Cost to Outdoor Fireplace Construction in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a outdoor fireplace construction in Chicago, most projects run $3,479-$17,395, 16% above the $7,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Prefab Kit vs. Custom Masonry. On its own it can swing the cost by $3,000 - $15,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Use a prefab kit instead of full custom masonry. A quality prefab fireplace insert costs $1,500-$3,000 and installs in a fraction of the time. Add manufactured stone veneer around it for a custom look at a fraction of the price.
$3,479-$17,395 in Chicago
16% above the national average · 1.16x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a outdoor fireplace construction runs $3,479 to $17,395 on average - about 16% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit | $1739 | $8697 | $34789 |
| Materials | $2,180 | $4,905 | $10,900 |
| Labor | $1,520 | $4,433 | $10,132 |
| Permits | $218 | $327 | $545 |
| Total | $3,918+15% vs. national avg | $10,210+16% vs. national avg | $23,212+16% vs. national avg |
Budget
Prefab outdoor fireplace kit with simple stone surround, basic hearth slab, no mantel - single-face wood burning
Mid-Range
Masonry outdoor fireplace with manufactured stone veneer, chimney, simple mantel, gas log set, patio hearth extension
Premium
Full custom natural stone outdoor fireplace with wood mantel, raised hearth, pizza oven insert, gas or wood, integrated into full outdoor kitchen or living space
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab Steel Outdoor Fireplace | $500 - $2,500 (unit only) | Renters, budget installations, or homeowners who may want to reconfigure laterLowest cost, quick installation, portable options available, no masonry skills needed |
| Prefab Outdoor Fireplace Kit (Concrete Masonry) | $1,000 - $4,000 (kit only) | Homeowners who want a real masonry look at a moderate cost with a shorter installation timelineEasier installation than full custom masonry, looks like masonry, durable, variety of styles |
| Manufactured Stone Veneer over CMU Block | $4,000 - $10,000 installed | Most residential outdoor fireplaces - the standard approach for a custom masonry lookCustom look, durable, wide variety of stone styles, integrates with any design |
| Full Natural Stone Masonry | $10,000 - $25,000 installed | Premium outdoor living spaces, historic properties, or homeowners who want a landmark featureHighest quality, most authentic look, extremely long-lasting, unique character |
| Brick | $5,000 - $15,000 installed | Traditional homes where an outdoor brick fireplace matches the home's architectureClassic traditional look, durable, fire-rated, holds heat well |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$3,479-$17,395
vs. National Average
16% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.16x
Cost Per unit
$1739-$34789
This 1.16x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →