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How to Budget for a Stone Fire Pit

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How to Budget for a Stone Fire Pit

A backyard fire pit changes your evening routine, and booking in the off-season helps you save on labor costs.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $105.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,900 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A built-in stone fire pit turns a plain backyard into a spot you actually want to sit in once the sun goes down. Most professional masonry crews finish this work in two to three days, creating a permanent upgrade that lasts for decades.

Aim to hire your masons in late autumn. Since this is their slow season, they are often more willing to negotiate on labor rates or fit you into a tighter timeline before the ground freezes.

The 0% intro period is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance on the card once those 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Never go with the first mason you talk to. Get three separate bids for the same materials and size to see what the actual market rate is in your town. If one is way lower, ask why so you don't end up with cheap stone or bad drainage.

  2. 02

    Clear the site

    Before the crew arrives, move any patio furniture or planters away from the designated area. The more space they have to work, the faster they will finish, which keeps your labor bill from creeping up.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    You can pay for the project using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you spread the $1900 cost into smaller chunks of $105.56 per month over the 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Set up autopay

    Divide the total cost by 18 and set that amount to draft from your bank account every month. Automating this ensures you never miss a payment and keeps you on track to clear the balance before the intro period ends.

  5. 05

    Check local codes

    Before any stone is laid, call your local building department to ask about fire pit setbacks. You usually need to be a certain distance from your house or fence lines to stay legal.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Why is late autumn the best time to hire?

Masonry is seasonal work that drops off significantly as the weather turns cold. Crews are usually looking for steady work to keep their staff busy, which gives you more leverage to negotiate a better price.

Do I need a permit for a stone fire pit?

It depends on your city's specific fire codes. Always check with your local planning office before you start, as some areas require a permit for any permanent outdoor fire installation.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can lead to late fees and might cancel your 0% intro rate. It is critical to keep your account in good standing to maintain the terms.

Is natural stone better than pavers?

Natural stone looks better and lasts longer, but it is much more expensive and labor-intensive to install. Pavers are a cheaper, factory-made alternative that can still look great if installed by a professional.