Cost to Build a Fire Pit

The average cost to build a garden fire pit in the UK is around £700, although the total price can vary depending on the type of fire pit, the materials used, the size of the installation and the amount of groundwork required.

Homeowners can choose from brick-built designs, stone fire pits, gas models and smokeless options, with costs differing significantly depending on the style and complexity of the build. They can design their very own luxury fire piut or go for a more traditional campfire experience.

An outdoor fire pit is a popular addition to UK gardens because it adds warmth, creates a focal point, and helps make outdoor spaces more practical for relaxing or entertaining with loved ones. Whether placed on a patio, gravel area, concrete base or within a landscaped garden, a garden fire can turn an underused part of the garden into a year round focal point for family gatherings, outdoor dining or evening use.

Some small fire pits can be installed as a DIY project, but larger or permanent structures often require professional installation to ensure they are safe, stable and suitable for the space.

In this guide, we’ll explain the average fire pit installation cost, the main factors that affect pricing, and what you can expect to pay for different types of fire pits in the UK.

How Much is Fire Pit Installation?

When considering how much it costs to install a fire pit, the main things to consider are just how many different options there are. On average, it costs £350-£1,200 in the UK to build a fire pit, but high-end projects can easily exceed this range, and cheap, portable options can cost less.

Ultimately, the average cost of installing a fire pit depends heavily on the design, the space in your outdoor area and whether the installation is a simple setup or a more complex construction project.

Portable types of fire pits are without question the most affordable option, and are chosen by homeowners for cheap and temporary solutions. These are often advertised as fire bowls or fire baskets. However, if the homeowner wishes to tranform their outdoor space pernamently well-made options can last a long time.

These units require very little set-up, and are often used straight out of the box, whereas built-in units, often built with brick and stone, require time, labour and materials to install, increasing the price massively.

There are several key factors that influence the cost of a fire pit installation. Firstly, the type of fire pit plays a major role, as does the size, fuel type you would prefer, and the quality of materials.

Next, consider the amount of ground preparation required, especially if the outdoor area has not been recently landscaped. Labour costs also vary depending on the complexity of the project and the rates charged by tradespeople in your area.

Fire Pit Installation Prices

Below is a general fire pit cost estimate based on common installation types:

Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour makes up a significant part of the total fire pit installation cost, especially for built-in brick, stone or gas fire pits. Builders and landscapers usually charge around £150 to £300 per day, depending on their experience, location and the complexity of the work.

Simple portable options like fire baskets or fire bowls may not require professional labour at all, but permanent fire pits usually need a tradesperson to prepare the base, build the structure and make sure the installation is safe.

The final timescale will depend on whether the ground needs levelling, whether a new patio or gravel base is being added, and whether the fire pit needs a gas connection.

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Supply Costs

The supply costs for a fire pit will depend on whether you choose a simple portable model like fire bowls or fire baskets, a brick fire pit, a natural stone fire pit, cast iron, or a gas fire pit. Common materials such as bricks, cast iron, stone, gravel, sand, liners and fire pit accessories can all affect the final price.

Budget-friendly fire pit materials can keep the total cost lower, but higher-quality bricks, natural stone and heat-resistant materials are usually more durable and better suited to permanent outdoor fire pit installations. Always consider safety such as adding a spark guard or fire pit cover.

The type and quality of materials used will have a very big say in how much the total cost of installing a fire pit will be.

Of course, homeowners on a budget will be tempted to save money by specifying some cheaper options and materials, but while this may save money in the short term, high-quality materials will be more long-lasting and provide a more premium fire pit experience.

Fire Pit Construction Materials

Homeowners have a wide range of material options when building a permanent fire pit. The best choice will depend on your budget, garden style, maintenance expectations and how often you plan to use the fire pit.

Brick Fire Pits

Brick is one of the most common materials for a built-in fire pit because it offers a good balance between cost, durability and appearance.

Pros

• ✔ Cost-effective compared to natural stone
• ✔ Works well for traditional garden designs
• ✔ Suitable for a wide range of fire pit shapes and sizes

Cons

• ✖ May need heat-resistant lining to prevent cracking
• ✖ Not always as visually high-end as natural stone

Natural Stone Fire Pits

Natural stone creates a premium, rustic finish and is a popular option for landscaped gardens and custom fire pit seating areas.

Pros

• ✔ High-end appearance
• ✔ Very durable when installed correctly
• ✔ Works well with patios and landscaped garden areas

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than brick or concrete
• ✖ Usually requires a skilled professional installer

Concrete Fire Pits

Concrete is a practical and sturdy option for homeowners who want a permanent fire pit without paying premium natural stone prices.

Pros

• ✔ Strong and long-lasting
• ✔ Often cheaper than natural stone
• ✔ Can suit modern garden designs

Cons

• ✖ Can look plain without decorative finishing
• ✖ Poor installation may lead to cracks over time

Steel and Metal Fire Pits

Steel and metal fire pits are usually portable rather than built in. They are ideal for homeowners who want a flexible and lower-cost outdoor heating option.

Pros

• ✔ Affordable and easy to set up
• ✔ Can be moved around the garden
• ✔ Good option for occasional use

Cons

• ✖ Less permanent than brick, stone or concrete
• ✖ Some models may rust if left uncovered

Fire Pit Fuel Options

The type of fuel you intend to use in your fire pit will affect the installation and the ongoing costs - here they are in a little more detail.

Wood-Burning

Wood as fuel is the most traditional option and also the cheapest and easiest to install, as they don't require any connections to utilities and can be used readily with simply some available wood and charcoal. However, they do produce a significant amount of smoke and require some maintenance and cleaning.

Gas

Gas is a more convenient alternative to wood, offering instant ignition and adjustable flame size. Not only that, but they are much cleaner and don’t produce any smoke. However, as they require a connection for this, the installation is a little more complex and will require a professional.

Smokeless

A newer innovation in the fire pit industry is smokeless fire pits, which are accomplished through improved airflow and combustion. These models are often more expensive but provide a more comfortable and environmentally friendly experience.

Ground Preparation Costs

The first priority when installing a fire pit is the groundwork, which must be properly prepared for stability and safety. This will involve levelling the area, especially if this is dramatically off level, and then a gravel or sand base will be laid to provide some drainage and longer-term stability.

Some homeowners will opt for a paved seating area around their fire pit, which will, of course, add another element to the pricing. Installing a concrete base is another option that provides a solid foundation, but again, this will require additional materials and labour, which adds to the overall project cost. Ground preparation costs can range from £100 to £500 or more, depending on the extent of the work required.

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Additional Costs

There are some extra costs that may apply when building a fire pit, especially if the work is part of a wider garden upgrade.

• Built-in seating — £300 - £1,500
• Patio installation — £800 - £3,000
• Decorative stone surround — £100 - £700
• Outdoor lighting — £100 - £1,000
• Garden landscaping — £200 - £2,000+
• Fire pit cover or spark guard — £20 - £100
• Waste removal — £50 - £200
• Running costs — £5 - £30+ per use for logs, charcoal or gas, depending on fuel type and usage.

These additions can increase the total fire pit installation cost, but they can also make the space safer, more practical and more comfortable for regular use.

Cost Factors for Fire Pit Installation

The total cost of building a fire pit can vary significantly depending on the design, materials and preparation work required. The main cost factors include:

• Type of fire pit — Portable types of fire pits are the cheapest option, while built-in, gas and custom fire pits cost more.
• Size of the installation — Larger fire pits require more materials, more labour and more groundwork.
• Materials used — Brick and concrete are usually more affordable, while natural stone and custom finishes cost more.
• Ground preparation — Uneven ground, poor drainage or the need for a new base can increase the price.
• Labour rates — Builders, landscapers and gas engineers may charge different rates depending on location and experience.
• Gas connection requirements — Gas fire pits cost more if pipework, a burner kit or a Gas Safe registered engineer is needed.
• Garden access — Difficult access can increase labour time, especially if materials need to be moved through the house or by hand.
• Additional features — Seating, lighting, patios, pathways and landscaping can all increase the final cost.

Fire Pit Placement

Fire pit placement is a very important thing to consider in the planning stages of your project. The most common installation areas are patios and terraces, and if you plan on installing one on decking, there will be more costs related to the use of special heat-resistant materials to prevent any damage or fire risks.

Patio installations are often the most straightforward option, as they provide a stable and level surface with non-flammable materials. However, additional groundwork may be required to ensure the area can withstand the heat generated by the fire pit. Ultimately, careful placement is essential to maximise safety and enjoyment.

Building Regulations for Fire Pit Installation

In the majority of cases, fire pits do not require any planning permission when installed in a private garden; however, homeowners must ensure that they are positioned safely away from buildings, fences, and trees to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

For gas fire pits, there will be gas safety regulations to consider, and as such, they should only be installed by a qualified professional on the Gas Safe Register.

In some areas, particularly those with smoke control regulations, there may be restrictions on the use of wood-burning fire pits, but this isn’t too common.

The best course of action is to contact your local authority to ensure there is nothing preventing the installation of a gas fire pit on your property.

Types of Fire Pit

There are several types of fire pits available, each with its own advantages and cost implications:

Portable Fire Pits

The most affordable and quickest to install, the portable kind of fire pits are simple metal products that can be assembled as a DIY job and are great temporary or occasional features.

Built-In Fire Pits

The permanent solution, built in fire pits, offers great durability and high-end appearance, but their costs vary quite greatly depending on the size, materials and complexity of the design.

Gas Fire Pits

These fire pits are incredibly convenient and smokeless, making them great options for social settings. However, they do add extra complexities for the design and installation, and require hooking up to a utility.

Fire Pit Tables

These types of fire pits look like a table to the naked eye, but feature a removable centre piece to reveal a fire pit with much the same make-up as a portable version.

Alternative Outdoor Heating Options

Fire pits, while popular, are not the only choice for an outdoor heating option. Chimneas are another affordable and traditional option that offers a contained flame and very little smoke, and offer more rustic charm.

They offer a similar heat output to fire pits, and are bought ready to use, requiring no assembly or installation.

Patio heaters are another great choice for an inexpensive purchase, and again, they do not have any great installation requirements. However, they are more expensive if run more frequently due to the energy use.

Outdoor fireplaces offer a more substantial and permanent solution, but do come with higher installation costs as a built-in fixture. They offer a more focused heat output to fire pits and require a similar amount of fuel.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Fire Pit Installation

Before hiring someone to build a fire pit, it is worth checking that they have the right experience for the type of installation you want. A simple portable setup may not need a tradesperson, but brick, stone, gas and custom fire pits should be handled carefully.

• Experience — Ask whether they have experience building brick, stone or gas fire pits.
• Previous work — Request photos of similar outdoor fire pit installations they have completed.
• Included work — Check whether groundwork, base preparation and waste removal are included in the quote.
• Gas safety — For gas fire pits, confirm the work will be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Written quote — Ask for a quote that separates labour, materials and additional landscaping costs.
• Compare quotes — Compare quotes from local providers using MyJobQuote before hiring a contractor.
• Safe placement — Confirm where the fire pit will be placed and whether it is safely away from fences, trees, sheds and buildings.
• Suitable materials — Check whether they can advise on fireproof materials, drainage and heat-resistant liners.
• Reviews and insurance — Read reviews and check insurance before agreeing to the work.

Getting these details confirmed before work begins can help prevent unexpected costs and ensure your fire pit is safe, stable and suitable for your garden.

Removing or Replacing a Fire Pit

You may have a requirement to remove a fire pit, either due to upgrading to a new fire pit or as part of a landscaping project. The removal of a fire pit is typically labour only, so you can expect to pay anywhere from £150 to £300.

However, in some cases, this may be more, depending on whether it was hooked up to any utilities or in a hard-to-reach area. If it is connected to gas, you will need this disconnected by a professional gas engineer before removing it.

In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to repair or fix minor issues rather than replace the entire structure. However, if the fire pit is outdated or no longer meets your needs, investing in a replacement can improve both functionality and aesthetics.

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