hinging design with multiple panels. Their average cost ranges from $50 to $200.
Fire Grates
A fire grate lays on the bottom of your fire pit. When used with a wood-burning fire pit, a grate elevates the wood and promotes enhanced airflow. This helps the fire burn more evenly and cleanly. The average cost for a fire grate is $60 to $80.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Before building a fire pit, check your local regulations. In many areas, fire pits must be located at least 10 to 15 feet away from your home, other buildings, and combustible materials.
- Choose an open area for your fire pit installation. Avoid placing the fire pit under trees, an overhanging roof, a patio cover, or other similarly flammable objects.
- Fire pits must be built on a level location. If you need to level or re-slope your yard before installation, expect a cost of around $1,900.
- Prior to each use of your fire pit, check if your city or county has any current burn restrictions in place that would ban the use of your fire pit.
- Have a plan in place to keep your fire from getting away from you. As a safety precaution, have a full bucket of water, pressurized water hose, or fire extinguisher near your fire pit each time you use it.
- Do not use flammable building materials in the construction of your fire pit, and keep flammable items like clothing and patio furniture away from the flames.
- Ensure an adult is tending to the fire at all times, and do not allow children or pets to play near the fire pit.
- When it is time to extinguish your fire, ensure that it is completely out per the manufacturer’s instructions, and the pit is cool before leaving it unattended.
- Customize your fire pit design based on your own style. Far from one-size-fits-all, a backyard fire pit can be personalized to fit any aesthetic from rustic to modern.
FAQs
- How much does a patio with a fire pit cost?
A gas-burning fire pit and patio can be installed for roughly $6,000. This setup is highly sought after by many home buyers.
- How big should you make a fire pit?
A good average width for a backyard fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches. This provides enough room for several people to sit on each side of the fire while still retaining an intimate ambiance. For larger spaces and to entertain bigger groups, the width can be increased to 72 inches. A height of 12 to 14 inches is low enough to rest your feet on when sitting in a standard chair.
- What do you put in the bottom of a metal fire pit?
Once built, the fire pit’s bottom is often lined with a heat-dispersing filler medium. This helps prevent the bottom of the pit from thermal damage due to overheating. Lava rock and fire glass are two popular choices for safe and effective fire pit fillers.
- Does a fire pit need air holes?
Fire pits should always be designed for proper airflow and ventilation. This supports combustion in wood- and charcoal-burning fires while discouraging gas buildup in propane and natural gas installations. Many fire pits have air vents on opposite sides of the pit to create cross ventilation.
- Where should I put a fire pit in my backyard?
Your fire pit should be at least 10 to 15 feet away from your house, other buildings, and flammable objects. Choose an open location that is not underneath trees or roofs.
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.
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