Summertime DIY: Build Your Own Firepit in 7 Easy Steps!

A firepit is a great addition to any backyard! This DIY project is quick and easy to complete, and you'll be inviting friends and family over for s'mores in no time.

Get ready!

Before you begin building, consult your local fire code to see if fire pits are allowed in your city and, if so, how far away the fire pit has to be from any structures.

Once you're clear to build, it's time to get your supplies! You'll need:

• Bricks or pavers for the fire pit wall
• Gravel
• Twine or string
• Tape measure
• Stake
• Large shovel
• Trowel
• Tamp (can use the bottom of your shovel in place of a tamp)
• Level

When purchasing bricks for the fire pit wall, go for something sturdy like retaining wall bricks or concrete pavers. Some home improvement stores even carry bricks specifically designed for fire pits. Use a layer of firebricks, which have higher heat resistance, on the inner layer of the fire pit as an extra safety measure.

Now that you have all your supplies and you’ve checked your local fire code, you’re ready to start!

1. Create a circle

Pick a spot for your fire pit, ensuring that it is located a safe distance from any structures, bushes or trees. Next decide your ideal fire pit size - typically a fire pit is about 4-5 feet wide, so decide how big you want yours to be and where the center of the fire pit will be and insert the stake here. Tie the string to the stake and then cut the string to half the diameter of the total fire pit size. Tie this end to the handle of a trowel and with the string or twine taut, drag the sharp end of the trowel around in a circle, creating a line in the grass.

2. Shovel out the grass

Using a large shovel, dig out the grass inside the circle. For Safety purposes, the hole for a fire pit should be about 6-12 inches deep. If you want to be extra cautious, be sure to call 811 - the national Safe to Dig number - before you start digging to ensure that there are no utility lines buried under your chosen location.

3. Tamp down the dirt

If you don’t have a tamp, you can use the bottom of your shovel to flatten out the dirt evenly.

4. Make sure the circle is level

Get down on the ground with your level to ensure that the surface is ready for the bricks. Keep making small adjustments until it’s completely level.

5. Add gravel

Put a thick layer of gravel in the fire pit (at least a couple of inches). Spread the gravel around evenly.

6. Arrange the bricks

After you’ve spread the gravel around, arrange your bricks in a circle and stack them in layers until the fire pit wall is at least 12 inches tall.

For added safety, you can add an inner layer of firebricks. Though you don't need to use mortar if the bricks are heavy enough to make a sturdy stack, you could use an outdoor fire-resistant mortar between the bricks if you want extra stability.

7. Relax & Enjoy!

Gather a couple of chairs, some firewood, a few friends, and some delicious campfire treats to get full use out of your new fire pit.