Cost to Outdoor Fireplace Construction in San Francisco, CA (2026)

If you’re budgeting a outdoor fireplace construction in San Francisco, most projects run $3,932-$19,662, 31% 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.

$3,932-$19,662 in San Francisco

31% above the national average · 1.31x cost multiplier

Expect to pay $3,932-$19,662 for a outdoor fireplace construction in San Francisco, about 31% above the national benchmark. The West Coast region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at San Francisco prices.

Cost Breakdown in San Francisco

Line ItemLowMidHigh
Cost per unit$1966$9831$39324
Materials$2,550$5,738$12,750
Labor$1,639$4,780$10,926
Permits$255$383$638
Total$4,444+31% vs. national avg$11,539+31% vs. national avg$26,226+31% 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 San Francisco may shift costs slightly.

MaterialCost/UnitBest 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 installedMost 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 installedPremium 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 installedTraditional homes where an outdoor brick fireplace matches the home's architectureClassic traditional look, durable, fire-rated, holds heat well

Other Projects in San Francisco

San Francisco Estimate

Typical Range

$3,932-$19,662

vs. National Average

31% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.31x

Cost Per unit

$1966-$39324

This 1.31x estimate prices San Francisco 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 →