It can’t be denied that almost everyone’s favorite season has to be Fall. Once the leaves start falling along with the temperature, you know it’s time to take out that sweater and prepare for cool, quiet nights by the fire. It’s days like these that you wish you had a fire pit.
These magical spots are not just for warming yourself. You can cook and grill here, roast marshmallows with the kids, tell tales, and watch the stars – all at the comfort of your own backyard.
Before you take out your shovel and start digging, dig into these cool fire pit ideas. Some of them are modern, while others are rustic and traditional. Pick one that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Practical But Amazing Fire Pit Ideas
1. Repurposed Washing Machine Drum
Photo Credits to HomeBNC
Imagine your little ones roasting marshmallows here during cold weather! If you don’t have an old washing machine drum, try scouting flea markets or appliance stores (there should be one available for a few dollars).
2. Brick Fire Pit with Benches
Photo Credits to Menards
Brick fire pits can be easily assembled yourself or with the help from experts. Relatively inexpensive and decorative, it’s sure to warm not only your hands but also your heart.
3. Decorative Round Fire Pit
Photo Credits to HomeBNC
Fire pits don’t have to be just square, rectangular, or round. They can come in an assortment of shapes, materials, and colors! This teardrop-shaped one for instance, is both elegant and functional.
4. Stacked Stone Fire Pit
Photo Credits to Hometalk
Got sandy or ground? Then making a stacked stone fire pit should be quite easy. Simply dig a hole and build large stones around it. Add height by piling on more stones. No need for concrete.
5. Upcycled Truck Wheel and Stone
Photo Credits to Handimania
The inner metal ring of a truck or tractor tire will come in handy for those looking for something budget-friendly. Remove the rubber part, put concrete slabs or stones around it for aesthetic and stabilization purposes, then add dirt and wood. Voila!
6. Barbecue Grill Set on Blocks and Stones
Photo Credits to Instructables
Give your BBQ grill new life (and purpose) with this setup. Use concrete tree rings or concrete blocks for shape. Leave the center open. Fill spaces with stones, pebbles, or gravel. Then insert your round grill. Now you’re ready to host BBQ Sundays or camping nights with friends!
7. Garden Fire Pit and Table
Photo Credits to Idealhome.co.uk
Not a lot of room and hate to choose between a garden and a fire pit? You can have both with this tabletop idea. Simply choose a garden table that can hide a power canister (like the one above). Now you can have warm brunches or family dinners on your garden anytime.
8. Concrete Block Fire Pit
Photo Credits to Laura Gummerman
This easy-to-build hearth only takes a bit of cardio and some supplies from your local hardware store. Once done, the only thing you’d be missing is a cozy bend around it for smores’ nights!
9. Simple Square Metal
Photo Credits to HomeBNC
When it comes to open fireplaces, creativity is key. Don’t feel restricted to concrete or stone. Metal fire pits is a great option as well, especially when you probably don’t want one all year round.
10. Koi Pond Design
Photo Credits to Lucy May
Don’t let an old koi pond go to waste. Instead of fish, give it life by being a warm fire pit area for friends and family to gather round and grill meats on weekends.
11. Simple Rocks and Dirt
Photo Credits to Decoist
Large rocks and dirt are all it takes for this contemporary yet rustic hearth. Simple, practical, but eye-catching, it’s a design worth considering for your backyard or patio space.
12. Camp Style Cooking
Photo Credits to A Piece Of Rainbow
Obsessed with all things camping? Relive the nostalgia of roasting marshmallows, stargazing, and hot summer evenings with this rustic fire pit. Add a grill grate for cooking to make it more functional.
13. Propane Outdoor Fire Pit and Coffee Table
Photo Credits to Hayneedle
This dual-purpose open fireplace is a hard worker. Let it warm you during cold weather, and allow it to carry drinks and refreshments come hot season. The best part: this little baby is portable.
14. Backyard Wood Burning Fire Bowls
Photo Credits to Hayneedle
Use a cast iron or steel cauldron for this idea. It’ll match whatever existing décor you have in your backyard. Hot tip: add matching size grill grates and you’ve got yourself a nice place for cooking.
15. Backyard Fire Pit Patio Space
Photo Credits to A Piece Of Rainbow
Let your hearth be the center of an attractive patio space. Put chairs or benches, plants, a coffee table, and some fairy lights to complete the magical setup.
16. Propane Fire Pit Table
Photo Credits to A Piece Of Rainbow
When metal, concrete, or stone isn’t an option, choose wood. This elegant wooden table hides the gas tank, while the tabletop is furnished in beautiful porcelain tiles. Add a glass wind guard and you can have yourself a chic, stylish fire pit that’ll impress guests.
17. DIY Tabletop Fire Pit
Photo Credits to A Piece Of Rainbow
A small but incredible way to light up the night and warm up your hands. The best part is that you can move it anywhere you like.
18. Sunken Garden
Photo Credits to Homes and Gardens
Fire pits don’t always have to be on show. For such cases, a below-ground-level option is a wonderful way to still enjoy its benefits, while keeping it covered for other occasions. Make sure to match the surrounding landscaping to complete the illusion.
19. Outdoor Stove DIY
Photo Credits to Homes and Gardens
Be open to the idea of freestanding fire pits, such as this one, that makes use of an outdoor stove.
20. Modern Stone Bowl
Photo Credits to Homes and Gardens
Modern, trendy, and minimalist, this stone bowl is highly suitable for contemporary spaces. The lava rocks add an organic touch to an otherwise solid look.
21. Compact and Freestanding
Photo Credits to Homes and Gardens
Fire pits don’t have to be large or built on the ground. These freestanding solutions are convenient for folks who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, but would still love a fire pit on occasion.
22. Low Level Marble and Cut Wood
Photo Credits to Idealhome.co.uk
Let’s take inspiration from the Viking Friluftsliv Garden from RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (2021). With a large, low-level marble and rough-cut wood, it’s a backyard centerpiece worthy of any modern home.
23. Rustic and Traditional Chiminea
Photo Credits to Idealhome.co.uk
Want rustic or cottagecore vibes? Then a chimenea could be perfect for you. This freestanding front-loading fireplace would make a nice addition to any country-style backyard, patio, or garden. Be sure to pick a chimenea with a longer flue or chimney to avoid smoke going into your neighbors’ properties.
24. DIY Mini Open Fire Pit
Photo Credits to Idealhome.co.uk
Create a cozy corner with a small, open fire pit made from steel or cast iron. Add a couple of logs to burn (and for texture!) and you’ve got yourself a warm place to retreat to once the sun goes down.
25. Rectangular Concrete
Photo Credits to Idealhome.co.uk
Complement your wooden backyard décor with a concrete block to create an interesting contrast. Don’t forget a seating area, some plants, pillows, and a blanket for the perfect outdoor spot.
26. Creative Wok Fire Pit
Photo Credits to Ink, Rust and Sawdust
Wondering what to do with your oversized wok? Retire it as a fire pit that will add warmth to your backyard.
27. Wine Barrel Fire Pit
Photo Credits to waxp0etic/Imgur
With a couple of alterations, this hardy wine barrel is now an amazing open fireplace you can proudly show off to friends and family.
28. Portable Steel Fire Pit
Photo Credits to whatuptrey/Imgur
A portable hearth is convenient for those who a) can’t decide where they really want their fire pit to be, and b) for folks who won’t be using it frequently. It’s also small enough to be stored away. You can buy portable ones online or at hardware stores. Try making one yourself, too (though it won’t be easy!).
29. Cobblestone Area with Bench
Photo Credits to Instructables
Give your backyard an old-world feel with this in-ground cobblestone fire pit. You can even build a bench around it that could serve as handy storage for firewood.
30. Galvanized Tub Fire Pit
Photo Credits to Renew Redo
You want a fire pit and you want it fast. Here’s a hot tip: use a 15-gallon wash pail (buy one if you don’t have any lying around). Add bricks to cover the bottom, place logs on top, and boom – a quick, easy, and affordable way to have warm, cozy nights.
What do you think? Which of these fire pit ideas would you try for your backyard or patio?
Posted by:Gwen
Gwen Johansson began gardening as a side hobby while working two jobs at around ninety hours a week. Spending Sunday mornings in the garden was her vice for the hectic week, and after helping neighbors with their gardens and being asked numerous questions, she decided to make her own free resource for others to enjoy. She now spends more time in her garden than at work, and strives to help you understand your fragrant outdoor space more than anyone else.
