Today’s backyards are about more than just perfectly manicured lawns. Instead, hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor living features like fireplaces are increasingly popular.
“A fireplace offers an image that cannot be duplicated. It is an architectural feature that can anchor an outdoor living space,” says Jeremy Martin, owner and operator of Willow Gates Landscaping for 20 years. “While fireplaces certainly add warmth on cool evenings and a place to toast s’mores, the ambience is of equal or greater impact than the heat they generate.”
However, anyone planning to install an outdoor fireplace should know the average cost and factors that can affect the price tag. This article examines the types of outdoor fireplaces available, how they differ from fire pits or outdoor kitchens, and how much they cost (it might be less than you think!).
- Jeremy Martin is the owner and operator of Willow Gates Landscaping.
- Coleman Cosby is an in-house construction expert at Yardzen.
- Joe Ryder is president of Stone Age Manufacturing.
Benefits of an Outdoor Fireplace
Depending on how you use your backyard, you might find yourself entertaining friends and family or quietly reading a book accompanied by your dog. In either case, it’s a popular gathering space that can be made even more comfortable with a heat source.
Outdoor fireplaces are either installed as freestanding structures or as part of covered patios or similar structures. “Popular add-ons include pizza ovens, wood boxes for storage, and in some cases, being built into a pavilion, pool house, or outdoor kitchen,” Martin says.
Homebuyers also like outdoor fireplaces, making them a good investment for resale. “Outdoor fireplaces can seriously up your home’s value and curb appeal,” says Coleman Cosby, Yardzen’s in-house construction expert. “They’re like a magnet for buyers who love to entertain or just chill out under the stars. So, think of it as an investment in your property as well as your quality of living.”
The Cost of an Outdoor Fireplace
Like most home renovation projects, you can spend as little or as much as you’d like on an outdoor fireplace solution.
“Homeowners considering an outdoor fireplace will typically see a cost range of about $2,000 to $20,000,” Cosby says. “While this is a wide range, factors such as size, materials, and design complexity play a big role in the final cost.”
It’s not uncommon for homeowners in some parts of the country or those opting for top-of-the-line features to spend between $8,000 and $35,000.
“Start with understanding that a fireplace is a significant investment,” Martin says. “Pricing can vary greatly by region, but here are some guidelines: $8,000 plus for a linear gas fireplace, $10,000-$12,000 plus for a fairly simple, wood-burning fireplace, and up to $40,000 for an over-the-top design.”
Factors That Affect Outdoor Fireplace Costs
Several factors affect the cost of an outdoor fireplace, including your location in the country, the size of the fireplace, the type of fuel, and the materials used.
“The main cost components involve building the base or footing for the fireplace, masonry work for custom builds, or assembly and installation costs for prefabricated units,” Cosby adds. “Other features like built-in seating or lighting may be significant cost add-ons. Also, gas lines and permitting costs where applicable.”
1. Your Location
Your location in the country affects not only local labor costs but also the types of materials required for the build.
“Cost and complexity will be somewhat regional,” Martin says. “At a minimum, a reinforced concrete slab will need to be poured to support the weight of the fireplace. If the region experiences freeze/thaw cycles, the foundation should extend to the frost free zone.”
2. Fireplace Location
The location of your fireplace on your property also factors into the cost.
“A freestanding fireplace may anchor the end of a patio, and is combined with seating walls,” Martin says. From there, the height is determined based on whether the hearth is raised, the type of firebox, and the type of smoke chamber.
“The chimney will often be around 10 feet high for a freestanding unit, and 15 feet or higher when combined with a pavilion, porch, or pergola,” Martin adds.
3. Materials
Material matters as well. Joe Rider, president of Stone Age Manufacturing in Oklahoma, says stucco is typically the cheapest option, but brick is a much more durable option. Natural stone requires the most skill for a professional, meaning higher labor costs.
“Like the saying goes: You get what you pay for,” he says. “For longevity, aesthetics, character, and all around natural beauty, stone is the preferred choice and tends to blend well with existing homes and landscapes to create a natural feel and relaxing ambience.”
4. Customization
The more you customize your outdoor fireplace, the more expensive it will be, which is why kits are sometimes used even by the pros. “Prefabricated outdoor fireplaces are typically more affordable, the highest-cost options include large complex custom-built fireplaces with premium materials, features, and finishes,” Cosby adds.
5. Permits
Finally, you’ll have to get permits to have your fireplace installed. “Permits aren’t usually expensive, especially if the fireplace is a standalone feature and not built into another structure,” Martin says. “Local codes may impact distance from combustible materials including fence, home, and accessory structures, chimney height, and whether wood or gas fuel is used.”
Cost-Saving Tips
If you want an outdoor fireplace but are experiencing sticker shock, you can mitigate the costs of an outdoor fireplace in several ways.
“One prevalent misconception is that outdoor fireplace projects are invariably exorbitant. While high-end options exist, there are also cost-effective alternatives available.”
—Coleman Cosby
1. Go the DIY Route
If you’re a handy person with some experience in home remodeling projects, you might opt to go the DIY route.
“Since labor is at least equal to or more costly than the materials, any consumer who doesn’t mind investing a little sweat equity into their project can save money by providing their own labor rather than buying it,” Rider says.
You can do this from scratch, mimicking the masonry techniques of the pros, but you’ll have to meet the same codes and building requirements in your area and will likely be subject to an inspection by your municipality.
“Depending on the application requirements of the local regulatory building agency, permitting can be relatively inexpensive,” Cosby says. “However, if complex plans with specific construction details prepared by an engineer are required, it can add significant expense to the project.”
2. Check Out Fireplace Kits
If you’re worried about doing things right, you can opt for a prefabricated outdoor fireplace. Prefabricated options installed by professionals are usually much less expensive than custom options, which can save you money if you hire a crew.
“Fireplace kits are an affordable option and may be possible to install yourself. However, it’s essential to balance cost-saving measures with quality and safety considerations,” Cosby adds.
3. Keep It Simple
You can cut costs by building a freestanding fireplace that doesn’t have to integrate into your home’s existing structure. You can also opt for less expensive building materials: concrete blocks instead of natural stone, for example.
Of course, smaller fireplaces are often less expensive, at least when it comes to materials. So going for a smaller footprint or a shorter stack is a good compromise that can save you money even if you’re paying professionals to do the job.
“To manage costs effectively, homeowners may consider scaling back on size or opting for more economical materials,” Cosby says.
4. Compare Quotes
Be sure to get the best price on any type of outdoor fireplace by comparing quotes from qualified contractors, but don’t cut corners.
“When selecting a contractor, definitely get referrals and ask for references,” Rider says. “Look at projects the contractor has built prior to hiring them. Skills, ability, and quality vary greatly, and the cheapest quote isn’t always the one you should choose.”
Alternatives to an Outdoor Fireplace
Alternatives to outdoor fireplaces achieve many of the same goals.
“Fireplaces are not a budget-friendly feature, and if you are working on a tight budget, you may want to forgo a fireplace until you can save up enough to build the fireplace of your dreams,” Martin says. “Having said that, there are lower cost alternatives.”
Linear Fireplace
Martin points out that linear fireplaces are gas-burning features without a chimney that add ambience and warmth to a covered deck. They often come with cabinets that can have veneers added for the stone or brick look.
Fire Pit
You might also consider a standard fire pit. “A fire pit lacks the grandeur of a fireplace, but since the sides are low, people can gather on all sides of the fire pit,” Martin adds. “A fireplace typically is open on only one side, which limits how many people can enjoy it. Fire pits are also much less expensive, typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,000.”
Small, portable fireplaces and fire pits cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. “While output is limited, they still offer the ambience of fire,” Martin says.
When an Outdoor Fireplace Adds Value to a Home
“The proper materials and quality work will impact the value of the property and is an investment in the home’s value,” Rider says. “A project done right adds value that increases as the property value rises over time.”
Like all projects, quality craftsmanship is key to getting a good return on your investment. When it comes to outdoor features such as patios and pools, for example, most buyers would agree that no pool is better than a pool that needs major repairs.
“A homeowner needs to understand that they are better off to pay for the quality upfront and that these features are a true investment into their home’s value. If they pay now, it won’t end up costing them later,” Rider says.
