DIY Fire Pit in 3 Steps
How to build a fire pit under $100
Can you build a fire pit for under $100?
Yes, building a DIY fire pit is a cost-effective way to enjoy your outdoor space and it can be done for under $100! You can build a homemade fire pit with minimal effort and supplies even if you don’t have any masonry experience. In this article, we will show you how simple it is to build a DIY stone fire pit.
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Here are some tips to get you started:
DIY stone fire pit in simple steps
What you need to know before you start building your own fire pit
Location
To start, decide on the size, shape and location of the fire pit. The fire pit location will depend on the size of your outdoor space as well as local regulations. Some areas require fire pits to be placed at least 30 feet away from buildings.
Consider whether it should be close to seating areas or further away from structures that could be damaged by smoke or sparks. It is also important to make sure there is adequate space around the outside of the fire pit for safety reasons, including providing enough room for people to move around it.
Size and shape
When it comes to fire pit shapes, the most popular shapes are circle and square.
Thinking about the size, choose an appropriate size for your firepit depending on how many people will use it at one time. The minimum diameter should be around 2 feet, but you can go over that depending on your needs and the space available. Generally speaking, 3 feet diameter is a good size to contain a fire and is suitable for cooking. The walls should be between 6 and 10 inches high in order to contain firewood, sparks and embers.
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Once you’ve determined the size of your fire pit and where you want to place it, begin gathering tools and materials
Materials
What materials do you need for a DIY stone fire pit?
You’ll need stones (either natural stones or manufactured ones), gravel for drainage, and quick-drying cement for construction. It’s important that you use good quality stones, so that they last over time and won’t deteriorate under heat or exposure to rain and other elements.
Also, consider adding decorative elements such as artificial logs, lava rocks or glass marbles which not only look great but also help to increase the heat output of your fire pit. Apart from that, you may want to do some landscaping around your fire pit laying out some pavers in the sitting area as well as adding plants and furniture.
What are the best materials for a DIY fire pit?
When deciding what type of material to use for building your fire pit there are several options available depending on your budget and preferences. You can use various types of bricks which are aesthetically pleasing and come in many different colors, textures and sizes.
The best materials for fire pits are able to withstand high temperatures and retain heat. When purchasing bricks or stones for the purpose of building a fire pit, it is wise to check the specifications such as the amount of heat they can withstand before they start to break down.
Tools
What tools do you need to build a DIY fire pit?
Now let’s talk bout the tools you will need. So what tools do I need to build a fire pit?
To build a fire pit, you will need some basic tools such as:
- shovel or hoe for landscaping
- spirit level
- trowel
- protective gloves
Building a DIY fire pit in 3 simple steps
How to build a cheap backyard fire pit? Here is how:
Prepare the surface
Now it’s time to start building! Begin by creating a flat and stable area that is slightly larger than the desired size of your fire pit; this will give you some room to work with when constructing it.
Measure and mark the outline of your fire pit. If you are going to use your firepit for grilling, measure the grill grate first and make sure that the fire pit matches it.
Build the walls
Next, use the stones and cement to construct walls around the area that create an enclosed space for your flames.
Line the bottom
After that is finished, line the bottom of your DIY fire pit with gravel. This will help promote better drainage of rainwater.
Finally, it’s time for testing! To make sure everything has been built correctly and safely light a small test flame inside. If all goes well then congratulations – you have now built yourself an affordable yet reliable new addition to your outdoor space!
How long does it take to build a fire pit?
It’s actually quicker than you think! If you have all the tools and materials laid out and you’ve landscaped the area for your fire pit, it takes a just couple of hours to build the firepit walls. It will obviously depend on the size of the fire pit and your experience.
So this is a simple way to build a fire pit for less than $100.
However, there is more you can add to your fire pit, e.g. firebricks and lava racks. This video shows how to build a rectangular fire pit with stones, fire bricks and concrete adhesive instead of cement. The procedure is similar to what we’ve described.
https://youtu.be/6J1rZGgxBXU
Tips for building a fire pit
What is the best fire pit design?
The best fire pit shape and design will depend on your needs, personal taste and what will match your backyard design. The most popular fire pit design is a traditional circle which naturally fits the way we handle fire. But you may also choose from shapes such as rectangular, square, octagonal and oval, designs with half-open walls or with a metal ring insert. If you are looking for fire pit design ideas you will find some here:
Fire Pit Insert Solid Steel
Octagon Fire Ring Insert
Consider adding a grill grate to your fire pit
If you are planning on grilling over your fire pit, consider adding a BBQ grate; it’s best to plan on that before you start building your fire pit walls to make sure that they fit together. Also, plan on the level at which the grate will sit to ensure the right distance from the flames. Ideally, you should be able to use it at two or three different levels.
Fire Pit Grill Grate
Think about heat retention
We’ve already mentioned heat-retaining bricks you can use for fire pit walls. But there is more you can do to prevent the heat from escaping into the air. Consider getting a heat shield that you can place above the flames, so the heat can be distributed to the sides giving warmth to everyone sitting around. There are also windscreens you can place around the fire pit area and prevent the wind from blowing the heat away. For more tips on heat retention check out our article ‘How to get more heat from a fire pit’.
Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Insulating Fire Bricks
How do I make a fire pit safe?
Here are some tips for making sure that your fire pit is as safe as possible:
First, make sure that your fire pit is located at a sufficient distance from any buildings or trees. Keep it at least ten feet away from any buildings, decks, or other structures in order to prevent accidental fires.
Second, it’s also important to make sure that no combustible materials such as gasoline and propane are stored or used near the fire pit.
Third, ensure that the area around the fire pit is free of debris like leaves and twigs or plants growing nearby which could catch on fire quickly.
Fourth, always have at hand a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket or a bucket of sand and spade in case of emergency.
Additionally, if you plan on cooking over your firepit, make sure you have heat-resistant tools and utensils cutlery specifically made for high temperatures.
Finally, consider investing in safety spark screens for your fire pit. Screens will help reduce flying sparks and keep children and pets away from an open flame while still allowing you to enjoy the warmth of flames.
By following these simple steps you can rest assured knowing that your backyard firepit is safe for everyone!
Emergency Fire Blanket
DIY fire pit shopping list
Materials:
- Fire pit bricks or other bricks for walls
- Paving tones or stone pavers
- quick-drying cement
- Gravel
- Grill grate (optional)
Tools:
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Final note
Creating a DIY fire pit can be an enjoyable and rewarding project. To make the work smooth and enjoyable, prepare all the tools and materials needed beforehand, so you don’t end up running to your local hardware store in the middle of the work. We hope that with these tips in mind, you’ll know how to build your own fire pit and soon you’ll be ready for hosting guests around the fire in your garden!
