This guide shares information about the cost to remove a gas fireplace, including the average price to additionally remove the breast, stack, and chimney flue as well as which experts will be needed to complete the project.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Fireplace? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,500 - $8,000
Fireplace service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
Budget $500 to $2,000 on average for demolition to clear an area for an outdoor fireplace.
Electric outdoor fireplaces are less expensive at $1,200 to $2,500 to install, while wood burning outdoor fireplaces are more expensive at $2,000 to $3,200.
For labor fees, you can expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for landscaping, $70 to $100 per hour for mason work, and $50 to $130 per hour for an electrician.
Outdoor fireplaces have a return on investment (ROI) of about 56%.
The cost to build an outdoor fireplace runs as little as $800 or as much as $21,000, averaging around $3,000. Using expensive materials like stone or building large fireplaces will increase the price significantly. Explore all the outdoor fireplace costs so you can build the perfect setup and enjoy some cozy backyard crackling in no time.
Outdoor Fireplace Material Costs
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The most common outdoor fireplace materials are brick and stacked stone. These are easily sourced and many workers have expertise with them, which drives down labor costs. However, larger or more ornate projects often include custom stonework. While you can build an outdoor fireplace from cinder blocks, it isn’t very common (unless the blocks are hidden behind a brick or stone facade).
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 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
While the vast majority of outdoor fireplaces are wood-burning, there are options to consider—especially if you live somewhere with a high wildfire risk. Wood-burning fireplaces are the only type that throws off embers, so they carry a much higher fire risk than other types, such as propane and electric. While cost is an important factor, make sure to discuss with your city which you can install based on local codes, and if a permit is required.
| Fuel Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $2,000–$3,200 |
| Natural gas | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Propane | $1,500–$2,800 |
| Electric | $1,200–$2,500 |
Labor Costs
You’ll need to hire a few types of pros for your project depending on what you’re actually envisioning. Landscapers tend to charge the most, but starting prices for electricians are the highest of the three most common pros needed. If you want an electric fireplace or one with decorative lighting, you’ll have to pay for an electrician, too.
| Type of Pro | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Landscaper | $50–$150 |
| Mason | $70–$100 |
| Electrician | $50–$130 |
Additional Cost Factors
You should factor in additional costs such as prep work, demolition, and permits.
Demolition and Prep
The cost to clear an area for an outdoor fireplace ranges from $500 to $2,000 on average, depending on the size and terrain. Landscapers are experts in getting a site ready, which may require moving significant amounts of land or laying foundations (depending on the proposed fireplace design). For simpler projects, you may only need to lay down some stone and level it—which is a manageable DIY project.
Permits
Every municipality has different laws regarding fireplaces. For example, it would be a lot easier to build one in Alaska near a river than it would be to build one in an area of wildfire risk in California. Permit costs for outdoor fireplaces run between $50 and $500, depending on your city. Remember that in some areas of the country, you may not be able to build one due to fire bans.
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
The homeowners guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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