Create an inviting covered fire pit gathering spot by surrounding it with comfy seating like Adirondack chairs - they add classic style.
Repurpose materials to build a DIY covered fire pit that suits both your taste and budget. Here, a landscaper used thick retaining wall-style blocks as the base and then added patio paver-style stones on top for decoration. Construction adhesive helps hold together these stackable blocks from weather exposure.
Easy to Build
A DIY covered fire pit is an easy weekend project to add ambiance to any backyard. Make sure the area surrounding your firepit is free from plants, fences, or trees that might catch fire while making sure that embers don't blow into nearby objects like plants, fences, or trees - as this would increase safety as well as create an attractive soft moonlight glow! Lighting may also help make for safer pathways leading to the outdoor fireplace or pit for added effect and attraction.
If you opt for pavers, ensure they can withstand heat and are constructed from materials that won't warp or crack; concrete would be ideal than clay or ceramic materials that may become fragile over time. A professional can assist in selecting suitable options for your yard.
Cinder blocks are an economical and versatile building material ideal for outdoor projects. Use them to erect the walls that surround your backyard fire pit, as well as build seating areas like this simple one from The Art of Doing Stuff with two metal planters featuring planters topped by a grate to contain any flames that escape.
Bricks may also make an excellent option when building fire pit walls. While more costly than cinder blocks, they have more durable finishes that can withstand repeated nightly fires. For maximum strength from your bricks, use a firebrick that has been kilned and certified for high temperatures; additionally, you will require refractory cement; this form of mortar can withstand heat.
If using pavers for your fire pit, professional services or DIYers alike can install them easily and carefully. Laying pavers follows the same processes as any other hardscape installation: using tools such as levels, hammers, flat-head screwdrivers, and masonry adobe. Care should be taken not to overfill holes as pavers may shift or crack over time.
Easy to Maintain
Proper care of a DIY covered fire pit will create an enjoyable backyard focal point that you'll be proud to enjoy for years. Ash should be regularly removed to maintain proper airflow, while stone or brick pits should be sealed periodically to protect against moisture and wear. When winter hits, decorate it with twinkling ornaments and wreaths for festive holiday gatherings; come springtime add blooming flowers and potted plants for an additional pop of color in this space!
DIY outdoor fire pit with lid is an easy and achievable DIY project for both beginner and experienced do-it-yourselfers alike. Start by creating the simple but sturdy base using concrete tree rings, which can be found easily at home improvement stores for just under $30 each, before layering gravel for drainage and bricks as a level surface to place metal fire insert. Finally, stain or paint the top cover to protect its wood while making opening and closing simpler, then attach National Hardware back flap hinges at its center point for added hinged design features!
Cinder blocks provide a low-cost and simple method of creating the base for your fire pit, with circular walls enabled by specialty corner units to help eliminate the cutting of corners. Concrete slabs may also work for this effect. To add an eye-catching twist, mix multiple colors of blocks for an appealing visual display.
If your home features a rustic or French country aesthetic, upcycling an old wheelbarrow may add the perfect rustic or French country atmosphere. Start by inspecting its drum for any cracks, significant rust spots, or burnt plastic or wooden parts from previous use in a fire. When secure, add legs so they can be elevated for safe and convenient use.
If you prefer something with more of a contemporary flair, why not create a two-tiered DIY covered fire pit? Created using concrete blocks arranged in a circle pattern and flat rock slabs respectively, combine both with stone walkways and comfortable Adirondack chairs for the complete patio experience.
Easy to Decorate
An outdoor DIY fire pit can become the center of attention in any gathering area, providing warmth and ambiance while also serving as the centerpiece of a landscape that blends classic garden elements with modern design features. Use a stone or brick tabletop as seating, and surround it with low-growing plants that won't be bothered by heat. Add lighting for the subtle accentuation of both seating and its surroundings. If your home features rustic or farmhouse aesthetics, an old metal wheelbarrow may make an excellent base for a DIY fire pit. Check local classifieds or thrift stores to locate one with no cracks or significant rust damage; remove plastic parts such as rubber tires from it before centering it on a foundation of brick or stone for easy assembly.
If you want a luxurious feel, enclosing your outdoor fire pit with concrete pavers is a cost-effective way to add architectural interest while simultaneously creating functional outdoor space. To build a paver ring, start by dry-laying blocks on site and making sure they are correctly spaced out before cutting some blocks down to size - this can be accomplished using brick hammers or cold chisels to mark them with the width of the gap desired before using cold chisels to score the underside of the block where the mark was marked before using cold chisels to score and break apart when scoring is completed - finally, break apart the block allowing the fire pit space will become fully functional!
One solution for creating privacy without completely enclosing the garden, while also creating easy entrance and exit routes to avoid smoke problems, is surrounding natural stone or paver patios with fast-growing bushes and grasses that grow quickly. This approach was taken by this landscaping firm when creating a circular destination fire pit at one corner of an otherwise open yard.
Make an in-ground DIY fire pit using stones from a quarry or lava rock from a hardware store. Even an amateur DIYer can complete this project within one weekend! For mortar the bricks, pre-mixed refractory cement designed to withstand high heat is available from home centers or brickyards - you're also bound to save some cash along the way!
Easy to Store
If you're creating a natural and rustic fire pit area, add wood borders or log seating options to define the space and evoke an intimate ambiance. Add native plants like ferns and moss for an added rustic charm; rustic spaces can even host repurposed items like old metal wheelbarrows, worn trash cans, or old washing machine drums to complete the look!
Weather-proof covers provide essential protection for fire pits. A sturdy cover keeps out rain and sunlight so that you can enjoy the flames year-round, whether you build it from scratch or use one of the many kits available - an important investment that will keep your backyard retreat looking its best for years.
If your home reflects country styling, farmhouse aesthetic, or Southwestern design elements, consider surrounding your fire pit with pavers to create a backyard patio. This straightforward DIY project should take only one weekend to complete and will bring many hours of joy for both you and your guests!
To build the walls of your paver patio, start with a base of 6-inch gravel topped with one inch of coarse concrete sand and arrange your pavers in any pattern you desire - concrete pavers may benefit from having tumbled finishes for an aesthetically pleasing effect.
Use concrete blocks to construct the walls of your fire pit instead. Choose a block that comes in circular units or has specialty corner blocks to save time in cutting individual blocks. When your first layer of bricks has been laid out, add landscaping adhesive with a thick bead for even coverage, then allow this adhesive to dry before stacking the second tier of blocks on top.
If your fire pit is intended as a gathering space for all members of your community, don't use fencing or shrubbery as a barrier - instead add colorful plantings that add texture and vibrancy to its surroundings, like this charming example from Elysian Landscapes: an array of catmint and muhly grass create a living cocoon around the fire pit without blocking off social interaction completely.