How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit

1Fire Pit Types: Which Is Right for You?

• In-ground fire pit: Dug into the earth, lined with stone or brick. Lowest visual profile. Cost: $50–150. More permanent.
• Above-ground block fire pit: Built with retaining wall blocks on a gravel base. No digging required, easier to level. Cost: $100–300. The most popular DIY choice.

2Check Local Codes and Rules First

Open burning regulations vary enormously by city, county, and state. Before you build, check: Is open burning allowed? What are the required setbacks? Do you need a permit? Are there burn day restrictions? Your city or county fire department website typically has this information.

3Choosing the Perfect Location

• Minimum 10 feet from structures (house, fence, deck, overhanging branches)
• Level ground — an unlevel fire pit is a tipping hazard
• Away from dry vegetation where embers could land
• Consider prevailing wind direction — smoke should blow away from seating

4Materials You'll Need

For a 36-inch above-ground block fire pit: 35–40 retaining wall blocks ($2–3 each), 1–2 bags of gravel, landscape fabric, fire-rated masonry adhesive (optional), steel fire ring (optional), tamper and level.

5Building an In-Ground Fire Pit

1. Mark a 24–36 inch circle using a stake and string. Spray paint the outline.
2. Dig 6–12 inches deep. Clean sides and bottom with a flat spade.
3. Add 3–4 inches of pea gravel for drainage.
4. Line the walls with stones, bricks, or concrete blocks. Dry-stack—the earth holds them in place.
5. Create a surrounding 12–18 inch buffer filled with pea gravel or pavers.

6Building an Above-Ground Block Fire Pit

1. Prepare the base. Mark a 6-foot circle, remove grass, lay landscape fabric, cover with 3 inches of compacted gravel. Check for level.
2. Lay the first course. Arrange blocks in a circle to determine final size (36-inch interior diameter works well).
3. Stack courses. Offset each course by half a block. Three courses = 12–18 inches tall.
4. Add fire ring (optional). Drop a metal fire ring into the center to protect blocks from direct heat.
5. Fill surrounding area with gravel or pavers for a clean, fireproof perimeter.

7Fire Pit Safety Rules You Must Know

• Keep a garden hose connected and ready at all times
• Never leave a fire unattended—not for a minute
• Burn only dry wood. Never burn treated lumber, trash, or cardboard
• Keep the fire small. A 2-foot flame is safer than a bonfire
• Never use accelerants on an existing fire
• Extinguish completely: douse with water, stir, douse again. Ash should be cool to the touch

8Maintaining Your Fire Pit

• Remove ash after each use once fully cooled—ash is acidic and accelerates block degradation
• Check blocks each spring for cracking—replace damaged blocks before using again
• Cover with a metal cover or tarp between uses
• Re-level blocks each spring after frost heave