What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (2024)

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Are you thinking about building a stone fire pit in your backyard? Before jumping in, you should consider many different factors, including your total cost.

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Are you thinking about building a stone fire pit in your backyard? Before jumping in, you should consider many different factors, including your total cost.

You might be wondering things like:

  • Is a fire pit affordable or expensive to build?
  • What are the hidden costs I should be aware of?
  • Should I hire a professional or build it myself?

This article will look at how much a stone fire pit will cost to build yourself—or at least how to get an accurate estimate of what to expect.

Time

The first factor you might want to consider is the amount of time the project will take. What will it cost you in time?

If you are like most DIYers, you are not placing a monetary value on your time. However, if you are like most DIYers, you also have a limited amount of time you can (or want to!) dedicate to the task.

Building a stone fire pit will take most people half a day of research and planning, another half day for shopping, and then about a full day of work. If you’re ready to get started by the time the weekend rolls around, it is essentially a whole weekend project.

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (1)

Project Materials

The materials for the fire pit itself will most likely cost around $300 (2022). However, you will also need some other materials to build your fire pit effectively.

Gravel and adhesive

You will need gravel for the base, which will cost around $50. You will also need stone adhesive, which will cost only approximately $15. In total, these materials will come to about $375, but you may also need to purchase some tools if you do not have them or don’t have a way to borrow them.

Tools

Building a fire pit requires many different tools. You may already have these or can easily borrow from a friend or family member to keep your costs down.

  • Work gloves: $5
  • Wheelbarrow: $100
  • Pickaxe: $50
  • Shovel: $25
  • Garden rake: $25
  • Hand broom: $20
  • Tamper: $35
  • Rubber mallet: $15
  • Torpedo level: $10
  • 24” level: $25
  • Tape measure: $15
  • Caulk gun: $5

The total cost for the tools could ring up to $330. Again, borrowing from a friend or neighbor is a great way to save money. But if you frequently do outdoor projects and decide to go ahead and purchase the tools, you most likely will use them again, as they are some of the essential tools you will regularly need for DIY projects.

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (2)

How much money do you save by doing it yourself?

DIYing will always be cheaper for you monetarily, but not in time.

DIYing a fire pit could cost you $300-$1000, depending on the tools and materials you have available. If you hire a contractor, you will pay between $1000-$1500. However, when calculating your costs, you should also factor in how much time DIYing would take you to see if it is worth the cost difference to you or not.

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (3)

Should you DIY or hire a hardscape contractor to build your fire pit?

There are benefits and drawbacks to hiring a hardscape contractor, just as there are benefits and disadvantages to building your fire pit.

Contractor benefits

Contractors have all the right tools and will also help you plan and purchase your hardscape materials (or may even do that for you). Contractors also have experience and will give you professional results.

DIY benefits

On the other hand, doing it yourself will save you money. It also means you’ll get some hardscape experience under your belt. This is especially valuable if you plan on doing other projects in the future. DIY is also just a fun way to work outdoors and improve the look and function of your space.

It’s your decision

Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but now you know what to expect a fire pit project to cost you in time and money.

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (4)

Get our free project planning guide

If you are ready to start planning your project, download our free Project Planning Guide. It will help you plan all the specific details, whether or not you decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor for the job.

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project (2024)

FAQs

What Does a DIY Stone Fire Pit Cost to Build? How to Estimate the Project? ›

DIYing a fire pit could cost you $300-$1000, depending on the tools and materials you have available. If you hire a contractor, you will pay between $1000-$1500.

How much does it cost to build a stone firepit? ›

Most homeowners spend between $250 and $2,200 on materials and labor for their fire pits. For a more elaborate fire pit that's built in to your deck or patio, with stone or brick edging and other custom features, you could spend as much as $2,000, or even more.

What is a cost effective DIY fire pit? ›

Learn how to create a fire pit using paver bricks, pea gravel and a metal ring You can do it in an afternoon, with a little elbow grease and less than $100. This simple fire pit design can be completed in an afternoon for less than $100. And, you'll still have money and time left to host friends for a bonfire and beer.

How do I calculate how many stones I need for a fire pit? ›

Calculate how many stones or blocks you will need by multiplying the diameter of the circle by 3.14 (pi). For example, for a 4-foot diameter circle, multiply 48 inches by 3.14 for a total of 150.72 inches.

How deep should a stone fire pit be? ›

How Deep Should a Fire Pit Be? A fire pit that's 1 foot deep allows those gathering around it to see both the fire and each other. As with diameter, local ordinances may prescribe fire pit depth, so be sure to check local fire pit guidelines.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a fire pit? ›

The fire pit's size, fuel source and materials used all affect its cost, as does whether it's built in-ground or above-ground. DIY-ing a fire pit installation can save half the cost, though pros may be needed to connect gas- or electric-powered pits.

Does a backyard fire pit add value to home? ›

Patio extension ideas like fire pits are a great way to add value to your home. So, can adding a fire pit increase your home's value? Yes, a fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard because it adds value to your home. Also, it creates a beautiful and functional area of your home.

How many bricks do I need for a homemade fire pit? ›

Some people like to build them out of the same material as their paving or other garden walls to make sure that everything matches. You'll need around 80 standard-sized bricks for a 900mm (3ft) pit.

What is the best base for a fire pit? ›

Crushed limestone is a popular choice for gravel fire pit areas due to its excellent drainage properties. This type of gravel compacts well, providing a solid base for seating and heavy items. It is often used as the primary material for the fire pit patio itself, creating a sturdy and functional surface.

How many inches of gravel do I need for a fire pit? ›

For best results, your gravel patio fire pit area should be constructed with at least 4” gravel. We recommend ¾” clean crushed limestone based on both the drainage and support it provides.

What should the bottom of a fire pit be? ›

Fire-rated bricks or half bricks at the base of a fire pit will allow oxygen to fan the flames. Bricks can also withstand high temperatures, making them a suitable material for your fire pit.

Why are fire pits so expensive? ›

Higher-quality materials or intricate designs may contribute to a higher price. Labour: On the surface it may appear less expensive to build the fire pit from stone or pavers but the cost of labour depends on the complexity of the build and the material itself also adds up.

How high should a fire pit be off the ground? ›

For example, if you want to be able to prop your feet on it, go with one that is about 12 to 14 inches high. If you plan to use the edge of the fire pit as a sitting wall, you'll want it to be about 20 inches. You won't want to go much higher than that, or you won't really be able to enjoy the flames and warmth.

Does a firepit increase property value? ›

Firepits Raise Property Value

It can also better the chances of making a quick sale. It may seem too simple, but research has shown that having a firepit as the centerpiece of a backyard can absolutely be a big selling point. It has been said that adding a firepit can increase your home's selling price by 15% to 40%.

Can you build a fire pit on a stone patio? ›

With the correct materials – which can be as simple as just a collection of wall block stones and some flat ground – you can build a fire pit on your paved patio in as short a space of time as one hour.

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