Is anything cozier or more inviting than a backyard fire pit?
There’s something about gathering around a crackling, popping fire with friends and family and sharing stories, laughter, and good food (especially s’mores). Those are the kind of moments that we remember all our lives. And they’re something you could experience on a regular basis if you only had a backyard fire pit.
“But,” you may be thinking, “I don’t know the first thing about putting a backyard fire pit together! There are so many options… so many materials and designs to consider… and what about safety precautions?”
Yes, there are a lot of things to consider. But we’re sure that with a little guidance and a few materials, you can have a flame roaring in your new DIY backyard fire pit before the weekend’s up. And it doesn’t have to cost you an astronomical amount. For less than $100, you can get a beautiful fire pit up and burning.
Creating an Elegant, if Cheap, Backyard Fire Pit
If you want a backyard fire pit that’s inexpensive and easy to build, there’s simply no better option than a retaining wall block pit. First, you’ll want to measure the estimated circumference of your fire pit. Once you’ve got a number, you can figure out approximately how many blocks you’ll need to wrap around the space. Ten to twelve will give you a pretty good-sized pit. Then, you’ll need to decide how tall to make it. You can stack two, three, or even four rows of blocks to give it a little more height. This will help keep the fire contained and protect the ground immediately next to the pit from getting so hot that wandering leaves or grass catch fire.
Then, go to your local hardware store and purchase the requisite number of retaining wall blocks. It would be a good idea to browse the different options, so you find something that fits your yard and style. In fact, you can browse Home Depot’s supply online so you get a better idea of what you’re looking for before you head out on your search.
Once you’ve got everything back home, it’s as simple as setting them up – right on your yard. And if you want to pump up the flow of oxygen (and power of the fire), you can cut a block in half at the bottom of two sides so that air is able to flow in and fan the flames.
If you’d like to add a little support, you can purchase enough pavers to cover the ground inside your firepit. Then, after forming the first ring with the retaining wall blocks, fill the inside with pavers, being sure to put some sand down so that they lock into place. Then, finish adding the other retaining wall blocks until you have it to your desired height. This way, your fire will be burning on pavers rather than on the ground.
It doesn’t get any cheaper or easier than this. And it’s completely safe and attractive to boot!
