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How to Budget for an Outdoor Fire Pit

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How to Budget for an Outdoor Fire Pit

Turn your backyard into a nightly hangout by timing the sales and spreading the $900 cost over a year and a half.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $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 fire pit and some chairs turn a patch of grass into a second living room. You go from sitting on the couch to watching the stars in about a weekend. Late summer is the sweet spot for this project because retailers want to clear out patio gear to make room for snow blowers. You can usually grab the whole setup for about $900 if you shop the clearances.

Don't just buy the first kit you see at a big-box store. Get at least two quotes if you are hiring someone to pour a stone base, or check local listings for used pavers. If you use the right tool, we can break that $900 into $50 monthly payments and avoid interest while you enjoy the nights outside.

The 0% interest period is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance after those 18 months, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left. Stick to the $50 monthly plan to make sure you finish the payments before the clock runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Hit the August sales

    Most stores start slashing prices on fire pits and outdoor furniture in late summer. You can often find sets for 30% to 50% off. This is when you get the high-end stuff for a basic price.

  2. 02

    Prep the ground yourself

    Hiring a pro to level dirt is expensive. Grab a shovel, some leveling sand, and a few hours on a Saturday. It keeps your budget focused on the gear rather than the labor.

  3. 03

    Use a specialized card

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay $50 a month to cover the $900 total without the balance growing.

  4. 04

    Get two labor quotes

    If you aren't doing the heavy lifting, ask two local landscapers for a quick estimate on the install. Tell them you have the materials ready. Comparing two prices stops you from overpaying for a simple job.

  5. 05

    Buy the seating last

    Focus your budget on a quality fire pit first, then add the chairs. Adirondack chairs go on deep discount right as the first frost hits. You might save an extra $100 just by waiting two weeks.

  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

Is a gas or wood fire pit cheaper?

Wood pits are usually cheaper to buy and install. Gas requires a line or a tank, which adds to the initial cost and your monthly fuel bill.

Do I need a permit for a fire pit?

It depends on your town rules and how close the pit is to your house. Check your local building department website before you dig to avoid a fine.

Can I put a fire pit on a wood deck?

Not safely. You need a heat shield or a stone base to keep the deck from catching fire. It is better to stick to a patio or a cleared patch of dirt.

What is the best material for the seating area?

Crushed stone or gravel is the cheapest way to create a level spot. It drains well and looks better than bare dirt without the cost of pavers.