The Best DIY Firepits for Cozy Nights Under the Stars
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Firepits are all the rage, and did you know, you can make your own?! Making your very own DIY firepit will save you a ton of money and will reward you with all the bragging rights, too 😉
Not only do firepits create a warm and welcoming ambiance, but they also provide a practical way to extend the outdoor entertaining season well into the fall, and in some climates, even winter months.
Whether you’re looking to build a simple and budget-friendly firepit or a more elaborate design that doubles as a grill or table, there are countless options to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best DIY firepit ideas and provide step-by-step instructions for how to create your own backyard oasis.
Best DIY Firepits
Today I’m sharing some of my favorite DIY Firepits with you so that you can get started on making your own. Of course you could always just buy a fire bowl and call it a day, but if you want something more custom without spending a ton of money, then building your own fire pit may be the best option!
From rustic designs to modern styles, these firepits will be sure to bring a cozy ambience to your outdoor space.
Check out these Gorgeous DIY Firepits – Just Pick The One You Love Best and Build!
All the DIY fire pit ideas featured will list approximate cost and difficulty!
Green = EASY
Blue = MEDIUM
Red = ADVANCED
Enjoy the warmth of a fire in your backyard this summer! A DIY firepit is an easy and affordable way to enjoy a bonfire with friends and family. Whether you want to take a break from cooking on the grill or simply want to enjoy a cool summer night around the flames, building your own outdoor firepit can be easy, affordable and, of COURSE, stylish!
The latest trends show that firepits are becoming more popular among homeowners as they provide many benefits other than providing warmth outdoors. From gathering friends to create an outdoor campfire-like experience, having meals while outside cuddled up by the flames, or attempting some creative smore recipes, there are endless uses for this versatile addition to your backyard living area. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the best DIY firepits and make your outdoors living area even better.
Fire pit design basics
A DIY firepit is a great way to create an enjoyable outdoor area for entertaining, cooking, or just relaxing. Building your own firepit is relatively easy and cost-effective, and can be achieved with a few simple tools and materials.
Here are the basic steps involved in a DIY firepit build:
1. The first step in building your firepit is to decide on the location. It’s important to find an area that is away from any structures, trees or other combustible items. Also you will want to make sure the location is level!
2. Then, you have to decide on the size and shape of your firepit. This will depend on how many people you plan to gather around it on average, as well as the space available for installation. You may also want to take into consideration any local regulations or building codes that apply in your area before committing to a design.
3. Once you’ve determined the design, size and shape of your firepit, the next step is to select an appropriate material for construction. Fire-resistant materials such as brick, stone, or metal are all good choices for DIY projects.
4. Once the overall design and your materials are chosen, you’ll need to start excavating the area where the firepit will be built. Digging out an appropriately sized hole and leveling off the ground is important for proper installation and safety. Then you can begin building according to your design.
5. Finally, it’s time to think about safety features like spark guards or screens that can help protect against flying sparks from the pit, as well as ways of managing ash disposal and smoke control if needed. With these basics taken care of, your DIY firepit will be ready for use in no time!
1. DIY rustic fire pit
| Cost: Around $400 | Difficulty: Easy |
This rustic fire pit was DIY’d by Kate from House Mix, and she involved her entire family which is so cute! They used pavers and a metal fire ring insert to put it all together. She shares the whole process with step by step photos, it looks amazing. She actually opted to create a ‘smokeless’ firepit so there is valuable information about how to do that as well.
I love the pavers Kate chose because they’re not too perfect, giving the whole ‘rustic’ vibe. The light color of the pavers keeps things looking fresh and modern.
DIY FIREPITS TIP → If you wanted to make this firepit without all the surrounding gravel, it would cost you a lot less.
2. DIY Concrete Fire Bowl
| Cost: $40 | Difficulty: Medium |
This DIY fire bowl uses gel fuel, which is a cool option that differs from propane tanks or conventional logs. Gel fuel canisters are easily available online or at specialized stores, and they create a natural-looking flame without the mess of ashes. It’s also easy to make adjustments while burning, since it doesn’t require refilling like propane or reloading like logs. Just light the gel fuel and enjoy a night of warmth!
The most advanced part of this DIY is the construction of the concrete fire bowl. You will need to find an appropriately sized bowl to use as a mold and then pour your concrete into the mold, then sand it down. Other than that, it’s easy peasy.
3. Modern Concrete DIY Firepit
| Cost: about $250 | Difficulty: Medium |
This DIY concrete firepit was created by architect Ben Uyeda from Home Made Modern – he says on his blog post that the project is not difficult, more just time consuming and labor intensive. So if you’ve got the time and the energy, this one should be easy peasy for you! But I would still rate it as a medium difficulty from looking at what’s involved.
The good thing is that other than this firepit looking fabulous, there are detailed instructions, and even a YouTube video which will help you with the build. Check it out:
4. Small DIY tabletop Firepit
| Cost: Around $125 | Difficulty: Easy |
I’ve always liked these little tabletop firepits, they’re so manageable and low cost, and although they may be small, they provide that perfect fire ambiance that you crave, just on a slightly smaller scale!
You can buy them online, but you can also make them yourself really easily! Check out the YouTube tutorials below from DIY Creators.
5. Dollar Tree DIY Tabletop Fire Pits
| Cost: under $10 | Difficulty: Easy |
Love the small tabletop firepit idea? Then you have to check out these ones that the Crafty Couple shared on YouTube! They even cheaper to make than the last DIY firepit tutorial! In fact they are made from all supplies from the dollar store, and they all cost under $10 to make. Unbeatable.
In essence they are just repurposing inexpensive dollar store materials and constructing simple tabletop bases. Then, they are placing tiny little gel fuel cans inside the constructed base, to get the fire element. These little cans burn for about 2 hours and are perfectly safe to use, but of course always be careful when it comes to fire. Obviously you wouldn’t be able to grill anything more than a marshmallow on one of these, but they’re still fantastic little pieces that add a special ambiance to any setting.
6. DIY Coffee Table Firepit
| Cost: Around $550 | Difficulty: Advanced |
The INCREDIBLY talented Erin from Hamilton Park Home built this stunning tabletop DIY fire table all by herself and it looks amazing. The cost came in at just under $550. She used a fire table from Crate and Barrel as inspiration and considering how much the original one costs, this DIY was an absolute steal and 100% worth it!
This one is a bit tricky if you’re not seasoned DIY’er, but her tutorial explains it so well! Honestly if I hadn’t seen her in progress pictures I would have had a hard time believing that was a DIY. It’s THAT good!
7. Outdoor Firepit Pit with built-in seating
| Cost: Around $2000 | Difficulty: Advanced |
Ok this is another very involved firepit build and and it’s costly, but when I saw this video on YouTube I had to share with it you, even if just to admire the final result, which is amazing!
I realize this type of DIY firepit may not be for everyone, but but the couple that built it did a really great job at showing every step of the way. When you follow along, it’s actually not that difficult.
Even if you don’t have the space for such a large scale firepit with all the built in seating, this can still serve as inspiration for maybe a smaller, similar style build. For example you could make the seating area L shaped (instead of U shaped) if you were working in a smaller space or in a corner.
8. 30 minute DIY Firepit
| Cost: Potentially $0 | Difficulty: Easy |
This circular DIY fire pit couldn’t’ be easier, and if you can manage to find the bricks for free, it won’t cost you a dime to build!
For this incredibly easy DIY firepit, all you need to do is dig out a shallow circular hole where your firepit will go. Then you lay down the first layer of bricks – it should be inserted into the ground so that the tops of the bricks are level with your soil (watch the video below, it will make perfect sense!).
Then you add your second, third and fourth layers of bricks – stagger them as if you were building a house. Don’t go any higher because you’ll run into stability issues! Watch the video below to see the full build, it’s only 3 minutes and so easy!
And if by chance you prefer a square firepit, then here’s practically the exact same thing but in a square shape!
8. Metal DIY Firepit
| Cost: Around $40 | Difficulty: Easy |
If you were looking for a straightforward metal diy firepit idea, this one is for you! Basic and gets the job done, this is just a metal bucket with a grate inside it. As the creator says, it’s nothing fancy, but it works in a pinch if you need it for a small get together or something similar.
Firepit Safety Considerations
When it comes to firepit safety, you can never be too careful. When using a firepit, it is important to take safety precautions since there are inherent risks involved.
- always make sure that the area around the firepit is clear of any flammable materials like leaves or dry grass
- place your DIY firepit least 10/15 feet away from buildings, fences and trees.
- additionally, it’s important to never leave a burning fire unattended as well as making sure to have a means of extinguishing the fire readily available such as a garden hose or bucket of sand.
- be sure to check local laws regarding open fires prior to lighting your firepit and always follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
DIY Square firepits vs DIY Circular Firepits
Here are some considerations when it comes to square (or rectangular) fire pits versus circular firepits.
The main differences between square and circular firepits are their shape and design, which can impact their functionality and aesthetics. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:
Square firepits:
Pros:
- Can be easier to build and design with straight lines and right angles.
- Can fit into corners or be placed against a wall, saving space.
- May be better for a modern or minimalist aesthetic.
Cons:
- Corners can be a safety hazard for children or pets.
- Fire may not distribute heat evenly, with the corners being cooler than the center.
- May look less natural in an outdoor setting.
Circular firepits:
Pros:
- Can provide 360-degree access to the fire, making it easier for people to gather around and socialize.
- The shape can help distribute heat evenly, making it more comfortable for people to sit around.
- Often considered more aesthetically pleasing and can blend in better with natural surroundings.
Cons:
- Can be more difficult to design and build with curves and angles.
- Can take up more space than a square firepit.
- May be less practical for small patios or outdoor spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between a square or circular firepit will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the space. Consider the intended use, the available space, and the overall aesthetic when deciding which shape to choose.
Did you know that a firepit actually adds value to your home? Not only do you get to enjoy your fire pit, you can also expect to recoup about 67% of your investment when you sell your home. (according to the National Association of Realtors® 2018 report). Not bad! DIY Firepits FTW
DIY In ground fire pits
In-ground DIY firepits are fire pits that are constructed by digging a hole in the ground and lining it with masonry blocks, stone, brick, or other materials to contain the fire. They can be quite attractive and serve as a welcoming focal point for outdoor gatherings.
Here’s an infographic showing how to make an in-ground firepit.
The main pro of an in-ground DIY fire pit is that it can be customized to fit any backyard space requirements and budget. Generally, the cost is much lower than pre-made kits, and depending on the materials used it can be built quickly.
The biggest con with an in ground fire pit is that it needs to be well maintained in order to prevent fires from spreading. This means regularly clearing away debris, checking the stones or masonry blocks for signs of wear, and replenishing any fire-retardant material used during construction. Additionally, a fire pit should never be left unattended.
I hope you enjoyed these DIY firepit ideas!
Building a DIY firepit is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor space and create a cozy atmosphere for gatherings with friends and family. Not only are they practical and functional, but they can also be beautiful and unique additions to your fire pit landscaping ideas. I hope that these fire pit ideas have inspired you to create your own backyard oasis and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a DIY firepit.
And of course after reading all this, you decide that making DIY firepits is not for you, you can always directly purchase one – check out all my favorite firepits here!
