Outdoor fireplaces and pizza ovens have become increasingly popular backyard features in recent years. They provide a cozy gathering place for family and friends, and allow you to enjoy the smoky aroma and taste of wood-fired cooking right in your own yard. But these stylish additions don’t come cheap. If you’re considering installing an outdoor fireplace or pizza oven, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget accordingly.
Page Contents
Factors That Affect Cost
Several key factors determine the total cost of an outdoor fireplace or pizza oven:
- Type of unit – Prefabricated vs. custom built
- Materials – Brick, stone, stainless steel, etc.
- Size – Standard vs. larger/deluxe models
- Features – Electricity, gas line, chimney, accessories
- Labor – DIY vs. hiring a contractor
- Permits – May be required for gas or chimney
- Location – Difficulty of access to installation site
Prefabricated units tend to be more affordable, while custom designs allow for more flexibility but have a higher price tag. The material you choose also greatly impacts cost, with natural stone being the most expensive. In general, the larger and more feature-packed your outdoor fireplace or oven, the more it will cost you.
Average Costs
Prefabricated Outdoor Fireplaces
A prefabricated outdoor fireplace consists of modular components that are shipped to your home and assembled on site. Here are some average costs:
- Basic wood-burning unit – $1,500 to $4,000 installed
- Gas unit – $4,000 to $6,500 installed
- Electric unit – $1,000 to $3,000 installed
Gas fireplaces will require a natural gas line to be run to the location, which can add $500 to $1,500 for the gas line installation. Prefabricated units are relatively inexpensive because they use manufactured materials like metal and concrete blocks rather than natural stone. Their simple modular construction also reduces labor costs for installation.
Custom Built Outdoor Fireplaces
Custom designed outdoor fireplaces allow you to create a truly one-of-a-kind look for your backyard. The sky’s the limit in terms of materials, features, and aesthetics. Here are typical price ranges:
- Stone or brick – $5,000 to $20,000
- Tile – $2,500 to $5,000
- Stucco – $1,500 to $3,000
Natural stone or brick fireplaces will fall at the highest end of the price range, while more budget-friendly options like stucco or manufactured stone can cost less than $5,000. The installation of a chimney also bumps up the total price significantly. Expect to pay $5,000 or more for a chimney installation. Labor will also be more intensive for custom fireplaces, which require skilled masonry work.
Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Outdoor pizza ovens allow you to make wood-fired pizzas at temperatures over 700°F right in your backyard. Here are the typical costs based on oven type:
- Prefabricated stainless steel – $2,000 to $4,000
- Modular brick – $4,000 to $8,000
- Custom designed brick oven – $8,000 to $15,000
The cost is largely dependent on the materials used. Stainless steel offers an affordable, lower maintenance option. While it can’t achieve the same high temperatures, it still reaches ideal pizza-baking range. For authentic wood-fired pizza, brick ovens are best. Custom-designed masonry ovens will be the most expensive option.
What Affects the Cost?
Now that we’ve looked at price ranges, let’s examine what specific factors cause costs to rise for outdoor fireplaces and pizza ovens.
Type of Fuel
The type of fuel your unit uses affects its price:
- Wood-burning – Basic materials needed for combustion
- Gas – Need natural gas line and burner materials
- Electric – Require special heating elements and wiring
Wood-burning options are the most budget-friendly. Gas and electric units require specialized materials and installation, making them cost more.
Size
Larger outdoor fireplaces or pizza ovens will cost more money due to requiring more materials and labor:
- Standard fireplace size (3-4 feet across) – $3,000-$6,000
- Oversized fireplace (5-6 feet across) – $6,000-$15,000
- 60″ pizza oven – $5,000-$8,000
- 90″ pizza oven – $8,000-$15,000
The bigger the footprint, the higher the price tag. Opt for standard sizes to save on costs.
Materials
The type of material used for construction significantly impacts the cost:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Brick | $10-20 per square foot |
| Cultured stone | $15-25 per square foot |
| Natural stone | $25-50 per square foot |
| Stucco | $4-8 per square foot |
| Metal | $15-25 per square foot |
Brick, concrete, and stucco are the most budget-friendly options. Natural stone is the most expensive. Opt for manufactured stone or brick to save costs.
Features
More bells and whistles will drive up the price:
- Electricity and lighting – $500-$2,000
- Gas line for fuel – $500-$1,500
- Chimney or flue – $2,000-$5,000
- Pizza oven accessories – $500-$2,000
- Outdoor kitchen integration – $3,000-$10,000
Any specialized functionality will add labor and material expenses. Prioritize basic features over accessories to save money.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Who you have install the unit also impacts the bottom line:
- DIY installation – Less labor cost
- Professional installation – $2,000-$5,000
Having a contractor or mason do the installation adds a big chunk to the total project investment, but may be worth it for complex jobs or gas/electric features.
Permits
If your project requires permits, expect added costs:
- Gas line permit – $200-$500
- Chimney installation permit – $300-$1,000
Be sure to check your local building codes and factor permitting costs if needed.
How to Save Money
If your budget is tight, here are some tips to cut costs on your outdoor fireplace or pizza oven project:
- Choose a simple prefabricated wood-burning unit
- Opt for the standard size, nothing oversized
- Use affordable brick or concrete materials
- Skip fancy accessories like lighting and cabinetry
- Consider DIY installation if you have masonry skills
- Shop end of season sales for the best deals
Focus on basic materials and construction to get an affordable setup for cooking and enjoying cool nights outdoors. You can always add more bells and whistles later if your budget allows.
Factors That May Increase Cost
Be prepared for the following scenarios that can lead to going over budget:
- Unexpected construction challenges requiring more labor or materials
- Having to pour a full foundation or reinforce footings
- Needing to run utilities like gas, electric, or water lines long distances
- Hidden costs for permitting or site preparation
- Ordering custom decorative features or high-end materials
Careful planning is key for avoiding cost overruns. Have detailed talks with contractors ahead of time to avoid surprise expenses.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor fireplace or pizza oven is a significant investment, often costing anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. The type of unit, size, materials, features, labor, and preparation requirements all contribute to the total project cost. With thoughtful planning and budget-friendly choices, you can get a basic outdoor fireplace or pizza oven setup for under $5,000. For a custom designer look, expect to spend $10,000 or more. Whatever your budget, an outdoor fire cooking space is sure to provide years of enjoyment and great family memories.