How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit (2024)

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Create your own backyard oasis by building an outdoor fire pit! Fire pits make a wonderful addition to your outdoor space, providing you and your family with a fun and warm place to hang out on cool summer or fall evenings. Get ready to cuddle up around the fire and enjoy roasting a few marshmallows, hotdogs, and more! Discover how to properly install a fire pit in your backyard. Learn about basic fire safety and step-by-step instructions on how to DIY your fire pit.

Materials Needed

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You will need some specific materials to build a backyard fire pit.

Fire Safety

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Before you start building your outdoor fire pit, ensure you're allowed to build one in your backyard. Outdoor fire rules and regulations vary from place to place. Go to your city or state website to determine if you can build a fire pit in your area.

When it comes to fire, being safe and cautious is so essential! Install your fire pit in a wide open space far from your home and any garages, sheds, decks, or other structures. Fire pits should ideally be at least 20 to 25 feet away from structures or objects like bushes, trees, fences, clotheslines, and electrical wires. If you have a smaller backyard or space, leave at least 10 feet of space around the pit. For extra safety, install a spark screen over the pit when used. Spark screens are made of a mesh material and placed on top of fire pits to contain sparks or embers. You can purchase them at most hardware stores.

How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit

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Now that you know proper fire safety, it's time to start building your fire pit! Learn the step-by-step instructions on how to assemble your backyard fire pit.

Step 1 - Choose Your Stones or Bricks

Start by choosing what type of stones or bricks you like. The best stones are granite, marble, slate, limestone, or fire-resistant bricks to contain the flames and heat. These hard materials are long-lasting, durable, heat-resistant, and less likely to absorb any water. Other stones or bricks that are more porous and absorb water are more likely to crack or explode under pressure.

You can also use natural stones; however, you should then install a metal fire pit ring, too. Natural stones work better as an accent wall around your fire pit, with lower heat resistance than other stones or bricks. Installing a fire pit ring protects the stones, ensuring they last for years and years.

Step 2 - Plan and Measure Out Your Fire Pit Ring

Next, plan and measure out your space. Remember, fire pits should be at least 10 to 25 feet away from all structures. Secure a stake into the middle of where you plan to place your fire pit and attach a piece of string. This will help you draw out a large circle shape around the fire pit, known as a safety area. Trace out the circle shape using the string to guide you and spray with layout paint.

Step 3 - Dig a hole and Lay Down Gravel

Remove the top layer of grass once you have your fire pit shape traced out. From there, start digging a hole for your fire pit. All fire pit holes should be 6 to 12 inches deep. The area where you plan to lay the stones should be at least 4 inches deep.

Step 4 - Fill the Area With Gravel

Begin filling the entire area with a layer of gravel, including both the fire pit and safety area. You can also apply sand to the bottom of your fire pit before laying down gravel. Using a rake, spread the gravel into a 2 ½ inches thick layer.

Step 5 - Install a Fire Pit Ring

If you use natural stones, install a metal fire pit ring before laying down the stones. Place the ring down and use a level to make sure it is on a flat surface. You can skip this step for all types of heat-resistant stones or bricks.

Step 6 - Build Your Stone or Brick Wall Around the Pit

Next, build your stone or brick wall in a circle shape around the pit. If you opted for a fire pit ring, install your stones around the ring. Lay down stones and apply mortar using a notched trowel. Mortar is a building material used to bond the stones or bricks together, eventually hardening into place after 24 hours. Continue laying down stones, building a wall that is several feet high. Use a level here to ensure the stones are laid flat.

Step 7 - Compact the Gravel

Using a vibratory plate compactor, compact the gravel in the safety area around your pit. This makes it more level for sitting purposes. At this point, you can add lava rocks around the outside of your fire pit or other rocks for a decorative touch. Placing rocks around the fire pit creates a barrier and also stops any weeds from growing over time.

Time to Roast Some Marshmallows!

Create a focal point in your yard, and enjoy hosting your friends and family around the fire! Always follow proper fire safety and build your fire pit far away from structures and overhanging trees or bushes. Before assembling, don't forget to check and ensure that you can have a fire pit in your area.

Do you have a backyard fire pit? How did you build yours? Leave a comment down below and share your experience. Also, share this article with others looking to build an at-home fire pit!