Cost to Build a Fire Pit

The average cost to build a fire pit in the UK is around £700, although the total price can vary depending on the:

• Type of fire pit
• Materials used
• Size of the installation
• Amount of groundwork required

Homeowners can choose from simple portable fire pits, brick-built designs, stone fire pits, gas models and smokeless options, with costs differing significantly depending on the style and complexity of the build.

A 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. Whether placed on a patio, gravel area, concrete base or within a landscaped garden, a fire pit can turn an underused part of the garden into a more inviting area 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 and whether the installation is a simple setup or a more complex construction project.

Portable fire pits are without question the most affordable option, and are chosen by homeowners for cheap and temporary solutions, although some 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 and the quality of materials.

Next, consider the amount of ground preparation required, especially if the garden 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:

Supply Costs

The materials required to install a fire pit play quite a significant role in deciding the total cost of the project.

Fire pits are made up of a few elements, the basic components of the fire pit, such as the bowl and insert, cost between £30 and £200, while the stone or brick that make up the surrounding structure can be anywhere from £200 to £1,000, or even more if you opt for a very high quality material.

From here, consider what additional materials may be required, such as gravel and sand to create a solid base for the fire pit, which costs between £50 and £150.

Heat-resistant liners and fireproof materials are essential for safety and can add another £50 to £200 to the overall price, while accessories such as fire pit grates, covers, and spark guards may also be required, adding a further £20 to £100.

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.

Fire Pit Construction Materials

Homeowners have quite a wide range of options for materials with a permanent fire pit, with each having their own advantages and price points.

One of the most common options for a fire pit is brick, as they offer a great balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. Not only that, but they are easy to work with and can be arranged in a number of ways for different designs.

The most visually appealing option is natural stone, which provides a very high-end finish and a rustic look that will suit almost any garden style. However, you will pay a premium for this material, and you will also require a very skilled professional to install it correctly.

The most cost-effective option is concrete, which will be sturdy and long-lasting, but may not offer the same visual appeal as the other options.

Portable fire pits will often come in the form of steel and metal, and these options are ideal for homeowners who want the occasional use of a fire pit without having it be a permanent structure. Again, they may not offer the same visual appeal, but they are practical and budget-friendly.

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.

Additional Costs

There are some costs to consider that are outside the basic installation that may not be applicable to every project, but do apply to some, and these are generally to enhance the functionality and appearance.

Seating and permanent benches can create a more comfortable space for being social with friends, with costs typically ranging from £300 to £1,500. For an even more substantial renovation, you can install a patio around the fire pit to further improve the usability and aesthetics, but this also may add £800 to £3,000 to the total budget.

Using decorative stone surrounds can create a more polished look, while fire pit covers help protect the installation when not in use. Another popular addition is outdoor lighting, which can improve visibility and safety during evening use, along with landscaping features such as planting and pathways that can complete the overall design.

These additions can significantly increase the total fire pit installation cost, but also add value to the property and make the space even more enjoyable and comfortable.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour presents quite a significant portion of the overall project cost when it comes to a fire pit installation project, and you should consider it carefully. Builders and landscapers will typically charge anywhere between £150 and £300 per day, depending on their skill level and experience.

Simple installations, such as simply assembling a portable fire pit, will require minimal labour and can usually be done as a DIY project; however, more complex fixed fire pits will require the expertise and skill of a tradesperson.

The time it takes to install a fire pit will depend on the type of fire pit being installed. A portable fire pit can be assembled and ready for use within an hour; basic built-in fire pits may take between four and six hours to complete.

However, custom masonry fire pits typically require one to two days, and even more complex installations with additional features may take several days to finish.

Cost Factors for Fire Pit Installation

There are several different factors to consider when it comes to the overall cost of installing a fire pit, most notably the type and size of the fire pit. Naturally, larger and more complex projects will require more materials and labour, leading to a more expensive job. The choice of materials is also a key factor, with high-quality bricks typically costing more than basic concrete blocks.

Consider also the preparation of the ground, which adds to the cost, particularly if there is a requirement for extensive work. Additionally, gas fire pits will require a utility connection, which will lead to more costs. Finally, local labour rates can vary, affecting the overall cost of the project.

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, portable 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

Similar to portable fire pits, 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

When it comes to hiring a contractor to install your fire pit, there are a few key steps to take to ensure that you are selecting the right person. Start by obtaining as many quotes as you can to ensure that you are receiving a fair price, which provides good quality at a good rate.

Next, check out reviews and examples of previous work to understand exactly what you can expect to receive for your money.

Before hiring the contractor you like, ensure they have all the necessary insurance, and have the quote in writing that includes everything covered by the price to avoid any issues down the line, along with timescales for the project. Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and successful installation.

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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