Last updated on January 31st, 2025
How much does a fire pit cost?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Fast Facts
- The average cost of a standard fire pit in the UK ranges from £100 to £1,750
- Labour costs for building or installing a fire pit are around £150 – £350 per day
- There are a range of fire pit options available to suit your budget
Garden fire pits are a great way to enjoy more time outside, even when temperatures cool down. But how much does a fire pit cost?
We’ve put together some of the average fire pit prices in the UK to help you understand the costs. Keep reading to find out more.
How much does a garden fire pit cost?
| Item | Range - low | Range - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard fire pit | £100 | £1,750 | £250 |
| Build fire pit from scratch (Stone/ Brick) | £800 | £2,000 | £1,300 |
| Fire bowl (metal) | £100 | £450 | £200 |
| Fire bowl (granite, ceramic, copper) | £150 | £2,000 | £400 |
| Labour (per day) | £150 | £350 | £200 |
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Garden fire pit costs can vary, with premade fire pit prices averaging around £100 – £2,000.
On average, a metal fire bowl (usually made of iron, steel or aluminium) will cost somewhere in the region of £100 – £450.
For a granite, ceramic or copper fire bowl you’ll be looking at fire pit prices of about £150 – £2,000.
It’s worth noting that the cheapest fire pits will be ready-to-use freestanding fire pits that don’t require any installation. The higher rates are for more elaborate fire pits requiring professional installation.
The labour cost to install a fire pit in the garden
The labour costs for fire pit installation are around £200 per day. It should take 0.5 – 1 day to complete the job.
How much does a fire pit cost to run?
Most garden fire pits in the UK will run on either gas or solid fuel.
The average running cost for a gas fire pit is around 58p per hour.
Using a solid fuel fire pit, you can pick up a 16-litre bag of firewood logs for about £10 - £16.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
How much does it cost to build a fire pit?
If you want a built-in structure instead of a premade unit, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the materials (e.g. bricks, fire unit, etc) and labour.
The average cost to build a fire pit from scratch in the UK is roughly £1,300.
How much would a concrete patio with a fire pit cost?
If you’re laying a concrete patio and would like a fire pit as well, you’ll first need to know the size of the patio.
Concrete patio laying cost ranges between £30 - £45 per m2.
If you’re planning a patio that’s 20m2, you’d be spending £600 - £800 for the patio – in addition to the fire pit cost.
Fire pit cost calculator
To calculate the total price of installing a fire pit you’ll need to consider the various costs involved:
- Cost of the fire pit itself (based on type and size)
- Any additional materials needed
- Labour
- Fuel (typically gas or solid fuel)
Generally speaking, the bigger the fire pit and the higher the quality of the materials, the higher the cost of the fire pit.
Fit pit installation quotes
We always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from experienced local fire pit specialists.
Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about your job and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!
Alternatively, enter your postcode in the box below and search our online directory of approved tradespeople.
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Fire pit installation hourly rates
The average hourly rate for fire pit installation is around £18.75 - £43.75 per hour.
The exact rate will depend on the individual tradesperson, their experience and the complexity of the fire pit installation.
Instead of an hourly rate, you may be charged a day rate, which is usually in the region of £150 - £350 per day.
Additional costs to build a fire pit
The installation cost of your fire pit will often include the price of the fire unit itself, materials needed to build the unit (e.g. bricks for a built-in fire pit) and general labour.
On top of the main installation, there are several other costs you might need to factor in:
- Design costs if you want a specially-designed bespoke fire pit.
- Prep work to prepare the ground or take up any decking or patio.
- Building a storage unit for your fire pit fuel, e.g. a wood shed.
- Fuel costs (whatever type of fire pit you have you’re going to need fuel)
- Servicing and maintenance to keep your fire pit in good working order.
- Professional cleaning should be carried out at least once a year (more often if you’re using your fire pit all year round).
Factors affecting the cost of fire pits
The main factors that will affect the actors affecting the fire pit cost are:
- Size
- Type (premade vs custom built)
- Quality of the materials/fire unit used
- Any prep work needed before installing the fire pit
- Any construction or excavation work needed
- Where you live
Due to the range of options for fire pits, we recommend speaking to your local fire pit experts for professional advice and accurate prices.
Benefits of a fire pit
Having a fire pit at home offers many benefits for you and your loved ones, including:
- It creates a cosy place to get together outdoors
- You can enjoy your garden for longer into the evening or in cooler weather
- A fire pit is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day
- It creates an outdoor living space as an extension of your home
- You can use them all year round
- Many fire pits have optional grill plates so they can double up as a barbecue (or simply grab skewers and marshmallows for a real campfire-style treat)
Types of fire pit
There are a wide variety of fire pits available, so it’s important to choose the right type for you.
You might be tempted to go straight for the one that looks the best, but it’s worth understanding the differences before you make a decision.
For example, some fire pits aren’t suitable for wooden decking, so it’s important to consider where you want your fire pit to be when choosing the type of fire pit for your home.
Permanent vs portable fire pits
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want your fire pit to be in a fixed position, or you want to move it around.
A portable fireplace will offer you more flexibility to use it in different locations and even store it away in the winter.
However, a permanent fire pit provides a strong focal point for your garden and can encourage you to use it throughout the year.
You may also want to build your fire pit into a newly installed patio. You’ll need to get in touch with patio installers to find out how much a concrete patio with a fire pit will cost.
Take a look at our patio cost guide for more information.
Woodburning vs gas fire pits
The type of fuel your fire pit uses is another important consideration.
Woodburning fire pits tend to be cheaper to run and create a more traditional campfire experience, but storing wood requires more space (somewhere dry, protected from the elements).
Gas fire pits offer instant fire at the flick of a switch, but can be more expensive to run and may require installing pipes from the gas source to the fire pit.
Any gas pipework will add to the cost of the fire pit installation and could involve taking up part of your decking or patio.
Speak to your local fire pit experts to find out how much a natural gas fire pit installation will cost.
Fire bowls
A fire bowl is an alternative to a full fire pit in the shape of a large shallow basin on a frame (either solid or with legs).
You can fill the fire bowl with wood (or other solid fuel types) to create the fire or connect it to a gas source.
With a very simple structure, fire bowls are a popular choice for many UK homeowners who want a fire pit experience without the cost or expense of a more advanced fire pit.
If well maintained, a fire bowl will typically last 3 – 5 years before you need to replace it.
Useful fire pit checklist
- Decide where and how you want to use your fire pit.
- Contact local fire pit experts for professional advice and accurate costs for the different fire pit options available.
- Shop around for fair and competitive fire pit prices.
- If hiring a professional, always hire a tradesperson with experience in installing fire pits.
- Remember to factor in any additional costs for the initial installation, as well as running costs (fuel, servicing, etc).
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FAQs
How much should I spend on a fire pit?
The cost of a fire pit will vary depending on size, type and quality – with options available for different budgets.
As a guide, a standard fire pit can cost anywhere from £100 to £1,750.
Ultimately, the amount you spend on a fire pit will depend on your budget and how much you think you’ll use it.
Are fire pits going to be banned?
No, fire pits are completely legal in the UK. And, as far as we’re aware, there are currently no plans to ban fire pits.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
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