A backyard fire pit turns an ordinary evening into something worth staying outside for.
Whether you want a $150 DIY ring or a $12,000 custom stone showpiece, the right design comes down to three things: your budget, your yard size, and how much work you're willing to do.
National installed costs range from about $300 to $15,000+, depending on fuel type, materials, and labor. Gas lines and custom masonry push prices up fast, while modular kits and simple concrete rings keep costs low.
We pulled cost data from fire pit cost data and compared 25 designs across every price tier.
Each entry below includes an installed cost range, fuel type, and the clearest path to getting it built - so you can stop second-guessing and start planning your outdoor room.
For anyone still deciding between a permanent structure and something portable, our guide to top-rated fire pit picks breaks down tested models at each price point.
This guide covers 25 backyard fire pit ideas with realistic installed costs, from under $200 for portable table-tops to $15,000+ for custom stone mosaics. Options span wood-burning, propane, and natural gas fuel types, with DIY and pro-install paths for every budget.
25 Backyard Fire Pit Ideas with Cost Estimates
The table below gives you a fast overview of all 25 designs. Costs reflect installed totals - materials plus typical labor - based on national averages from Angi's installation guide.
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Individual sections below add detail on each option.
| # | Design | Installed Cost | Fuel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concrete Ring | $300–$900 | Wood | Budget, flat yards |
| 2 | Steel Fire Bowl | $600–$2,000 | Wood/Gas | Modern patios |
| 3 | Stone/Brick Built-In | $2,000–$8,000+ | Wood | Classic, large yards |
| 4 | Gas Linear Pit | $1,500–$6,000 | Gas | Contemporary design |
| 5 | Propane Fire Table | $200–$1,500 | Propane | Small patios, renters |
| 6 | Ring Kit + Glass | $100–$600 | Wood | DIY beginners |
| 7 | Paver Patio + Pit | $3,000–$10,000 | Wood/Gas | Full patio remodel |
| 8 | Gas Linear Wall | $4,000–$12,000 | Gas | High-end modern yards |
| 9 | Concrete + Glass Bead | $600–$2,000 | Gas/Propane | Artistic, mid-budget |
| 10 | Pit + Seating Wall | $2,000–$8,000+ | Wood/Gas | Entertaining spaces |
| 11 | Stone Veneer Round | $1,500–$6,000 | Wood | Classic round style |
| 12 | Terraced Patio Bowl | $5,000–$15,000+ | Gas/Wood | Sloped yards |
| 13 | Tabletop Fire Bowl | $100–$600 | Propane | Renters, small spaces |
| 14 | Pit + Countertop | $2,500–$7,000 | Gas | Grilling + socializing |
| 15 | Deck-Integrated Pit | $3,000–$9,000 | Gas | Deck-focused builds |
| 16 | Concrete Slab + Glass | $400–$1,600 | Gas/Propane | Modern, budget-mid |
| 17 | Brick Courtyard Nook | $2,000–$7,000 | Wood | Traditional courtyards |
| 18 | Fire Pit Island Bar | $4,000–$12,000 | Gas | Entertaining, large yards |
| 19 | Pebble-Inset Pit | $800–$3,000 | Gas/Wood | Textured, natural style |
| 20 | Steel Column Pit | $2,000–$6,000 | Gas | Architectural focal point |
| 21 | Sunken Pit + Lawn | $2,500–$8,000 | Wood | Open, flat yards |
| 22 | Stainless + Fire Glass | $1,500–$5,000 | Gas | Durable, clean look |
| 23 | Rustic Stone Circle | $500–$2,500 | Wood | Rustic, simple yards |
| 24 | Concrete Block Pit | $800–$3,000 | Wood/Gas | Minimalist modern |
| 25 | Custom Stone Mosaic | $5,000–$15,000+ | Gas/Wood | Showpiece builds |
1. Concrete Ring Fire Pit
A poured or precast concrete ring is the most affordable permanent fire pit you can build. Installed costs run $300-$900, and most flat yards can accommodate one in a weekend with basic tools.
According to HomeAdvisor's fire pit guide, concrete ring variants stay at the low end of the cost spectrum largely because labor is minimal and materials are widely available.
2. Steel Fire Pit Bowl
Steel bowls sit in the $600-$2,000 installed range and work well on modern concrete or composite patios. The bowl style handles both wood and gas burner inserts.
Angi's cost installation breakdown places steel bowls firmly in the mid-tier, with price driven by bowl diameter and whether a gas conversion kit is added.
3. Stone or Brick Built-In Fire Pit
A custom stone or brick fire pit is a permanent structure that typically costs $2,000-$8,000 installed, with high-end veneer choices pushing totals even higher. These suits large yards with a classic or transitional aesthetic.
The Seattle Times cost breakdown notes that stone type, wall thickness, and cap material are the biggest cost variables in this category. You can also compare fire pit cost factors before committing to a mason.
4. Gas vs. Wood Linear Fire Pit
Gas linear pits cost $1,500-$6,000 installed for propane and more when a natural gas line is run. Wood-burning linear designs often come in lower, around $800-$3,000.
- No smoke or ash cleanup after each use
- Instant on/off control with consistent flame height
- Better suited for covered or semi-enclosed spaces
- Lower upfront installation cost — no gas line needed
- Authentic campfire smell and crackling sound
- Works anywhere without utility hookup
For a detailed fuel-cost comparison, our guide on propane versus natural gas covers long-term running costs and BTU output side by side. The fuel choice breakdown also notes that natural gas costs less per hour to run but requires a licensed gas line installation.
5. Portable Propane Fire Pit Table
Propane fire tables run $200-$1,500 depending on BTU output and surface area. They require no installation - just a standard 20-lb propane tank - making them ideal for renters or small patios.
Wilson Exteriors' portable pit overview highlights that fire tables with dining surfaces command a premium over basic bowl-style propane units.
6. Modular Ring Kit with Smoked Glass Fire Ring
DIY ring kits with smoked glass inserts cost $100-$600 in materials and typically take a half-day to assemble on flat ground. No mortar or special tools required for most kits.
Bonfire by Design's smokeless ring kit is one example of a modular product designed for easy self-install. For a step-by-step process, see how to build a backyard fire pit from scratch.
7. Paver Patio with Built-In Fire Pit
Combining a paver patio with a built-in pit is a $3,000-$10,000 project when done together. The patio footprint, stone type, and whether seating walls are added determine where you land in that range.
Angi notes that integrated patio work significantly affects total cost because excavation and base prep are shared between both features. Our patio cost guide breaks down base layer and stone pricing separately.
8. Gas-Powered Linear Wall Fire Pit
A gas linear wall is one of the most dramatic high-end backyard fire pit ideas, with installed costs reaching $4,000-$12,000. Gas line routing and burner quality are the two biggest price drivers.
SoCal Fire Pits' 2025 gas pit pricing details how contractor labor for trenching and gas connections can add $1,500-$3,000 to any linear project.
9. Concrete Pad with Glass-Bead Inset
Glass-bead insets on a poured concrete surround cost $600-$2,000 installed. The decorative glass fills the burner pan and creates a colorful, modern flame effect without adding significant structural cost.
HomeAdvisor's data on veneer and finish costs confirms that decorative glass adds roughly $50-$200 to base material costs depending on fill depth and glass quality.
10. Fire Pit with Modular Seating Wall
A fire pit paired with a modular seating wall typically runs $2,000-$8,000+ installed. Wall length, block type, and whether caps are added all move the number upward quickly.
The Seattle Times' integrated seating cost guide points out that adding just 10 linear feet of seating wall can double the base pit cost.
11. Stone Veneer Round Fire Pit
Stone veneer applied to a round CMU block pit costs $1,500-$6,000 installed. Fieldstone and ledgestone veneers sit at opposite ends of that range, with natural stone commanding the premium.
Angi's pit type cost spread ranks stone veneer rounds as a mid-to-upper tier option that punches above its price in visual impact.
12. Terraced Patio with Fire Bowl
Terraced patio builds for sloped yards are $5,000-$15,000+ projects, with most of the cost going to grading, retaining walls, and drainage. The fire bowl itself is a relatively small portion of total spend.
Both the Seattle Times overview and Angi emphasize that slope correction work is what separates terraced builds from flat-yard installs on cost. If drainage is an issue on your slope, knowing how a French drain works before starting will save headaches later.
13. Portable Tabletop Fire Bowl
Tabletop fire bowls are the most accessible option at $100-$600, requiring zero installation. Most burn isopropyl gel or bioethanol, making them safe for covered patios and apartment balconies.
Angi's portable pit category and Wilson Exteriors' pit type comparison both note that tabletop models sacrifice heat output (typically under 10,000 BTU) for maximum portability.
14. Fire Pit with Inline Countertop
Adding a countertop surface alongside a gas fire pit creates a functional outdoor kitchen hybrid, with installed costs typically ranging $2,500-$7,000. Concrete countertops are cheapest; granite and quartz raise the ceiling fast.
Angi's gas pit add-on costs confirm that countertop integration adds $500-$2,000 over a standalone built-in pit depending on material choice.
15. Flush-Mount Fire Pit with Decking
Integrating a gas fire pit flush into a wood or composite deck requires heat-rated clearances and often a permit. Installed costs range from $3,000-$9,000, with permit fees adding $50-$500 depending on municipality.
The U.S. Fire Administration's outdoor fire safety guide specifies that combustible decking materials must maintain minimum clearances from any open flame source.
The EPA's backyard fire guidelines also recommend checking local ordinances before any deck-integrated install.
16. Concrete Slab with Fire Glass
A simple poured concrete slab with a recessed gas burner and fire glass fill costs $400-$1,600 installed. It's a clean, minimalist look that works with nearly any modern yard.
HomeAdvisor's concrete pit pricing confirms this as one of the better value-per-dollar options for homeowners who want a gas flame without a large footprint.
17. Brick Courtyard with Fire Pit Nook
A brick courtyard nook with a central fire pit costs $2,000-$7,000 installed, with reclaimed brick on the low end and tumbled clay brick on the high end. It suits traditional home styles particularly well.
According to Angi's built-in cost data, brick courtyard projects take longer to lay than block alternatives, which pushes labor hours up. Adding surrounding backyard privacy fencing completes the enclosed courtyard feel.
18. Fire Pit Island with Seating Bar
A fire pit island with a wraparound bar-height counter costs $4,000-$12,000 installed and functions as an outdoor living room centerpiece. Island width and bar seating length are the primary cost levers.
The Seattle Times' feature-driven cost guide notes that outdoor islands with integrated gas burners require utility coordination that adds both cost and lead time.
19. Pebble-Inset Fire Pit
Pebble or river aggregate insets around a fire pit surround cost $800-$3,000 installed depending on stone type and coverage area. Mexican beach pebbles sit at the top of the price range; standard river rock is far cheaper.
HomeAdvisor's aggregate finish data notes that decorative stone installation costs $2-$8 per square foot in labor alone. If you're considering a gravel-based surround, our gravel patio DIY guide covers base prep and drainage that apply here too.
20. Modern Steel Column Fire Pit
Steel column fire pits are architectural pieces that cost $2,000-$6,000 installed. Corten steel (weathering steel) is popular for its rust-tone finish that develops naturally over time without degrading structurally.
Wilson Exteriors' steel pit cost breakdown and Angi both place column-style designs in the upper-mid tier, largely because fabrication and custom sizing add labor costs that off-the-shelf bowls avoid.
21. Sunken Fire Pit with Surrounding Lawn
Sunken fire pits require excavation to 18-36 inches depth, with total installed costs of $2,500-$8,000. The in-ground effect creates a natural amphitheater feel that works best on open, flat lawns.
HomeAdvisor's excavation cost breakdown notes that soil type significantly affects digging costs - rocky ground or clay can add $300-$800 in labor.
22. Stainless Steel Burner with Fire Glass
Stainless steel burner pans with tempered fire glass cost $1,500-$5,000 installed. Marine-grade 304 stainless resists rust better than standard steel and is worth the premium in humid climates.
Angi's gas burner cost guide and Wilson Exteriors both indicate that burner quality - measured in BTU output and materials - is the single biggest cost variable in this category.
23. Rustic Stone Circle with Wood-Burning Fire Bowl
A dry-stacked or mortared stone circle with a cast iron wood-burning bowl costs $500-$2,500 installed. It's one of the most DIY-accessible permanent designs on this list.
Angi's wood-burning pit costs confirm that skipping a gas line keeps stone circle installs at the affordable end of the built-in spectrum.
24. Minimalist Concrete Block with Capped Top
Concrete block fire pits with a smooth cap stone run $800-$3,000 installed. The block-and-cap combination offers a clean, geometric profile that pairs well with modern landscape design.
HomeAdvisor's block pit pricing places concrete block builds in a reliable mid-range, with cap material - bluestone, granite, or poured concrete - being the main cost variable per Angi's data.
25. Custom Stone Mosaic Fire Bowl
A hand-crafted stone mosaic fire bowl is the highest-cost option on this list at $5,000-$15,000+ installed. Mosaic complexity, stone sourcing, and artisan labor time account for the wide range.
The Seattle Times' showpiece cost discussion notes these builds are typically commissioned rather than quoted, meaning price is highly project-specific. Angi recommends getting three bids and a detailed scope of work before proceeding on any custom stone project.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Yard
Three quick-start paths cover most homeowners' needs. A budget DIY paver ring costs under $400 in materials and a weekend of work.
A mid-range built-in stone pit with basic veneer runs $2,000-$4,000 with a landscaper. A modular gas pit wall with seating is the step-up option at $5,000-$8,000 with a certified gas contractor.
You can compare pergola and fire pit budget combinations in our pergola cost breakdown if you're planning a full outdoor room. For comprehensive backyard layout ideas across all project types, the outdoor living design hub covers patios, structures, and planting together.
Before buying materials, check your local burn ordinances — the EPA's backyard fire guidance notes that many municipalities restrict wood-burning pits within city limits. A gas pit may be your only code-compliant option. Angi's permit cost data shows permit fees typically add $50–$500 to any installed project.
Quick-Reference Cost Summary
Use this table to compare design categories by cost tier without scrolling through each entry above.
| Category | Cost Range | Fuel Type | DIY Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable / Tabletop | $100–$1,500 | Propane / Gel | Yes |
| DIY Ring / Modular Kit | $100–$900 | Wood | Yes |
| Concrete / Block Built-In | $400–$3,000 | Wood / Gas | Partial |
| Steel Bowl / Column | $600–$6,000 | Wood / Gas | Partial |
| Stone Veneer / Brick | $1,500–$8,000 | Wood | No |
| Gas Linear / Wall | $1,500–$12,000 | Gas | No |
| Patio + Pit Combo | $3,000–$10,000 | Wood / Gas | No |
| Terraced / Sunken | $2,500–$15,000+ | Wood / Gas | No |
| Custom Mosaic / Showpiece | $5,000–$15,000+ | Gas / Wood | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
The national average sits around $700–$4,000 installed, with simple concrete rings starting at $300 and custom gas builds reaching $15,000+.
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