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Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom by Jamie Sanders

Inspiring you to sew, cook and create.

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Home / Home Projects / How to Build a DIY Fire Pit

How to Build a DIY Fire Pit

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

How to build a DIY Fire Pit
Spruce up your backyard with this fun and easy DIY Outdoor Fire Pit. It's the perfect outdoor project to complete in a weekend.
How to build a diy fire pit

Looking for a perfect outdoor project to spruce up your backyard?  Learn how to build an Easy Fire Pit for your outdoor space using these simple DIY Fire Pit instructions.

It’s a perfect weekend project – you’ll be roasting s’mores in no time!

DIY Fire Pit Project

DIY Fire Pit for Your Outdoor Space:

One of the items on our never ending to-do list was to build some sort of DIY outdoor fire pit.  We have a great outdoor area with a perfect clearing down by our dry creek bed just begging for a fire pit.

I knew it would be easy for my hubby to build a fire pit. (He loves this sort of DIY project.)

There just always seemed to be a more important project on our “list” and the Fire Pit project kept getting put off.

How to build a DIY Fire Pit

Until…  Last October, we had a multi-family camping trip. The park we stayed at had an amazing, big fire pit with lots of seating. We had such a great time with making s’mores, telling stories and just hanging out, my hubby got motivated to get our’s done in time for our Thanksgiving gathering. (Yay!)

Building the fire pit turned out to be such an easy project, we’re not exactly sure why we waited so long to get it done!  (Easy if you don’t mind a bit of shoveling dirt and unloading retaining wall blocks, that is.)

DIY Fire Pit

I’ve written up the instructions on how we made our fire pit.  I don’t have any photos of the building process. (He actually had it almost done before I knew he started!) But this type of DIY Fire Pit is very simple and photos aren’t really necessary. 

Important Tip Before Starting the Construction of a Fire Pit:

Check your city and local codes and restrictions to find out what is required for a fire pit! (all areas are different)

As an example, part of our local code says that we are fine if we are burning for the purpose of outdoor cooking, so we always have a pack of marshmallows or hot dogs nearby.  (Plus a garden hose for safety.)

Don’t Forget the Fire Pit Accessories

We had a custom grate made by a local welder for extra safety measures and *grilling.”

DIY Fire Pit Grate

 Similar grate on amazon.

And now we can cook sausage and beans to our heart’s content, redneck style of course…

How to build a diy fire pit

I searched all over the internet for just the right globe lights to hang along the path and throughout the trees.  Found them here on Amazon at a great price too!

DIY outdoor fire pit set up
how to build a fire pit

And of course, everyone needs a Telescoping S’more Roasting Stick!

How to Build a Fire Pit

diy fire pit from retaining blocks

Materials used in our DIY Fire Pit:

  • 68 12-in L x 4-in H Limestone Basic Retaining Wall Block ($1.98 each from Lowe’s)  This will give you a 4 foot in diameter (from outer edge to outer edge) by 12 to 16 inches tall pit.
  • Decomposed granite, sand or pea gravel.  You could get away with a couple of bags, but we chose to make a 14 foot diameter circle around the fire pit.  (For safety and aesthetic reasons.) We got 2 yards of crushed/decomposed granite for the circle and pathway and still had some left over.  It was $40 per yard plus delivery.
  • optional landscape retaining wall adhesive (we found this at Lowes too.)
  • Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrow and other misc gardening supplies, plus a very strong back

Building Instructions

Time needed: 10 hours.

Learn how to build an Easy Fire Pit for your outdoor space using these simple DIY Fire Pit instructions. (You’ll be roasting s’mores in no time!)

  1. Check your city and local codes and restrictions to find out what is required for a fire pit.

  2. Chose an open spot, 10 to 20 feet away from trees, bushes, grass and other flammable items.

  3. Use rake and or shovel to clear out grass and debris and smooth out fire pit area.

    If you are planning to create a circular sitting area similar to ours, you might want to mark out the area first using a measuring tape and marking the ground with spray paint.  (Have someone stand in the center of the fire pit area with the end of a measuring tape and the 2nd person can walk around at the desired measurement and mark the ground in a circle.)

  4. Lay out your first layer of retaining wall bock directly on the ground.

    The retaining wall block I linked to above, will form a perfect 4 foot circle when stacked angled edge to angled edge.

  5. Dig out about 4 to 6 inches of dirt from inside the fire pit circle.  

    (You may need to dig out more or less depending on your local code.)

  6. Stack the second and third layer of retaining wall block.  

  7. Fill the bottom of the fire pit with  4 to 6 inches of decomposed granite, sand or pea gravel.

  8. Add the 4th row of retaining wall block.

     We chose to glue the 4th row to the third row with landscape retaining wall adhesive.  If you do this, just follow the directions for the adhesive.

  9. If creating a seating area, add the rest of your gravel, back-filling around the fire pit.

    Smooth out the gravel, add chairs, outdoor string lights and enjoy!   (We found a resin version of these chairs at loves for much less $$.)

inside view of DIY fire pit

We are marshmallow roasting pros now…

How to build a fire pit out of retaining wall blocks

Now, if after reading all that, you don’t want to go through the hassle of building your own fire pit, Amazon has a few fabulous pre-made fire pits that would work just as well for a bit more $$.

So what do you think?  Are you ready to build a fire pit?

Like this project? Don’t forget to pin it!     

Want more semi-easy DIY outdoor projects? Be sure to check these out:

How to Make a Bubble Fountain in a Pot
Make a Wood and Rope Tree Swing
drop cloth patio curtains
No Sew Outdoor Patio Curtains (from drop cloths)
17+ Gorgeous and Easy to Duplicate Outdoor Lighting Ideas
Outdoor Lighting Ideas

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May 29 · 43 Comments

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Comments

  1. Ronda Waters says

    March 25 at 12:07 pm

    This is gorgeous! We have a fire pit that needs a little tlc, so this is super inspiring! Thanks for sharing on the Take A Look Tuesday link up!

    Reply
  2. WoodsofBellTrees says

    March 26 at 9:06 am

    I am LOVING this! I don't really like our portable fire pit and we've been wanting to do something fun in our yard!!!! I am going to have hubs check our local code so we maybe we can do this too!!! Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Shannon Kley says

    March 26 at 12:57 pm

    Stopping by from the linkup! This is amazing! My husband and I have always wanted to build our own when we move. Definitely pinning! xoxo

    Reply
  4. the cape on the corner says

    March 26 at 5:24 pm

    wonderful, and i especially love it with the grill on top. i thought those were just plain bricks making up the fire pit-we have a ton of them laying around. do you think that would work, or it would have to be retaining wall blocks?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 26 at 5:33 pm

      You can use bricks, no problem. We used the retaining wall stones since we didn't have any bricks on hand and the retaining wall stones from Lowes are already curved, so they were super easy to lay out.
      Good luck!
      ~Jamie

      Reply
  5. twinkietotmom says

    March 26 at 6:34 pm

    I love this! We don't have quite the backyard you do but we do have one of those metal fire pits and hate how small it is, and the fact that it gets rusty when my husband leaves it out. We've been wanting to do some sort of stone fire pit as well. I'm going to have to show him this! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Stephanie Clinton says

    March 26 at 7:32 pm

    How beautiful! I love the winding path, the lights and of course the fire pit. We have a big side yard and this would be perfect. Pinning this so I can show my hubby!

    Reply
  7. JoAnn SweetPepperRose says

    March 28 at 11:17 am

    Very nice fire pit! love the walkway and lights, so quaint and cozy

    Reply
  8. Julia Klimek says

    March 29 at 12:39 am

    I want that in my back yard! Gorgeous with the lights and the stumps… Pinning! Julia

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 15 at 12:04 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Carrie from Carrie This Home says

    March 31 at 2:26 am

    This is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends! Love it and pinning this!
    Would you mind to share this at the Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop? I love to see easy DIY projects like this at our party!
    http://carriethishome.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-69/

    Reply
  10. Nikki says

    March 31 at 6:41 pm

    Oh this looks absolutely wonderful! I wish I had the space to make something like this in my garden.

    Reply
  11. Kyleigh Castronaro says

    March 31 at 8:55 pm

    Wow, this is gorgeous!! We've been wanting to put in a firepit but we need to have ours covered because of municipal laws. I wish I knew a welder to make a grate cover for us… I'm still going to save this because if we ever find a cover, I'd love to make my own!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 31 at 9:37 pm

      You can search google or craigslist to find someone who does welding repair or makes/repairs iron gates. They are definitely out there. I just asked my hubby, he paid $150 for the cover to be made.
      ~Jamie

      Reply
  12. Andrea @ Mouse in My Pocket says

    April 1 at 3:50 pm

    Wow! That project looks super easy, and I love the grate for the top.

    Reply
  13. Karin Brosnan says

    April 2 at 4:11 pm

    I grew up with a fire pit in our backyard and have such happy memories of it. This is such and awesome idea and tutorial. I would love to have you join me for my Centerpiece
    Wednesday linky party and share this post with us. Come on over http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/04/centerpiece-wednesday-cool-blues-with.html

    Karin

    Reply
  14. Katie @ Creatively Living says

    April 2 at 8:07 pm

    That turned out beyond awesome! Especially with the lights! I have plans to get around to mking one of these this summer! Thanks for linking it up at Monday Funday! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 15 at 12:04 am

      Thanks, Katie

      Reply
  15. Doug Boyd says

    May 20 at 1:32 am

    When you indicate that the bricks form a 4 foot circle, do you mean the inner or outer diameter?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      May 20 at 3:40 pm

      Hmm, we made this 6 months ago, so I don't remember… I will measure next time I go out there and will follow up…

      Reply
  16. Alan Easley says

    April 7 at 4:31 pm

    Does it have any vents or does it get air in through the gravel?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 7 at 6:12 pm

      no vents, it seems to get plenty of air.

      Reply
  17. Daniel Knight says

    April 29 at 9:33 pm

    The retaining wall blocks in the linked URL are completely different from the blocks used in your fire pit. The linked blocks have a protruding lip on the inner, bottom edge that locks each row just inside the row below it and prevents them from being stacked vertically as in your pit. These are the types of blocks I've found at home improvement stores, but what I need are the blocks you used in your pit. Do you know where your blocks came from and what they are called?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 29 at 10:37 pm

      We bought ours at Lowes in Austin Texas. Have you been to Lowes? My hubby said next time he goes (which is several times a week,) he will get a skew #. And your lowes can look for them that way.
      ~Jamie

      Reply
    • Daniel Knight says

      April 30 at 11:02 pm

      Great. Thank you very much. I'll keep an eye out for that number if you can get it. I've only checked Lowes' website so far. I'll have to get over to the store and see if they have anything helpful to say.

      Reply
  18. Afton Holian says

    July 22 at 4:39 pm

    where did you get those chairs?!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 22 at 5:22 pm

      They came from lowes. I ordered them online: http://www.lowes.com/pd_102909-1364-8371-60-3700_1z0wem6__?productId=50086642&pl=1
      ~Jamie

      Reply
  19. MommyNamedApril says

    November 16 at 2:37 am

    we make a similar type of fire pit every year and then stack the bricks up next to the house when it gets too hot again. your yard is gorgeous and i'm totally jealous of that grate!

    Reply
  20. PattyMc says

    March 7 at 5:52 pm

    I love your firepit (already pinned!). Wondering about the decomposed granite…I want to put this in our back yard, but every fall we have tons of pine needles fall. I need to be able to blow these off…is the path/sitting area hard or will the decomposed granite blow away with the needles? Thanks so much for your help! Patty

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 15 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks! After a while the granite becomes fairly packed and would most likely weather a light blowing fairly well. (We blow our off in the spring.)
      Good luck.

      Reply
  21. Deb Hatton says

    March 2 at 11:44 am

    We’re also not loving our portable pit and this looks so easy I don’t think we can justify NOT trying it this summer! Thanks for awesome idea!

    Reply
  22. Erin Mills says

    December 16 at 6:52 am

    What size grate did you guys get? I absolutely love this and am trying to figure out what size would work for us.
    Thanks!
    Erin

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      January 3 at 12:17 pm

      Ours was custom made.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        January 11 at 9:10 pm

        yes, would like the opening size to buy a grate online please and thank you!

        Reply
        • Jamie says

          January 13 at 10:49 am

          I’m sorry, we sold this house so I cannot get the measurements.

  23. Sher says

    February 10 at 3:58 pm

    What is the actual grate material? It doesn’t look food safe? I have a similar grate & mine rusted up. Can place cookware on it, but def not food. Just curious as I need a new one!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 12 at 2:24 pm

      Stainless steel. I will eventually rust and if you don’t feel like cleaning it every time, (or using foil/sheet pans) you’ll need to replace it at some point.

      Reply
  24. Maggi says

    July 31 at 5:10 pm

    How do you take ashes out?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 31 at 11:14 pm

      With a shovel.

      Reply
  25. Amy Bergeson says

    May 4 at 11:36 am

    Can you tell me how you figured out the number of bricks you would need? We are wanting to build one that is 6 ft across and about 3 ft tall.

    Reply
    • Jamie Sanders says

      May 4 at 11:54 am

      we did not have a good method. We bought a bunch and played around with the size and shape. Once we had the 1st layer down, we were able to figure it out and made another trip to the hardware store.

      Reply
  26. Barbara says

    May 29 at 2:41 pm

    What is the inside diameter of pit?
    It is lovely

    Reply
    • Jamie Sanders says

      May 29 at 4:08 pm

      not sure since we have moved, but it was around 4 feet.

      Reply

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