Quick Answer
A stand-alone built outdoor fireplace in East Tennessee typically starts around $35,000, with a simpler prefab-core fireplace and stone veneer near that lower end and a large, fully custom stacked-stone fireplace with a tall chimney, hearth, and seating walls running well beyond it. Most fireplaces, though, are built as part of a larger patio or pavilion project rather than priced alone.
- As a stand-alone hardscape project, an outdoor fireplace typically starts around $35,000, with simpler prefab-core, stone-veneer designs toward the lower end.
- Biggest cost drivers: size and height, construction type (prefab firebox versus fully hand-built masonry), the stone or veneer chosen, and gas versus wood-burning.
- A gas fireplace lights instantly and burns clean but needs a gas line; a wood-burning fireplace needs a proper firebox and chimney draw for the crackle and smell people want.
- Permits are often required, especially for gas lines and structures near the home, and are handled as part of the project. A custom masonry fireplace is a multi-week build.
Is a fire pit or a fireplace the better buy?
A fire pit costs less and seats more people in the round. A fireplace is the bigger investment for a dramatic, directional focal point.
Do you need a permit for an outdoor fireplace?
Often yes, especially for gas lines and structures near the home. Permitting is handled as part of the project.
The Short Answer
A built masonry outdoor fireplace is almost always built as an addition to a larger hardscape or pavilion project rather than priced on its own. As a stand-alone hardscape project, it typically starts around $35,000, with a simpler prefab-core fireplace and stone veneer landing toward that lower end. A large, fully custom stacked-stone fireplace with a tall chimney, a hearth, wood storage, and seating walls runs well beyond that.
Why the Range Is So Wide
Size and height. A fireplace is a vertical structure, and height drives material and labor. A grand chimney costs more than a modest one.
Construction type. A prefabricated firebox wrapped in stone veneer costs less than a fully hand-built masonry fireplace. Both can look beautiful. We will tell you honestly which fits your budget and goals.
The stone. Natural stacked stone, manufactured stone veneer, brick, and stucco all price differently. The facing material is one of the biggest cost levers.
Gas or wood-burning. A gas fireplace adds a gas line and a burner system. A wood-burning fireplace needs a proper firebox and chimney draw. More on that tradeoff below.
The surroundings. Most fireplaces anchor a larger space, a paver patio, seating walls, and lighting. Those are part of the real budget. See paver patio cost in Knoxville.
Gas or Wood-Burning?
A gas fireplace lights instantly, burns clean, and is easy. A wood-burning fireplace gives you the crackle, the smell, and the experience a lot of people want from a fire. We dig into the same decision for fire pits in gas vs wood-burning fire pits, and the logic carries over.
Fireplace or Fire Pit?
This is the question to settle before you spend a dollar. A fireplace is a bigger investment that creates a dramatic focal point and directs heat in one direction. A fire pit costs less and seats more people in the round. We compare them head to head in outdoor fireplace vs fire pit.
Is an Outdoor Fireplace Worth It?
For the right homeowner, absolutely. A fireplace extends your outdoor season into the cool East Tennessee evenings of spring and fall, creates a true gathering spot, and adds a premium focal point that shows up in resale. It is the same value logic behind backyard features that add home value. If you mostly want casual fire for a crowd, a fire pit may be the smarter spend.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace? Often yes, especially for gas lines and structures near the home. We handle permitting as part of the project.
Can you match my home's stone or brick? Yes, matching or complementing your home's masonry is one of the most common requests, and it makes the fireplace look built-in rather than added-on.
How long does it take to build? A custom masonry fireplace is a multi-week build depending on size, weather, and the surrounding hardscape.
Design Your Outdoor Fireplace
The honest cost depends on size, materials, and the space around it. Request a free phone consultation and we will design it with your patio and budget in mind, or get an instant estimate. See our outdoor fireplace and hardscaping services.
Christopher Morales
Co-founder of Morales Outdoor Living. 16+ years designing and building pools, patios, decks, and complete outdoor living spaces across East Tennessee. TN License #77919.
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