Do you want to make your outdoor area more welcoming? By installing an outdoor fireplace in your yard, patio, or deck, not only will it look cozier and visually appealing, but it can also boost the value of a home.
It is a popular outdoor feature that provides warmth, making it a great addition to homes with a cool environment or for homeowners who want to use it during cool evenings. Even if you don’t mind the cold, it can also be used to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. This will bring your entertaining space to a whole new level.
If you're planning on getting one, you are probably curious about the costs of installing outdoor fireplaces. It will vary depending on the type, materials, fuel source, and other factors. Continue reading to find out the costs of getting an outdoor fireplace installed based on these factors.
Prefabricated Fireplace
One of the most economical types of fireplaces is a prefabricated fireplace. This is a good option for homeowners who prefer a quick and affordable installation, and don’t want a fireplace built from scratch. Most prefabricated fireplaces are made out of reinforced concrete and usually run on propane or natural gas.
(Source: Fluesbrothers Chimney Service)
A prefabricated fireplace can cost around $1,000 up to $9,000, largely depending on the size and material of the fireplace. If you want more features, such as a chimney to get that traditional fireplace look, you’ll have to spend more. When getting this fireplace, watch out for high shipping or delivery charges.
If you want to utilize and enjoy your new outdoor feature right away, this a good way to go.
Pre-Built Modular Fireplace
Another affordable fireplace type you can get is a modular fireplace. This fireplace usually consists of three or four pieces, one of which is a chimney, and installed on a compacted base using a forklift. It usually has a natural stone or marble finish and will look like it was built of individual blocks. This type is also not an open-burning fireplace, so it can be placed closer to a home.
(Source: Mason-Lite)
The cost of a modular fireplace with a chimney is around $1,600 and $7,000. You can also get the front of the fireplace embellished with materials such as marble, natural stone, or cedar. It will cost more, but this will help the fireplace blend with the exterior decor, making it look more polished.
Custom-Built Fireplace
If you prefer a unique and authentic outdoor fireplace, a far more expensive type is a customized fireplace. This is for homeowners who prefer a high-end design that will make the area look more upscale.
A custom fireplace can cost around $8,000 to $20,000, depending on its style, complexity, and size. Part of the cost would be for the labor, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000, and more than $1,000 for materials. The stonework is expensive, which explains the cost of hiring a contractor and stonemason.
(Source: The Platinum Group)
The material cost will be less expensive if you go for façade veneers such as stucco, stone, or ceramic and will increase for materials like glass, granite, or metal. If you want a more seamless look, it would also cost more to match the fireplace’s design with the house’s.
So if you have a specific design in mind for your fireplace, you should go for a custom one.
Chiminea
If you want a portable and affordable fireplace, you can opt for a chiminea. It is a front-loading fireplace with a vertical smoke vent or chimney. You can use it to provide warmth or cooking since it is also considered as an oven. This type is perfect for homeowners who love the ambiance created by fireplaces but have limited space.
(Source: Wayfair)
How much does it cost? The price of a chiminea ranges from $100 to $500, which is far less expensive than the other types.
While you can move it around and use it for cooking, this fireplace is small and would not be able to accommodate many people.
Cost by Material
Brick and Mortar
If you want the traditional fireplace look, you should go for masonry materials such as brick, mortar, fireclay, or stucco. Most masonry fireplaces are built from scratch and would be expensive, costing around $8,000 to $20,000. It is also expensive since you will require footing to hold the weight of the structure or may need a professional mason. Installing one may also take longer than two weeks, depending on the style, complexity, and size.
(Source: Pinterest)
But if you don’t prefer a customized one and want a quick installation, you can get brick or stone fireplace kits, which costs between $1,500 and $8,000.
Metal
For those who want a modern-looking fireplace, you can opt for metal fireplaces such as the chiminea mentioned above or portable metal fire pits. These would cost around $100 to $500. But if you want a built-in metal fireplace, expect the cost to be similar to a customized masonry fireplace. You’ll need to contact a metal worker or a contractor for this project.
Cost by Fuel Source
Wood
Traditional fireplaces run on wood, and custom work will be similar to the cost of a custom-built fireplace, which is around $8,000 to $20,000. For a more affordable option, you can get a wood-burning pre-fabricated kit, which costs around $1,000 to $6,000.
One advantage of getting a wood-burning fireplace is you won’t have to spend on getting a gas line installed. But you’ll have more maintenance expenses since wood-burning fireplaces require regular cleaning.
Gas or Propane
If you want a smoke-free and low-maintenance fireplace, you should get one that runs on gas or propane. A prefabricated gas fireplace can cost around $750 to $6,000. The price is largely affected if you need to get a gas line installed, which costs around $25 to $55 per linear foot. This part of the installation cost can be reduced if you have a main gas line to your home, allowing you to connect the gas fireplace from the meter.
(Source: Rocky Mountain)
On the other hand, propane fireplace kits cost around $200 to $5,000. This fireplace will have a standalone propane tank, which would add around $100 to $500 for annual propane tank refills. You also have the option to install a propane gas line, which costs almost the same as the natural gas line.
Custom fireplaces that run on gas, it’s best to get a quote from a contractor. If you want an easy way to get estimates, check out HomeAdvisor.
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