How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pizza Oven in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A pizza oven is a popular feature for enhancing outdoor cooking experiences. The average cost is $5,000, with most homeowners spending between $2,000 and $8,000. Your final price will depend on the size and design of your system, whether it’s pre-fabricated or custom, and labor rates. Hiring a professional oven installer ensures proper construction and long-lasting value.

Cost Factors for Building a Pizza Oven

Factors including 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, allowing you to cook several pizzas at once, making it practical for family dinners or small gatherings.

Homeowners who plan to host larger gatherings or test multiple recipes at once may prefer a larger oven; however, larger models usually require a reinforced base or a concrete foundation, which increases the total project cost.

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 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. Although more expensive, custom builds are ideal if you're seeking 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 more affordable and easier to install, whether you choose a prefab or custom oven. For homeowners who want the oven to serve as a focal point, a more intricate design can justify the added expense.

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, investing in outdoor fire features can boost your home's value. Select a design that meets your cooking and entertaining needs while staying within the budget you initially set.

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 exterior finishing, you have plenty of options to match your style, including 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.

Labor

Build your outdoor pizza oven with the help of several local outdoor kitchen specialists. Relevant professionals include a brick mason, who charges $40 to $75 per hour, a general contractor, who charges $300 to $500 per day, and a handyperson, who charges $50 to $150 per hour. Rates vary depending on the local cost of living and contractor expertise.

Some brick masons or general contractors specialize in building outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or pizza ovens. 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. The cost of a concrete slab ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot; however, project minimum fees may increase the price for such a small slab.

Lawn leveling costs start at $1,000 and continue up to $2,000, while clearing can range from $1,300 to $5,700. If you're building on an existing structure, additional reinforcement may be necessary to support the oven's weight.

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 the construction involves significant work. Costs vary, but the cost of building permits for outdoor building structures ranges from $20 to $60.

Add-Ons

Several optional features can enhance the usability of your pizza oven. Firewood storage keeps fuel dry and accessible, and digital thermometers or specialized tools help maintain consistent cooking temperatures. 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. Installing an outdoor outlet costs $225 each, and adding an outdoor fireplace costs between $1,500 and $8,000.

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 costs between $6,500 and $27,000 and can include prep areas, storage, and ample seating. Even adding a patio, costing between $2,000 and $6,000, creates a welcoming space to enjoy your meals with family and friends.

Does a Pizza Oven Increase Home Value?

A well-constructed built-in pizza oven does more than just cook delicious meals—it can add tangible value to your property. Most outdoor kitchen features return 60% to 80% of their investment, with custom masonry features, such as pizza ovens, often falling on the higher end of this range. 

Beyond the financial return, these installations create a distinctive selling point that helps properties stand out in competitive markets. Real estate agents frequently highlight outdoor cooking amenities in listings, as they signal a premium lifestyle to potential buyers. For maximum value, ensure your pizza oven integrates seamlessly with your home's architectural style and includes practical features such as proper ventilation and high-quality materials that will withstand years of use.

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:

• Gather at least three written estimates from qualified contractors to compare pricing and scope.

• Ask suppliers about off-season pricing on materials or labor to take advantage of slower periods.

• Opt for a straightforward prefab model if you need to reduce material and labor expenses.

• Consider reclaimed bricks or concrete blocks for a budget-friendly exterior that still provides character.

• Allocate funds for quality insulation; efficient heat retention lowers long-term fuel use.

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.