How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven? [2025 Data]
The average cost to build an outdoor pizza oven is $5,000, depending on size, materials, and labor
The cost to build an outdoor pizza oven depends on oven size, building materials, and customization.
Outdoor pizza ovens add value and enjoyment to your backyard.
DIY kits can lower costs but require skill and time, while customized pizza ovens may have luxury prices.
Professional installation ensures safety and durability.
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 or between $2,000 and $8,000. Prices can range from $800 to $14,000, depending on oven type, size, materials, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. Expect to pay $200 to $500 per square foot for custom builds. Understanding these factors helps you budget for your ideal outdoor pizza oven.
Outdoor Pizza Oven Cost Factors
Building an outdoor pizza oven is a rewarding project, but costs can vary widely based on several key factors. Let’s break down what determines your final price.
Types
There are several types of outdoor pizza ovens to choose from. Each type affects your total project cost, installation complexity, and cooking experience.
Kits and pre-assembled ovens are easier and quicker to install, while custom and hybrid models offer more features at a higher cost. Wood-fired ovens provide an authentic experience, but gas and hybrid options are more convenient for frequent use.
| Oven Type | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-fired | Traditional, uses wood for fuel | $1,000–$8,000 |
| Gas | Fueled by natural gas or propane | $2,000–$9,000 |
| Hybrid | Supports wood and gas or propane | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Modular kit | Pre-fabricated, assembled on-site | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Pre-assembled | Fully built, ready to install | $2,500–$7,000 |
| Custom | Designed and built from scratch | Designed and built from scratch |
Size
The size of your outdoor pizza oven directly impacts the final price. A larger oven needs more materials and labor, while a smaller oven is more budget-friendly. Small ovens are ideal for one or two pizzas at a time, while large ovens are best for entertaining or commercial-style cooking. Larger ovens also require a sturdier base and more insulation, which raises both material and labor expenses.
| Oven Capacity | Interior Diameter (In.) | Interior Diameter (In.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 pizzas | 24–28 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 2–4 pizzas | 32–36 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 3–6 pizzas | 40+ | $5,000–$9,000 |
Materials
Material choice plays a big role in durability, performance, and cost. High-quality, heat-resistant materials are a must for safety and longevity. DIY kit materials are bundled for convenience and can lower costs, but custom builds allow you to select premium finishes and features.
| Material Type | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Firebrick | High-heat brick for oven chamber | $2–$4 per brick |
| Refractory cement | Heat-resistant mortar/adhesive | $50–$100 per bag |
| Stainless steel | Used in modular/pre-assembled ovens | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Stone veneer | Decorative exterior finish | $10–$25 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation board | Thermal barrier under oven floor | $60–$120 per board |
| Clay | Traditional dome construction | $200–$800 |
Labor
Professional labor covers site prep, assembly, finishing, and cleanup. Masonry contractors, outdoor kitchen installers, and general contractors are the main pros for this job. Hiring a local masonry contractor costs $50 to $125 per hour, or a flat fee for the entire project.
Complex designs, custom features, or challenging site access can increase labor charges. In high-cost regions or for custom builds, labor can be higher.
Prep
Prep work includes clearing and leveling the ground, pouring a concrete foundation or slab, and sometimes utility hookups if you choose a gas or electric oven. If your yard needs grading or drainage improvements, those costs will be extra.
Outdoor Pizza Oven Ongoing Costs
Building your oven is just the start. Let’s look at what it takes to keep it running smoothly year after year.
Operating Costs
Operating costs depend on your oven’s fuel source and how frequently you cook. Firewood for wood-fired ovens costs $20 to $60 per month for regular use. Gas ovens cost $10 to $30 per month in fuel, depending on usage and local rates.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance and prompt repairs keep your oven safe and efficient. This includes cleaning out ash and soot, inspecting for cracks, and resealing masonry when needed. You may need to replace gaskets or insulation every few years.
Even well-built ovens can need repairs over time. Common pizza oven repairs, such as cracked bricks, damaged insulation, or worn doors and vents, cost between $150 and $600. Preventive care—such as covering your oven in bad weather and cleaning it regularly—can help minimize repair needs.
DIY Outdoor Pizza Oven vs. Hiring a Pro
Choosing between DIY and professional installation affects your total cost, timeline, and peace of mind.
DIY builds cost less in labor, with most expenses going to materials and tools. However, building an oven requires masonry skills, patience, and several weekends of work. Mistakes can lead to structural issues or void manufacturer warranties.
Hiring a pro costs more but ensures code compliance, safety, and a lasting result. Pros can finish the job in less time and handle complex features. If your oven is large, custom, or connected to utilities, hire a local pizza oven contractor to ensure safety and lasting value.
Tips to Reduce Outdoor Pizza Oven Costs
Looking to make your dream oven a reality without breaking the bank? Here are some smart strategies:
Get multiple quotes from qualified pros to compare your options.
Choose a modular or DIY pizza oven kit to save on labor.
For customized ovens, source reclaimed or local materials for lower costs.
Limit oven size to match your needs and budget.
Do site prep or finishing work yourself.
Plan for add-ons in advance to avoid costly changes.
Keep up with oven maintenance to prevent expensive repairs.
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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Whether or not it’s cheaper to build a pizza oven depends largely on what style you opt for and which tools and materials you already have. For example, having a surplus of leftover fire bricks from another DIY project will reduce the amount you need to build a new pizza oven and cut costs to boot. On the flip side, if you don’t have any of the required materials, buying a pre-made option will be cheaper and require far less work to set up—between just $300 and $1,000 for the best versions.
Use fire bricks for a brick pizza oven. These bricks are typically used for fireplaces and chimneys as they can withstand high temperatures from heat sources. If you attempt to use any other kind of bricks, it’s likely that this material will crack from such high heat exposure in the best case—and potentially explode and cause serious harm in the worst case.
Older research tells us that adding an outdoor pizza oven is unlikely to increase ROI. But thanks to an uptick in interest in this feature, it’s becoming increasingly likely that installing one will boost your home’s value by a small amount.
The best height for a pizza oven is one that allows the user to easily see what’s going on inside and comfortably place pies without having to crouch over. In general, that means the opening should be between 36 and 48 inches off the ground. By contrast, the height of the dome is totally up to your preference, because different heights create different results. Shorter domes are better for creating Neapolitan-style pies, whereas taller domes are ideal for NY-style recipes.
