What Does a Fire Pit Cost?
A fire pit costs $700 to $5,000, averaging around $2,500 for a standard gas fire pit installation. The primary cost variables are fuel type (wood-burning vs. gas) and whether it is a pre-built kit or a custom-built feature.
Wood-Burning Fire Pit: $700 to $2,000
A wood-burning fire pit built from stacked stone, retaining wall block, or precast fire pit rings: $700 to $2,000 installed. A prefabricated steel or cast-iron fire bowl (purchased at a home improvement store or online for $200 to $600) plus professional installation on a paver or natural stone base: $700 to $1,200 total. A custom-built stone ring with a decorative cap and a gravel fire pit area: $1,200 to $2,000. Wood-burning pits have no gas line cost — the primary expense is the materials and the hardscape base. Most local ordinances permit wood-burning fires in residential areas, but confirm the setback requirements (typically 10 to 15 feet from structures) before installation.
Gas Fire Pit: $2,000 to $4,000
A gas fire pit (natural gas or propane) provides a cleaner-burning, on/off convenience that wood-burning cannot match. Cost components: the fire pit or fire table unit ($600 to $2,000 for a quality product), a gas line from the home’s main (natural gas: $300 to $800 for a licensed gas plumber to run the line) or a propane tank connection, a gas valve and ignition system, and the hardscape base (pavers, natural stone, or concrete). Total installed cost: $2,000 to $4,000 for a standard installation. Natural gas is less expensive to operate than propane (gas line installation required). Propane (tank connection) eliminates the gas line installation cost but requires ongoing propane delivery. (For more on this, see How Much Does a Fire Pit Cost to Install?.)
Custom Fire Feature: $4,000 to $5,000+
A custom fire feature (a built-in gas fire table with integrated seating walls, a fire and water feature combination, or a fire pit with premium stone veneer and a raised hearth): $4,000 to $5,000+. These are masonry or concrete projects that integrate fire, hardscape, and often water elements into a cohesive designed outdoor feature. They require a licensed gas contractor for the gas line, a mason for the structure, and often a landscape architect or designer for the layout. (For more on this, see Gas vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pit: Which Is Right for You?.)
Fire Pit Cost at a Glance
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-burning stone or block pit | $700 to $2,000 installed | |
| Gas fire pit (includes gas line) | $2,000 to $4,000 installed | |
| Custom fire feature | $4,000 to $5,000+ | |
| Overall range | $700 to $5,000+, averaging $2,500 | Gas line installation adds $300 to $800 to any gas fire pit project. |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on August 23, 2026. How we source cost data.
Planning Your Project Budget
The cost ranges in this article are based on industry data and are intended as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. The actual cost for your project depends on your specific home, your local labor market, the current price of materials, and the scope the contractor confirms after a site inspection.
Always get at least two written quotes on equivalent defined scope before committing to any home services project. Wide price variation between quotes usually reflects differences in material quality, scope completeness (what is included and what is not), or contractor overhead and experience level rather than simple price competition.
Use the cost data in this article to ask better questions during the quoting process: What material is included? What does that per-square-foot or per-linear-foot rate include and exclude? Are permits, cleanup, and disposal included? What is the warranty on labor? These questions turn a quote into a comparable basis for decision-making. (For more on this, see Fire Pit Questions to Ask Before Installation.)
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.
