A fireplace remodel cost depends on the extent of the remodel and the materials you choose. Use this guide to calculate your costs and budget accordingly.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Fireplace? [2026 Data]
Fireplace service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Get quotes from fireplace pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from fireplace pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Cost Insights:
Outdoor fireplace installation costs between $800 and $21,000, averaging around $3,000 for your backyard project.
Your material choice and fireplace size determine the final total, with custom stonework costing more than brick or cinder blocks.
You should budget for site preparation ranging from $500 to $2,000 and building permits between $50 and $500 for your installation.
Hiring a local fireplace installation professional prevents fire hazards and ensures your outdoor fireplace is built safely and correctly.
In 2026, the national average cost to build an outdoor fireplace is $3,000. Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $8,000, with material choice, fireplace size, and the complexity of the build driving the spread. At the high end, projects can reach as much as $21,000 for large custom installations using premium stone.
Outdoor Fireplace Material Costs: Which Option Fits Your Budget?
irina88w / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Tammi Mild / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, TimAbramowitz / E+ / Getty Images, irina88w / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Brick and stacked stone are the most popular outdoor fireplace materials because they are widely available and familiar to most masons, which helps keep labor costs down. Cinder blocks are the most budget-friendly option but are rarely used as a finished surface, typically serving as a hidden structural base behind a brick or stone facade. Custom stonework is the premium choice for larger or more ornate designs, and it commands a higher price to reflect the additional craftsmanship involved. Costs vary by material, as the breakdown below shows.
| Material | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Brick | $2,200–$3,600 |
| Cinder blocks | $800–$2,000 |
| Stacked stone | $1,800–$3,800 |
| Custom stonework | $2,800–$5,000 |
Outdoor Fireplace Costs by Fuel Type: What Determines the Price?
Wood-burning fireplaces dominate the outdoor market but carry the highest fire risk because they are the only fuel type that throws off embers, making fuel type a critical decision in wildfire-prone areas. Before choosing, check with your city about local codes, since some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit certain fuel types and may require a permit regardless of which option you select. Costs vary by fuel type, as the breakdown below shows.
| Fuel Type | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Wood | $2,000–$3,200 |
| Natural gas | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Propane | $1,500–$2,800 |
| Electric | $1,200–$2,500 |
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pro to Build an Outdoor Fireplace?
The pros you need for an outdoor fireplace project depend on your design, with masons, landscapers, and electricians being the three most common trades involved. Landscapers tend to charge $50 to $150 per hour, while masons run $70 to $100 per hour and electricians range from $50 to $130 per hour. If your design includes an electric fireplace or decorative lighting, you will need to pay for an electrician in addition to the other trades. Type of pro plays a major role in total cost, as shown in the breakdown below:
| Type of Pro | Cost per Hour in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Landscaper | $50–$150 |
| Mason | $70–$100 |
| Electrician | $50–$130 |
Outdoor Fireplace Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?
Beyond materials and labor, prep work, demolition, and permits are additional cost factors that can meaningfully affect your total outdoor fireplace budget.
Demolition and Prep
Clearing and preparing a site for an outdoor fireplace typically costs $500 to $2,000, depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the terrain. A landscaper is the right pro for this work when the job involves grading land or laying a foundation, though simpler projects that only require leveling and setting stone can be a manageable DIY task.
Permits
Permit costs for an outdoor fireplace run between $50 and $500, with the exact fee depending on your municipality and the type of fireplace you plan to build. Local regulations vary widely across the country, and in some areas with active fire bans you may not be permitted to build an outdoor fireplace at all, so confirming local rules before you plan your project is essential.
Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Pro
You should always leave fireplace installation, whether indoors or outdoors, to a fireplace pro near you. The biggest reason is safety. Even minor mistakes can increase fire risk, and with outdoor fireplaces, you risk a fire that destroys your yard, home, or even your neighbors’ property.
Plus, expert installation ensures a durable, long-lasting fireplace that can withstand the elements. The potential cost savings of DIYing pale in comparison to what you would spend on repairs or rebuilding.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace pro
The safest option for installing an outdoor fireplace is to hire a pro. Here are the many benefits to letting the pros handle this project:
Improper installation poses very real fire risks, but pros know how to avoid these issues.
Pros know how to safely install a fireplace to prevent fuel leaks.
Fireplace installation must comply with local building codes, and pros can ensure your project meets all safety regulations.
Experts can do the job more quickly and efficiently than a DIYer.
Pros can help you find the type of fireplace and fuel that works best for your needs, budget, and local climate.
DIYing could void material warranties or invalidate home insurance policy coverage if a fire breaks out due to the fireplace.
The cost of making mistakes could far outweigh the cost savings of DIYing.
Expert installation ensures your fireplace is highly durable against the elements, meaning it will last longer than one built by yourself.
If you want to DIY outdoor fireplace installation
Although we don’t recommend building an outdoor fireplace yourself, here are some tasks you can check off related to this project:
Build out a fire pit as a fireplace alternative if professional installation is not within your budget.
Clear the area of furniture, plants, and other objects or debris where the fireplace will be installed.
Assist with simple landscaping after installation (but keep plants clear of the fireplace).
Keep up with regular fireplace maintenance, such as cleaning out the ashes.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Building an Outdoor Fireplace
The biggest savings you can influence when building an outdoor fireplace will be material costs. Other than paring down the size of your fireplace, consider some of the cost-saving measures below:
Source local materials to bring down transport or shipping costs.
Hire professionals during their off-season or in a schedule gap.
Consider using prefabricated kits.
Avoid excess features like seating, electricity, or timers.
Choose simple designs.
Try to use recycled materials if available.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Discuss fireplace options that suit your local climate and fit within your budget.
Share measurements of your outdoor space, including specific measurements of where you’d like the fireplace to be located, for the most accurate quote.
If your budget allows, ask about add-on features, such as custom designs, timers for electric fireplaces, chimney caps, and more.
Ask about the project timeline, including how long the permit process and build will take, and when you can fire up your new fireplace.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fireplace services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Chanda L.
Custom Paint Jobs LLCs custom murals brought life to our childrens rooms. They love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Hannah T.
Storms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
- Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tiffany V.
The team is awesome!! I can generally pick up and clean throughout the week, but they CLEAN! Windows, stair rails, microwave. All the things I can’t ever seem to get to regularly. The house looks and smells great after they leave.
- Steven K.
Bought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer Landscaping - M T.
We decided to update our partially finished basement, with a budget. Gerald worked with me on the lighting and chair rail selections, and produced an end product that was everything we wanted and within our budget. The work was done quickly, and he and his crew were always prompt and...
- Amy T.
Outstanding! The granite and the installation went so well that we had the remaining slabs of the granite put into our new house. The 2ND kitchen/wet bar installation went as well as the 1ST, so we had them put granite on our master bath counter top, shower seat, ledge and kick plate for...
LIND STONEWORKS
The homeowners guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace, you might wonder: How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace? Let’s review the numbers.
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
If you don’t want to buy an outdoor fireplace kit or get a pro to install it, you may be able to do it yourself. Learn how to build a DIY outdoor fireplace.
Learn how to hire a fireplace installer, including the proper certifications to look for and what questions to ask when getting quotes.
The up-front cost of an electric fireplace is lower than a gas or wood-burning fireplace. This guide will help you understand what you're paying for.