How to Build a Fire Pit in Your Backyard

Building a backyard fire pit involves digging a shallow hole, creating a gravel base, and arranging fire-resistant stones or bricks in a circle. Most projects take a weekend and cost under $200.

  1. Locate and Verify First. Select a spot at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, or overhanging branches. Call your local fire department to confirm fire pit regulations and obtain any required permits. Mark underground utilities by calling 811 before digging.
  2. Mark Your Perfect Circle. Buy fire bricks or natural stones, pea gravel, and sand. Use spray paint or a garden hose to mark a circle 3-4 feet in diameter. This creates a fire pit that seats 6-8 people comfortably around it.
  3. Dig Deep and Clean. Dig down 6-8 inches within your marked circle. Remove all grass, roots, and debris. The hole should have straight sides and a flat bottom. Save some of the better soil for backfilling around the pit later.
  4. Build Your Base Layer. Pour 2-3 inches of pea gravel into the hole and level it with a rake. This drainage layer prevents water from pooling and helps with airflow. Tamp it down firmly with your feet or a hand tamper.
  5. Smooth the Sand Bed. Spread 1-2 inches of sand over the gravel and level it smooth. This creates an even surface for your first row of stones. Use a straight board to screed the sand level across the entire area.
  6. Set Your First Ring. Place your fire bricks or stones in a circle on the sand, leaving small gaps between each piece for airflow. Check that each stone sits level and adjust the sand underneath as needed. This ring should sit slightly above ground level.
  7. Stack High and True. Add 2-3 more rows of stones, staggering the joints like bricks in a wall. Each stone should bridge the gap between two stones below it. Keep checking that the wall stays plumb and level as you build upward.
  8. Complete and Clean. Fill the gap between the stone wall and the excavated edge with soil, packing it firmly. Add mulch or gravel around the fire pit for a finished look. Clear any loose debris from inside the pit before your first fire.