After a summer spent in the great outdoors, you don't want to be stuck indoors, but in most parts of the country, it's only a matter of time before the harsh winter chill sets in. But for now, you can extend your patio season and make the most of fall with a DIY fire pit. Scroll down to see nine different approaches, each of which uses different building materials and requires a different level of skill to complete. These DIY fire pits are equally great for making s'mores.
Low-cost DIY Fire Pit Ideas
Creating a cozy backyard retreat doesn't have to cost a fortune – these backyard fire pit designs are cheap and easy to build.
1. All Natural Rock Fire Pit
Photo: istockphoto.com
Circular Rocks: If there's an older, more proven way to safely contain a fire, we'd love to hear about it. You don't have to live near a rock quarry; Spoonful of Imagination made this using rocks they found on their property. This is a zero-cost DIY fire pit that will last a lifetime with just occasional maintenance. Just be sure to clear any leaves or flammable material around the rocks every time you build a fire.
2. Concrete Block Fire Pit
Photo: istockphoto.com
Because they're so inexpensive and sturdy (about a dollar at Home Depot), concrete blocks are a good choice for a variety of home projects. Here, we'll create a DIY fire pit for about $20 with a row of blocks arranged in a circle: To strengthen the assembly, as an optional step, you can stack another row on top of the first, securing where the concrete blocks join together with construction adhesive.
3. Modern Fire Pit Table
Photo: istockphoto.com
To create a sleek, modern fire pit like the one shown here, start by building a sturdy wooden base. Then cast a classy concrete top with a drop-in fire basket and attach it to the wooden base. For added safety, install a tempered glass frame guard around the fire basket.
Similarly, Karen from The Art of Doing Stuff created a contemporary tabletop fire pit with a gel fuel canister that sits on a base (a repurposed metal planter) that gives off a small flame and decorative rocks placed on top of cut-to-size mesh. The firebed's frame is a clear box made of four glass panels connected with silicone.
4. Fire pit with grill
Photo: istockphoto.com
Backyard fire pits are often used to roast marshmallows and hot dogs on sticks, but with the addition of a fire grate they can quickly become a grill.
You can easily build a concrete block fire pit around a portable charcoal grill using pre-made, readily available “tree rings.” Perhaps the most difficult part is designing the inner fire pit ring to be the perfect size to support the rim of the central grill bowl.
5. Fire pit made from recycled washing machine drum
Photo: etsy.com
You'd never have thought of turning a broken washing machine drum into a DIY fire pit. But it's possible. It's even trendy. First, you'll need to remove all the plastic parts from the drum. Then, remove any unsightly corners with an angle grinder and use a welder to add metal legs and a base. The washing machine drum is perfect for containing the flames, and the metal exterior will give off warmth like a homemade patio heater. Awesome!
6. DIY Paving Fire Pit
Photo: istockphoto.com
Patio pavers are readily available at any hardware or garden center, and are a great material for building a DIY fire pit. Shown here is a thick retaining-wall style block laid around a base, topped with flat patio paver style stones. With construction adhesive between the pavers, the fire pit will withstand all weather conditions.
7. Simple Concrete Fire Pit
Photo: quikrete.com
This sturdy concrete fire pit by Quikrete is designed to last. Simply carve out the shape you want out of wood, mix and pour the concrete, and wait for it to fully harden. If you have leftover concrete, cast a bench or sturdy outdoor planter to fit it.
8. Brick fire pit
Photo: istockphoto.com
Just as simple as the natural stone fire pit mentioned above, this brick version is constructed simply by stacking bricks one on top of the other. The great thing about this design is that it can be easily disassembled, so it can be stored away during the off-season and then set up in a new spot in your yard the following year.
9. In-ground stone and brick fire pit
Photo: istockphoto.com
Everyone will love this custom fire pit and seating area in your backyard. It's made with retaining blocks, edging and pavers of various sizes held together with paving sand, and features a perfectly balanced built-in fire pit in the middle.
FAQ
Q. Can I build my own fire pit?
Yes, building a backyard fire pit is an easy DIY project any homeowner can undertake. First, check with your local government agencies (building codes, homeowners association, etc.) to see if you’re allowed to build a fire pit on your property and if your plans meet the stated requirements.
Q. How can I build an inexpensive fire pit?
One of the cheapest ways to create a fire pit is to stack natural stone in a circle (even better if you already have natural stone on your property).
Q. What should I put in the bottom of the fire pit?
Bare soil works well, as do stones, bricks, concrete, or metal containers such as recycled washing machine drums.