Super Easy $60 DIY Fire Pit In 30 Minutes!
Ever dreamed of sitting around your own backyard fire pit, roasting marshmallows, and feeling like a total DIY champ—all without breaking the bank?
Well, guess what. You can make a super easy DIY fire pit for just about $60 bucks, and you can do it in under 30 minutes. Yep, not joking.
This guide is not just gonna show you how to build a fire pit cheap, but also how to do it right so it lasts for seasons and looks like you hired someone (spoiler: you didn’t).
Why Build A DIY Fire Pit? (And Why $60 Rocks)
Alright, so pre-made fire pits from the store easily cost you anywhere from $150 to even $500, and that’s before you even think about firewood or accessories. But with this $60 version, you get:
- A custom look that fits your backyard vibe.
- The satisfaction of DIY bragging rights.
- A perfect spot for bonfire nights, hot dog roasts, or just chilling with friends.
- No complicated tools. No contractor. No nonsense.
Plus, you get to say you built it yourself. For just sixty bucks. Honestly, that’s cheaper than a fancy dinner.
What You’ll Need for Your Cheap DIY Fire Pit
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s gather up some fire pit materials. Here’s your super short shopping list:
Materials List (Under $60 Total)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 24 Pavers or Retaining Wall Blocks (cheap ones work great) | ~$35 |
| Bag of All-Purpose Sand | ~$5 |
| Bag of Pea Gravel (optional, for base) | ~$5 |
| Metal Fire Ring (Optional, but helps) | ~$10-15 if you find a deal |
| Total Cost | Around $60 |
Pro Tip: Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or local hardware store clearance sections for cheaper bricks or blocks. Sometimes you’ll find people giving them away for free after a project.
Step 1: Pick Your Spot (Location Matters A Lot)
Before you start building anything, figure out where this beauty’s gonna live in your backyard. Ideally, you want:
- At least 10 feet away from your house, fence, trees, or anything flammable.
- Level ground so your fire pit doesn’t end up looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Somewhere with a bit of wind protection, but not totally closed off.
- Bonus points if it’s close to your seating area.
Don’t forget to call 811 if you’re digging deep (though this design’s mostly above-ground).
Step 2: Lay Out Your Fire Pit Circle
Once you’ve got your spot, grab something round like a trash can lid or a big piece of cardboard and mark out your circle. You’re aiming for about 36 inches across, but you can go bigger or smaller depending on your yard and preference.
Pro Tip: If you wanna get all fancy, use a tape measure, stick it in the center and spin around in a circle to mark your perimeter.
Step 3: Dig & Level (Just A Little)
Now, you don’t need a deep hole for this pit. Just dig down about 3-4 inches, enough to remove the grass and give yourself a flat dirt base. This helps your blocks sit solid and reduces shifting over time.
- If your yard’s already pretty level, you can even skip this step.
- Dump your bag of sand in the center and spread it out for a nice, level cushion. Sand helps the blocks lock in place.
Step 4: Lay Your First Layer of Blocks
Now the fun part. Start laying your retaining wall blocks (or pavers) around the circle. Make sure they touch each other snugly, but don’t stress perfection. Fire pits are rustic by nature, so a little irregularity adds charm.
Tap each block down into the sand so it’s stable. Use a level if you wanna get fancy, but honestly, eyeballing it works too.
Step 5: Stack Layers For Height
For a safe fire pit, you want at least 2-3 layers of blocks. Just stack them like bricks (offsetting seams for strength) and before you know it, you got a legit fire pit wall.
- Optional: If you bought a cheap metal fire ring, drop it inside now. It protects the blocks from extreme heat.
- If you skipped the ring, no worries. Just keep the fire smaller at first to cure the bricks slowly.
Step 6: Fill The Bottom with Gravel (Optional but Smart)
Toss in a bag of pea gravel or leftover sand to create a solid, drain-friendly base. This helps rainwater drain out instead of pooling in the bottom. Plus, it looks more finished.
Step 7: Light It Up (Test Burn Time)
That’s it! You built a fire pit in under 30 minutes, and you spent around sixty bucks. Pat yourself on the back, crack a cold drink, and light up your first fire.
Pro Tip: Start with a small fire to gradually heat the blocks. Sudden big fires could crack the bricks (but honestly, at $60, it’s no big deal if you ever need to replace a few).
Fire Pit Safety Tips (Don’t Skip These)
Before you throw your first s’mores party, remember these:
- Always keep a hose, bucket of water, or sand nearby.
- Never leave it unattended, even for a quick bathroom break.
- Use hardwood like oak or maple—avoid pressure-treated wood (toxic fumes).
- Check local fire regulations if you’re in a suburban area.
Budget Friendly Fire Pit Decorating Ideas (Because Why Not)
Now that you got the basics, here’s a few quick upgrades you can do later:
- Add Adirondack chairs around it for that campfire vibe.
- String up some outdoor fairy lights above.
- Place a small log rack nearby for storage.
- DIY some cute fire pit rules signs (Pinterest gold right here).
FAQs
How long will this cheap fire pit last?
If you use concrete blocks or pavers, it’ll hold up for years with light fires. Extreme high heat every night will wear it faster.
Do I need fire bricks?
For a basic backyard fire pit, no. Regular concrete pavers work fine as long as you’re not building raging infernos daily.
Can I use bricks I already have?
Totally. Just make sure they’re not from inside your house (those bricks aren’t made for heat).
Final Thoughts: Why This $60 Fire Pit Is Worth Every Penny
For just an hour of your time and about sixty bucks, you’ve created a backyard centerpiece that’ll make your space cozier, more social, and just plain cooler.
Plus, every time someone asks, “Where’d you get that fire pit?” you get to casually drop, “Oh, I built it myself.”
And trust me, that feels way better than clicking “Add to Cart.”
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