How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

The cost to build an outdoor pizza oven averages $5,000, with projects ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 on average. Prices depend on oven type, size, materials, and labor. Homeowners can expect to pay $200 to $500 per square foot for custom builds, or less for DIY kits. Understanding these costs helps you plan your backyard upgrade. This guide will break down the key cost factors, ongoing expenses, and ways to save, so you can make confident decisions about your outdoor pizza oven project.

Outdoor Pizza Oven Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost to build an outdoor pizza oven, from the type of oven you choose to the labor involved. Let’s explore each cost driver in detail so you know what to expect.

Types

Outdoor pizza ovens come in a variety of types, each with unique features and price points. Wood-fired ovens offer classic flavor and ambiance, while gas ovens provide convenience and faster heat-up times. Hybrid models combine both fuel types. Portable ovens are smaller, lightweight, and often less expensive, while built-in or custom masonry ovens deliver a permanent, high-end look. DIY kits are another option, giving you the structure and instructions to build your own oven with some elbow grease.

Complexity, material requirements, and installation needs vary greatly by type. Pre-built and modular kits are less expensive and easier to install than fully custom-built ovens, which require skilled labor and premium materials.

Size

Oven size is a major factor in total project cost. A small oven (for one or two pizzas at a time) is less expensive and requires fewer materials than a large oven capable of baking five or more pizzas simultaneously. Larger ovens demand more structural support, insulation, and foundation work, all of which increase the cost to build an outdoor pizza oven.

Materials

The materials you choose for your pizza oven affect both durability and cost. Common materials include fire bricks (for the cooking chamber and dome), refractory cement, concrete, natural stone, stainless steel, insulation, and high-heat mortar. Premium materials, such as custom stone veneers or stainless steel, will increase your budget, while basic brick and concrete keep costs lower. DIY builds often allow for more flexibility in sourcing affordable or salvaged materials.

Labor

Professional installation ensures your oven is built safely and correctly. Labor costs vary by region and the type of professional you hire, such as masons, general contractors, or outdoor kitchen specialists. Hiring an outdoor kitchen installer or designer ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, with total labor costs for a custom build often reaching $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Labor includes site preparation, construction, finishing, and sometimes the first firing or curing of the oven.

Kit installations require less labor, while custom masonry ovens demand more time and skill. Labor costs are higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living.

Prep

Proper site preparation is essential for a safe and long-lasting outdoor pizza oven. Existing landscaping, uneven terrain, or hard-to-access locations will increase prep expenses. 

Prep costs may include clearing and leveling the area, pouring a concrete slab or foundation, and removing debris. Expect to spend $500 to $3,000 depending on the complexity and accessibility of your yard. If your oven requires gas or electrical hookups, permits for utilities and connections can add $300 to $1,200 to your total cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory for outdoor pizza oven installation, but it is appreciated for exceptional service or complex projects. If you choose to tip, consider offering 5% to 10% of the labor cost, or $50 to $200 for larger, custom jobs. Factors that influence tipping include the quality of work, professionalism, and project difficulty.

Additional Cost Factors

A few additional items may impact your total project cost. Permanent ovens or those with gas lines often require permits, which cost $50 to $500 depending on your location. If you're removing an existing patio or oven, plan for demolition and cleanup fees. Reinforcing the foundation under the oven can cost $500 to $2,000, while repairing or upgrading landscaping around the oven may add $1,250 to $6,280.

Outdoor Pizza Oven Ongoing Costs

Beyond the initial build, there are ongoing expenses to keep your pizza oven working safely and efficiently. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes cleaning out ashes, wiping down surfaces, and occasionally scrubbing the chimney or flue. You’ll want to reseal or weatherproof exterior finishes every one to two years, costing $50 to $200 for materials. If your oven has gaskets or seals, budget $20 to $50 per year for replacements.

Operating Costs

Fuel is the main operating expense. Wood-fired ovens use about $20 to $60 worth of hardwood per month with regular use. Gas ovens add to your monthly natural gas bill, depending on size and frequency of use. Ovens with electric starters or lighting will slightly increase your electricity usage. Overall, plan for $150 to $400 per year in operating expenses, depending on oven type and usage.

Repairs

Common pizza oven repairs include:

• Bricks and mortar repair: $10–$20 per sq. ft.

• Insulation repair: $300

• Oven door repair: $175

• Chimney repair: $160–$750

Watch for visible cracks, poor heating, or smoke escaping from unexpected areas—these are signs your oven needs attention. Setting aside $100 to $600 annually for pizza oven repairs and upkeep is a smart way to protect your investment.

Insurance

Most homeowners insurance policies provide some coverage for permanent outdoor pizza ovens, but you should check with your provider. Adding an oven may slightly increase your premium, especially if it’s part of a larger outdoor kitchen.

DIY Outdoor Pizza Oven vs. Hiring a Pro

Building your own pizza oven can save on labor, but it requires careful planning, skill, and the right tools. Let’s look at what’s involved with each approach.

A DIY build means you’ll pay for materials, tools, and equipment rental. Materials for a basic oven run $700 to $2,000, while you might spend more on tools like masonry saws, trowels, and safety gear. The project can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on your experience and available time.

While you save on labor, DIY increases the risk of mistakes, code violations, or safety hazards. Professional pizza oven installers bring expertise, ensure the oven meets local codes, and often offer warranties. The time commitment for DIY is significant, and improper builds can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Cost of Common Outdoor Pizza Oven Add-Ons

Enhancing your pizza oven area with add-ons can boost both function and style, but each feature comes with its own cost. Here’s what to expect for popular upgrades:

• Built-in counters or prep areas: $1,000–$5,000

• Outdoor sinks or plumbing: $500–$2,500

• Pizza oven covers or enclosures: $4,500–$12,000

• Integrated lighting or electrical outlets: $800–$3,000

• Seating or patio upgrades: $100–$5,000

Each add-on increases the total cost to build an outdoor pizza oven, so prioritize features that match your cooking and entertaining needs.

Tips to Reduce Outdoor Pizza Oven Costs

Use these budgeting to keep your outdoor pizza oven costs aligned with your wallet:

• Choose a smaller or simpler oven design to minimize materials and labor.

• Use a DIY kit instead of a full custom build for significant savings.

• Source materials locally or use reclaimed bricks and stones when possible.

• Complete site prep or finishing touches, like painting or landscaping, yourself.

• Get multiple quotes from contractors to compare pricing and services.

• Schedule installation during off-peak seasons for potential discounts.

• Bundle your pizza oven project with other outdoor upgrades to negotiate better rates.

• Limit decorative add-ons to only the essentials you truly need.

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. 

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