How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pizza Oven in 2025?
Building a pizza oven costs an average of $5,000
Building an outdoor pizza oven costs an average of $5,000, with most homeowners spending between $2,000 and $8,000.
Cost factors include oven size, prefab vs. custom designs, materials, and labor.
An outdoor pizza oven enhances outdoor living spaces and can increase home value.
Hiring a professional ensures safe, quality construction and reliable performance.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building an outdoor pizza oven costs an average of $5,000, with most homeowners spending between $2,000 and $8,000. For budget-friendly options, prices can start as low as $800, while high-end custom designs may reach $10,000. Prefab kits offer an affordable and convenient solution, but customizing your oven allows you to create a personalized centerpiece for outdoor gatherings. By carefully budgeting and hiring a professional, you can ensure a successful build that meets your needs.
Cost Factors for Building a Pizza Oven
Size, design, materials, and labor make up most of the costs of building a pizza oven.
Size
The size of your pizza oven significantly impacts your total material and labor costs. A standard 36-inch hearth diameter oven fits most outdoor spaces and allows you to cook several pizzas at once—perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
If you're dreaming of hosting larger pizza parties or trying out multiple recipes simultaneously, a bigger oven might be the way to go. Just remember, larger ovens may require more substantial bases or concrete foundations, which can add to your overall costs.
| Oven Size (Inches) | Pizza Capacity | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 24x24 | 1–2 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 36x36 | 2–4 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 48x48 | 3–6 | $4,000–$6,000+ |
Prefab vs. Customization
Prefab pizza oven kits range from $700 to $6,000, with an average cost of $2,500. These kits come with everything you need to build a modular oven, making installation more convenient and often quicker than custom designs. While they're typically more affordable, keep in mind that the materials in prefab kits might not match the quality you'd get with a custom build.
On the other hand, custom pizza ovens allow you to choose every detail—from the materials to the design features—so you get exactly what you envision. Though more expensive, custom builds are perfect if you're aiming for a built-in oven that seamlessly integrates with your outdoor kitchen or if you want unique features that prefab options don't offer.
Design
The design of your pizza oven not only affects how it enhances your outdoor space but also its cost. Simple designs are generally more affordable and easier to install, whether you choose a prefab or custom oven. But if you're dreaming of a show-stopping centerpiece for your backyard gatherings, investing in a more intricate design might be worth it.
A custom-built oven with a barrel-vault shape, decorated facades, or intricate masonry work can become the heart of your outdoor entertaining area. Built-in ovens, while more costly due to the extra planning and skill required, offer superior cooking capabilities and ample space.
High-end custom designs can exceed $10,000, but they provide value by tailoring the oven to your exact preferences, including unique sizes, premium materials, and special features you won't find in standard models. Plus, outdoor fire features can boost your home's value. No matter what design you choose, ensure it aligns with your cooking and entertaining goals without stretching your budget too thin.
Materials
Expect to spend between $800 and $4,000 on materials for your pizza oven, depending on the quality and whether you opt for a custom design. The key components include the hearth, dome, flue, and insulation. Some designs need a poured concrete base or a sturdy foundation made from bricks or cement blocks, with rebar providing additional support.
The pizza oven's interior should be lined with heat-resistant firebricks—most ovens use between 100 and 250 bricks—to withstand the high cooking temperatures. For the exterior finishing, you have plenty of options to match your style, like decorative brick, stone, or stucco. Some creative homeowners even build ovens from cob, a natural mix of clay, sand, straw, and rocks, for a rustic charm.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Firebricks | $3 each |
| Concrete blocks | $2–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation | $60 |
| Mortar | $10 per bag |
| Steel or rebar | $0.75–$6.80 per ft. |
| Flue pipe | $150–$500 |
| Finishing | $3–$11 per sq. ft. |
| Hearth | $75 |
Labor
Build your outdoor pizza oven with several local outdoor kitchen specialists. Relevant professionals include a brick mason at $40 to $75 per hour, $300 to $500 per day for a general contractor, and $50 to $150 per hour for a handyperson. Rates vary depending on local cost of living and contractor expertise.
Some brick masons or general contractors specialize in outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or pizza oven builds. Their rates may fall on the higher end of the average range, but hiring a specialist to design and install an oven helps guarantee a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing result.
Additional Pizza Oven Cost Factors
While they don’t impact every project, consider how site prep, permits, and optional add-ons may influence your outdoor pizza oven build costs.
Prep
Pizza ovens need a level and stable surface to ensure the integrity of the structure. If you're not building on an existing concrete slab or patio, your installation may come with additional excavation costs. If you're building on an existing structure, additional reinforcement may be necessary to support the weight of the oven.
Consider other safety regulations or recommendations before committing to a location. Some regulations require pizza oven installations to be located a certain distance away from existing structures or property lines.
Permits
Depending on local regulations, installing a pizza oven may require a building permit, especially if your build involves significant construction. Costs vary, but permits for outdoor building structures typically range from $20 to $60.
Add-Ons
To elevate your outdoor pizza oven experience, consider investing in some handy add-ons.
Firewood storage keeps your fuel dry and within easy reach, while digital thermometers and specialized cooking tools help you achieve pizza perfection every time. Outdoor lighting adds ambiance and lets you cook and entertain after the sun goes down. If you don't have an outdoor outlet nearby, budgeting for one is a smart move.
Some homeowners take it a step further by incorporating the pizza oven into a complete outdoor kitchen or a stylish patio space. An outdoor kitchen, ranging from $6,500 to $27,000, can include prep areas, storage, and plenty of seating. Even adding a patio, costing between $2,000 and $6,000, creates a welcoming space to enjoy your meals with family and friends.
Budgeting for Building a Pizza Oven
To get the most out of your new pizza oven without blowing your budget, consider these cost-saving tips:
Get multiple estimates: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Comparing quotes from several contractors can help you find the best value and maybe even negotiate a better deal.
Look for seasonal promotions: Keep an eye out for off-season discounts on materials or labor. You might score some great deals during slower months.
Choose a simple design: While elaborate ovens are impressive, opting for a simple prefab model can significantly lower material and labor costs.
Select affordable materials: Consider cost-effective options like reclaimed bricks or concrete blocks. They can add character to your oven without adding too much to the price tag.
Invest in insulation: Proper insulation is worth the upfront cost because it minimizes heat loss, helping your oven cook efficiently and reducing fuel consumption in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to build a pizza oven depends on the type and complexity of the project. If you're going with a prefab pizza oven kit, you could be cooking your first pizza in just a day or two. Custom-designed ovens take longer—anywhere from several days to a few weeks—since they involve more detailed planning, material selection, and construction. While it requires patience, the result is a durable and personalized oven that you can enjoy for years to come.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your pizza oven preserves its performance and durability. After each use, allow the oven to cool completely before removing accumulated ash with a stiff brush and damp cloth. For periodic deep cleaning, scrub the entire cooking surface with a heavy-duty wire brush and wipe the interior thoroughly with a damp cloth until no residue remains. Meticulously inspect and clean the flue to remove any obstructions. Avoid harsh chemicals to protect the oven’s integrity and enhance flavor retention.
An outdoor pizza oven reaches temperatures of up to 800 degrees, allowing you to create authentic, restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizzas with crispy crusts. Beyond pizzas, they're incredibly versatile—you can bake bread, roast meats, or even grill veggies, all while infusing your food with the unique, smoky flavor that only wood-fired cooking provides. Plus, a pizza oven becomes a natural gathering spot, making your backyard the go-to place for family and friends all year round.
Using fire bricks for your pizza oven is essential for exceptional heat tolerance and construction safety. Fire bricks are engineered to sustain extreme temperatures and preserve structural integrity during operation. Their superior heat resistance prevents cracking and potential hazards, ensuring a resilient build. Employing fire bricks results in an oven that consistently delivers high-quality, evenly cooked pizzas while maintaining durability and safety.
An ideal pizza oven height positions the opening between 36 and 48 inches above ground level. This provides you with clear visibility and comfortable access. This precise height enhances safety by reducing the need for bending over to check on your pizzas, while also supporting efficient heat distribution and ergonomic cooking practices, ultimately optimizing overall performance.
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