How to Build a Backyard Firepit

Co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams

Last Updated: October 29, 2023 Approved

Relaxing in front of a backyard fire can be the perfect ending to a busy day...assuming the fire pit is safe! The scent of the burning wood and the sparks dancing off into the night has entertained people for millions of years.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Garden Stones

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The hole should be 1.5' deep and 5' wide. Get it as flat as possible on the bottom.^{[1]
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Buy a bunch of firebricks (used to line fireplaces). There should be enough that you can make a circle to your desired size with the bricks standing on their ends. Form the circle in the hole by standing the bricks on end and putting one next to the other.^{[2]
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Use concrete, cobb, clay, or other fire-resistant materials to join the bricks together into a solid, strong ring. Let this material dry completely before continuing.^{[3]
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Fill in any space outside the circle with dirt. This is so the ground leads right up to the top edge of the brick.
Pour a layer of river rocks into the central pit.^{[4]
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Get some paving stones or garden stones (the kind you usually use to make a path with) and use them to form a ring around the fire pit.
Be careful not to let grass overgrow the stones and get too close to the fire.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Concrete Bricks

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Choose a place that will provide room to walk around the fire, away from plants, fences, or any other kinds of flammable material. Consider the wind in your backyard and the way it will blow smoke from the fire. Also consider how many people will be enjoying the fire, a 6-foot buffer minimum is a good idea.^{[5]
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Leave about 2 inches (5.1 cm) between the bricks for air circulation.
Cover most of the bottom of the pit, creating a small "dip" in the center where you can place newspaper and kindling. Sprinkle water on the concrete until it hardens to your satisfaction.
Construct a tepee from kindling around the newspaper. Light the newspaper, and you're ready to go.^{[6]
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When the kindling gets going, start placing bigger pieces of wood around the shelf in a tepee shape.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Garden Edging

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These are sometimes referred to as tree rings.^{[8]
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Research source} The edging will need to be made of stone, clay, or brick and can be scalloped or straight across the top. You will need to purchase 4 pieces of 14" inside diameter bricks and 6 pieces of 24" inside diameter bricks.
Clear an appropriate area for your firepit and then lay out the first two 14" pieces to form a circle. Use three of the 24" to form a larger circle around the first one. You can use a bit of concrete to help the pieces stay together, if you want.
Use the remaining pieces to set out the second layer, on top of the first. You can put a layer of concrete between the two stone layers, if you want to. If you use scalloped bricks, put the second layer upside down, so the scalloped edges are touching between the two layers.
Fill the gap between the circles with river rocks until the brim is reached. Alternatively, you can fill it most of the way to full and then put down a thinner layer of more aesthetically pleasing rocks, like glass pebbles.
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Line the bottom. Put a small layer of river rocks or other fire-friendly material in the bottom of the pit.
- Alternatively, you can find a grill bowl with the same diameter (or very slightly larger) as the central circle and place it there.
Set up a wood fire in the central pit and enjoy your new fire pit. Put a circular grill surface over the hole to use it as an outdoor cooking pit!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Considerations for Firepits

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A fire in an open pit may be illegal in your area.^{[9]
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State of Massachusetts
Official website for the State of Massachusetts

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Check with them first and tell them you will reduce the smoke as much as possible.^{[10]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices

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^{[11]
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Research source} Don't just let the fire go out on its own. Ash and embers can remain hot and dangerous for a long time. Spread the coals around the bottom of the pit and douse them with water until all smoke and steam has disappeared.

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Question

Do I have to dig out the center of the fire pit?

Community Answer

No, but you don't want to start a fire on dead grass or have grass under the ring of stone.

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Question

How many stones should I use for the firepit?

Community Answer

There's no set number, so you should use just as many as it takes to fully surround the pit. This will also depend on the size of the firepit you are making.

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Tips

Many purchased fire pits come with mesh fire covers. These are definitely worthwhile as they keep the sparks under control.

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Do not burn garbage, leaves, or brush. This usually ends making excessive smoke.

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Warnings

Fire is dangerous and be careful not to burn yourself.

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Always have a bucket of water or sand close by in case you need to emergency extinguish.

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