As the nights start to cool off and days get a little shorter it’s the perfect time to give your yard or patio a makeover with these easy backyard fire pit ideas. There are few things as relaxing as a warm fire plus they create an instant gathering area in your space.
There are now more fire pit options out there than ever. From DIY fire pit plans where you can design your own pit to the more modern looking gas models, you’ll be able to find the one that’s perfect for your yard and you’ll extend your outdoor season. This article covers various fire pit options available.
The first thing to do when choosing a fire pit is to check with your city, town, or neighborhood association around what is permitted when it comes to outdoor fires.
Before we jump into some DIY fire pit plans there are fire pit kits that are relatively new which we found to be an awesome alternative to building it yourself from scratch.
FIRE PIT KITS
Made of manufactured stone these kits come with everything you need to create a stunning fire pit in 90 minutes for the average do-it-yourselfer. With only 4 bolts required for assembly, the fire rated materials not only look great but will last forever.
DIY Fire Pit Plans & Instructions
In researching this article, we’ve curated our favorite plans and instructions.
DIY Network’s Fire Pit
DIY Network is a favorite of ours and their 4 step outline for building your own fire pit is comprehensive and well detailed. Achieve a truly custom look.
“Ideally, a fire pit is constructed from fireproof material on a flat, level area at least 25 feet from a house or tree. Fire pits are strictly governed by local building codes. Some codes require the pit to be encircled by a border of sand or gravel.”
Instructables – How to build your own fire pit
Another trusted DIY we reference often is Instructables. Here they lay out a 6 step plan that can be completed in a day.
“The installation is pretty quick — you can build a fire pit in just one day — and doesn’t cost a whole lot, especially if you look for a sale on bricks at the end of the season at Lowe’s or Home Depot”
This Old House – How to build a fire pit
Another go-to resource is the folks at This Old House. Here they lay out a fire pit plan in eight steps.
“Outdoor fires are so hot right now. Seriously. Mankind has called the hearth home for the centuries, it’s true, but these days people are going ultra-retro and getting their heat from stone-walled pits set into the earth. “
Watch The DIY Network Video
Watch This Old House’s How To Video
Portable Wood Fire Pits
If you don’t want a permanent structure in your yard or patio consider a portable fire pit. Most of us have seen the standard black metal fire pits, but there is now much more variety than there used to be.
Decorative dome spark screens add character to the classic black pit. There are also copper bases that look much more upscale than the traditional pits. Some have tiled edges for even more pop. Lightweight and portable enough to take to the beach yet good looking enough to be the centerpiece in your yard or patio.
Gas Fire Pits
The popularity of gas fire pits has erupted into backyards in recent years as they’ve become more affordable, offer no messy clean up, and start with the touch of a button.
You can find a gas fire pit in a ton of different styles and shapes from stone veneer to wood-look. They come round or square with convenient propane tank storage underneath. Add synthetic fire logs for the campfire look or sleek fire glass for a more contemporary look all while staying warm on a chilly evening.
As you can see there are a myriad of ways to add excitement to your deck or yard with these easy backyard fire pit ideas. Do you have a favorite fire pit we should know about? Let us know….leave a comment below.
Add Outdoor Furniture To Your Fire Pit
See out article about outdoor furniture here!
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