Many homeowners dream of creating a cozy backyard fire pit area, but how much does a fire pit cost? Our expertise in crafting luxury fire pits and outdoor living spaces has helped homeowners transform their yards into stunning retreats centered around warmth and elegance.

In this guide, we'll break down the costs of building a fire pit area, from premium materials to custom designs, to help you plan your perfect luxury backyard oasis.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Backyard Home Fire Pit Area?

Your investment will vary depending on selecting prefabricated, custom-built, or basic fire pits. Let's examine how these different options compare.

Custom-Built Fire Pits

A custom fire pit is the way to go if you want a high-end backyard wellness retreat. In-ground fire pits that seamlessly integrate into your landscape cost a few thousand to several thousand dollars, depending on size, materials, and design complexity. 

Above-ground custom fire pits give you more flexibility with placement and design. They cost several hundred dollars for basic structures and thousands for elaborate designs. Custom fire pits allow you to design a space that complements your existing landscaping and reflects your style, making them the top choice for a sophisticated outdoor experience.

If you want to design your outdoor space with the elegance of celebrity-worthy home decor, invest in a large, custom fire pit that blends with your backyard's aesthetic. Pair it with a luxury hot tub, a luxury home sauna, or even an ice bath spa and ambient lighting for the ultimate outdoor entertaining experience.

Prefabricated Fire Pit Kits

If you're looking for convenience with a high-end finish, prefabricated fire pit kits range from $500 to $2,000. These kits offer various styles and materials, with higher-end options including built-in gas lines, decorative stone veneers, and smart home integration. While they don't offer the same level of personalization as custom fire pits, they provide a polished, professional look and easier installation.

Basic Fire Pit Options

Basic fire pits are an option, but they often fail to deliver the luxury and durability you may want for your outdoor space. Off-the-shelf models cost $30 for wood-burning pits and $100 for propane. While they offer a quick solution, these ready-made options lack the high-quality materials and custom design elements to upgrade your backyard into a true outdoor retreat.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Backyard Fire Pit Area

Several factors, from fuel type to materials and design, affect the cost of your backyard fire pit. Here are some things to consider when planning your outdoor space.

1. Fuel Type: Wood-Burning vs. Gas

Your choice of fuel impacts both upfront costs and long-term expenses. Wood-burning fire pits may initially cost less, starting around several hundred dollars, but require ongoing wood purchases and more maintenance. Gas fire pits, while more expensive upfront (as much as several thousand dollars), offer convenience, cleaner burning, and easy operation — perfect for luxury spaces. Remember that installing a gas line increases the initial cost but reduces long-term fuel expenses.

2. Size and Shape

The size and shape of your fire pit directly affect the cost. Smaller, circular fire pits (3-4 feet in diameter) start around $500, while larger or custom-shaped designs can range from $6,000 to $10,000+. Due to more complex construction, unique shapes like square or rectangular pits often have higher price tags.

3. Materials

The materials you use play a big role in both aesthetics and cost. Natural stone fire pits exude luxury, priced from $1,500 to $5,000+. Brick gives you a timeless look at $800 to $3,000, while concrete provides versatility at $1,000 to $4,000. These options drive up the price but deliver a more spa-like experience, similar to other luxury health features in the homes of the rich and famous.

Metal fire pits, such as steel or copper, give your outdoor space a sleek, modern look. Simple models start at $300, but custom designs, depending on the size and finish, can cost more than $6,000. 

Installation Costs for a Home Fire Pit Area

Fire pit installation costs vary based on location, local labor rates, and project details. Here's what to expect when planning for your fire pit area:

Professional Installation

Professional installation is the best choice for a high-quality fire pit. It typically costs between $60 and $125 per hour, with total labor expenses between $480 and $1,000 for a full day's work. While this comes at a premium, it ensures proper construction, compliance with fire pit legal codes, and a flawless finish.

Labor and Contractor Fees

Labor costs range from $360 to $1,000, depending on the project's complexity, location, and local labor rates. Always get multiple quotes and consider the contractor's or the contractor's experience, the materials provided, and the warranties. Higher fees often reflect superior craftsmanship, saving you money on future repairs.

Additional Costs

Gas line installations can cost $300 to $500 for a 20-foot connection, and permits, depending on state and local regulations, may cost $50 to $500. 

Other costs include site preparation ($100 to $500), electrical work for lighting ($200 to $800), seating construction ($500 to $5,000), and landscaping ($500 to $3,000).

Creating a luxurious fire pit area means thinking beyond the fire pit itself. Here's what you can expect when planning your landscaping, seating, and decorative features.

Landscaping Costs Around Your Fire Pit

Buying a fire pit and creating a luxurious fire pit area means thinking beyond the fire pit itself. Here's what you can expect when planning your landscaping, seating, and decorative features.

Hardscaping Options

• Patios: You can expect to spend between $3,500 and $6,750 for a patio, depending on the size, materials, and design details you choose.

• Pavers: If you're adding pavers, prices range from $2 to $10 per square foot, with natural stone or intricate designs increasing the cost.

• Decks: Want an elevated touch? Decks add sophistication, but premium materials like hardwood or composite will raise your budget.

Seating Options

• Built-in benches: Adding built-in seating can cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the desired materials and design.

• Individual chairs: If you prefer flexible seating, high-end outdoor chairs, like teak or weather-resistant wicker, will cost you $100 to $300 each.

• Custom seating: Consider options like curved benches or seating with integrated storage for something unique. However, this will add to your budget.

Lighting and Decorative Features

• Lighting systems: Depending on their complexity, you can expect to pay between $200 and $5,000+, whether you choose string lights or professional landscape lighting.

• Decorative features: If you want to add water features, sculptures, or outdoor art, plan to spend $500 to several thousand dollars.

• Soft furnishings: From $20 to $500, weatherproof pillows and outdoor rugs add comfort and style.

Note that these costs will depend on your location, material choices, and local labor rates, so take the time to plan carefully for your dream fire pit area.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs for Your Home Fire Pit

Keeping your backyard fire pit in top shape means factoring in fuel costs and regular maintenance. Here's what you need to know.

Fuel Costs for Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits offer convenience, but you must budget for ongoing fuel expenses.

• Propane: Depending on your fire pit's BTU rating, you can expect to pay $20 to $50 per tank refill, which will last 8-20 hours.

• Natural gas: The cost ranges from $10 to $30 per month, and you can get continuous fuel by connecting it directly to your home's gas line.

Your fuel costs depend on your fire pit's size, flame height, usage frequency, and local gas prices. To save, use a timer to turn off your fire pit when not in use, adjust the flame height according to your needs, and keep it well-maintained for efficient burning.

Cleaning and Upkeep

Regular maintenance keeps your fire pit looking and working its best.

• Weekly: Remove ash, wipe down surfaces, and spend about 15-30 minutes keeping everything clean.

• Monthly: Deep clean the fire pit interior, inspect gas lines, and tidy up the surrounding patio. Set aside 1-2 hours for this.

• Annually: Hire a professional to inspect gas components, seal stone or concrete surfaces, and refinish metal parts. This will cost around $100 to $300.

Other maintenance tips include covering your fire pit when not in use, replacing lava rocks or glass beads annually ($20-$50), and swapping out spark screens or grates every 2 to 3 years ($50-$200).

By planning for these costs, you'll enjoy your fire pit for years without surprises.

Summary of Fire Pit Costs and Maintenance 

Now that we've covered all the factors involved in building and maintaining your luxury fire pit area, here's a quick summary table to help you estimate costs. 

Note: These costs are estimates for 2025 and may vary based on location, labor rates, materials, and design choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How expensive is it to build a fire pit?

Building a fire pit can cost between $250 and $5,000 depending on size, materials, and design choices.

Are backyard fire pits worth it?

Backyard fire pits add value, ambiance, and functionality to outdoor spaces, making them worthwhile investments for relaxation and entertaining.

How much does a backyard fire pit typically cost?

A backyard fire pit typically costs around $850, ranging from $250 for simple designs to $5,000 for luxury custom builds.

What's the difference in cost between wood-burning and gas fire pits?

Wood-burning fire pits cost $300 to $1,000, while gas fire pits range from $400 to $3,000 due to fuel lines and higher installation costs.

How much does professional installation of a fire pit cost?

Professional installation costs between $480 and $1,000, depending on labor rates, project complexity, and location.

What ongoing maintenance costs should I consider for a fire pit?

Expect to spend $100 to $300 annually on inspections, fuel refills, and upkeep, such as replacing lava rocks and cleaning and sealing surfaces.