Fabulous Fire Pit Ideas for Your Backyard

When the sun starts to set there is an undeniable chill in the air. To extend your outdoor time, you should consider investing in a fire pit. The dancing flames will add ambiance to your landscape while giving you a place to warm yourself. Children especially love a fire pit because they can take advantage of the opportunity to roast marshmallows or make s’mores.

Choosing the Fire Pit Size for Your Backyard

If you want to add a fire pit to your backyard, then you’ll want to think about the size and whether you want a permanent or mobile fire pit. A large fire pit is typically a permanent structure in your yard but a smaller fire pit is usually movable.

Large Fire Pit

A large fire pit will hold an abundance of wood. It will typically measure more than three feet wide. You’ll be able to build a large fire in the pit to stay warm on a chilly night and to truly create a lovely glow in your yard.

Mid-Size Fire Pit

Medium-sized fire pits measure around 30 inches wide. It provides enough space to build an acceptable fire. The smaller size makes the pit easier to clean and will accumulate fewer ashes. You’ll have a variety of styles to pick between.

Portable | Small Fire Pit

Smaller fire pits are easily portable and a favorite for small yards or for use in a rooftop garden. You can even pack a smaller fire pit on a camping adventure or some other place close to nature. Many portable fire pits have wheels attached so you can wheel them around your yard.

Fire Pit Materials

When picking out a fire pit to purchase or building one yourself, you’ll want to think about construction materials. The materials should be durable and long-lasting.

Steel

Many commercial fire pits are made of steel. If you are making the steel fire pit yourself, be sure to use protected steel so it does not develop rust. Ideally, the steel should have a powder coating. A top-of-the-line steel fire pit is usually crafted from artisan steel.

Stone and Tile

If you want to build a fire pit yourself then use stone and tile to create a perimeter. You can also use steel to combine with rocks.

Copper

A copper fire pit will not rust and will develop an attractive patina. A firepit fashioned from copper is exceptionally expensive but it does provide durability and timeliness appeal.

Cast Iron

Cast Iron is a classic material used to construct fire pits. It is strong and long-lasting. Most cast iron fire pits do carry an excessive cost.

Stainless Steel

A stainless steel fire pit is rust-free and durable. It will last for years. Many people enjoy the modern, industrial look of stainless steel.

Making a DIY Fire Pit

If you are dreaming of a fire pit then you don’t have to spend a fortune. You can undertake the project as a DIY.  Recycle materials you have around your home and garden such as simple rocks, cinder blocks, or bricks to create the perimeter of the fire pit. You simply surround the material in a circular pattern. Line the bottom of the fire pit with small rocks or pebbles. A layer of sand will also suffice for lining the bottom of the fire pit.

Where to Place the Fire Pit

Pick an area of your yard that is away from anything flammable. You’ll want to place the fire pit on a flat surface. Use patio slabs of concrete pavers. You can also just clear an area first to place the fire pit on.

Working With a Budget

If you are working on a tight budget, rest assured that bundling a DIY fire pit will not break the bank. You can opt to build a small and fully functional firepit with a variety of cost-effective materials such as road gravel, pebbles, small stores, or even decorate with rock while keeping the budget right around $50.

Create an In-Ground Fire Pit

Most fire pits you purchase sit on the ground, but you can make an in-ground fire pit. Follow these simple steps:

• Dig a hole that is approximately 12 inches deep and four feet wide.
• Line the bottom of the home with a layer of lava stones.
• Ring the pit with bricks so they sit at a slightly inclined position.
• Remove all grass from the perimeter of the hole.
• Place flat rocks around the rim of the hole.
• Fill in the gaps around the rocks using sand.

This is an easy design if you want just a standard, no-frills fire pit.

Other DIY Fire Pit Ideas

When dreaming up an ideal fire pit, you’ll just need to use your imagination. Below are a few DIY ideas on how to create a show stopping fire pit that everyone will be talking about!

Washer Drum Fire Pit Design

Refurbish an older washer into a fire pit. You can find a broken washer at a scrap yard, in the newspaper for free, or at an appliance repair shop. Simply remove the drum from the washer and use it as a fire pit.

Square Fire Pit

Who says that a fire pit must be round? Why not make a square fire pit using concrete blocks? It will take only about six to seven hours to build and probably cost you around $150 to $180. This fire pit can even double as a barbecue hotspot. Make it as small or as big as you want.

An Old Wheelbarrow Fire Pit

Do you have an old steel wheelbarrow that you no longer use? Maybe the tire is no longer viable, but the frame is still held together well. If so, then refurbishing the iconic garden item into a small fire pit is a wonderful way to continue enjoying the item while making it useful. You’ll adore the vintage appearance of the wheelbarrow fire pit.

Creating a Simple Brick Fire Pit

A classic brick fire pit is ideal. Use stone pavers, concrete blocks, and bricks to fashion the classic fire pit. Build the fire pit as high or as large as needed to fit into your landscape design.

Whether you decide to purchase a fire pit or opt to make one yourself, it will quickly become a valued addition to your landscape. You’ll find yourself gathering around the dancing flames on cold evenings with family and friends as you relax and enjoy the great outdoors.