Building Your Perfect Fire Pit on a Budget

How to build a DIY fire pit as a beginner. A complete guide for your backyard project!
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Build a DIY fire pit in your backyard and enjoy evenings around the fire. We explore all the materials, stones, fire ring inserts, leveling and drainage options you’ll need to build a fire pit as a beginner. This is an easy outdoor diy project you can tackle in one day!
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0:00 Lots of Fire Pit Options!
0:40 Picking the Right Stones
3:30 Which Fire Ring is Right for You?
5:49 Best Location for a Fire Pit
6:34 Laying out the Fire Pit Space
7:40 Digging out Your Fire Pit Base
8:30 Adding Drainage to the Pit
10:20 Leveling for the Stones
12:20 Laying the First Row of Pavers
13:50 Adding the 2nd and 3rd Layers
15:10 Installing the Fire Ring and Fill Stones
15:58 Cost Breakdown and Thoughts

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

See how I made this Fire Pit Smokeless! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaKpZWCwfJWKadE

[@trishakauffman4621]

You're definitely committed to doing things just perfectly. Me I'm just grabbing stones out of the woods, dropping them on the ground and hoping for the best.

[@kosta2177]

Yeah, that’s what I call “Natural look” and “On a budget”

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

Yeah I’m more interested in a simpler look anyhow…

[@elthanos879]

You and everyone else lmao

[@Beesa10]

Yeah, I would probably scribe a suitably sized circle with a peg in the centre and some string, dig the ground a bit to clear and roughly level it and then use whatever rocks I can scavenge and lay a course or two around the edge.

[@esmyval8948]

😂

[@daveyio87]

can't wait to see the smokeless upgrade as building a fire pit will be on my to do list in the next year or so.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

@@jeffcarroll1990shock what was click bait about this??? 🤔

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

The smokeless conversion is done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaKpZWCwfJWKadE

[@littlescott6162]

@@Fixthisbuildthatif I building a fire pit on top of an existing poured concrete patio what would you recommend me putting down as a base on top of the concrete? Love your videos.

[@doctorlightwork]

You are an excellent teacher! Thank you for this detailed tutorial :)

[@scottshawwoodworking1752]

I vote for smokeless firepit. I love the design and thank you for putting in the cost of the materials.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@sisyphushappyband]

I like the addition of the cost breakdown at the end. I would vote for that as a regular addition!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

We'll definitely do it where it makes sense 👍

[@aps5150]

5:45 any time I'm near a campfire or similar, the smoke always seems to blow into my face regardless of where I move. Definitely interested in a smokeless version.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

that's the unwritten law of fires, the smoke will find you 😂

[@3scape4rtist]

Smokeless is definitely a much more enjoyable way to relax around a firepit. However, a lot of people assume that there will be zero smoke whatsoever, and that's not true. Smokeless fire pits really just "smoke less", there's still going to be some depending on what you're burning and its moisture content, but it is a lot more tolerable. Also, in order for it to work best, don't stack your fire higher than the rim of the pit - that defeats its method of keeping the smoke down

[@aps5150]

@@3scape4rtist I'm sure it's not ALL gone, but anything I can do to make it LESS would be worth it in my opinion!

[@joerobinson9971]

As always you are the best. I can remember when I had as much energy as you, the good old days. Never the less I always look forward to your videos. Keep on going.

[@strykker666]

Definitely would love to see a smokeless version. Excellent work as always. Much appreciated by everyone!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks!

[@Ilyaphd]

Man, I am so happy that I found this channel and this video. Watched it and build awesome fire pit, wife approved! Appreciate you being so thorough, man!

[@Eltravieso71198]

For folks like me who are lacking in construction skills, these videos are awesome! TY for doing what you do!

[@busta5932]

Great explanation and thanks for including the price breakdown. Can’t wait for the smokeless upgrade.

[@shannoncornwell2560]

Yes! This is great. Would totally be interested in a video on the smokeless version.

[@robertlastname6750]

$ tip: The decorative rock is definitely useable. At Home Depot, in the concrete section, there is Quikrete all purpose gravel that sets really well for blocks. It's a bit cheaper than the decorative rock.

[@tpeberle]

This build is similar to what I did last summer, but I wanted it 1 layer taller for a bigger fire. I used flashing at the bottom and attached with rivets to extend my fire ring because I couldn't find one as tall as I wanted. Maybe it'll help someone out there. Nice job!

[@jaytemp5975]

Can you explain in simpler terms

[@faithsmalling1102]

Thank you for telling the REASON for adding each feature. I like natural stones and have lots of roundish river rocks (aprox 10 pounds each) already here. More work but we love the look.

[@Bonezz024]

Bought the exact fire pit you did and it’s way too bare on its own. This is the perfect video and I’ll be doing this in the spring. Thanks!!

[@jeffbarbierofrunfar4825]

Excellent! Extremely informative (especially where you demonstrate different materials/cost), and entertaining as well. Know I feel confident that I can build the perfect pit!

[@thomasbrovarone7136]

Very good tutorial. I'm a Ask This Old House fan ... They've done a few DIY firepit builds but not to the level of detail and options that you have laid out for us. THANKS !!! And to all your 1million plus subscribers who must be thinking "Why doesn't Tom have anything else to do on a Saturday night than watch a fire pit build?" My reply ... Because I can. Aloha ....

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Tom! Sounds like a good Saturday night to me 😀

[@markusallport1276]

I did something similar in my back yard, but I dug down a good 4-5 inches and used sand as my leveler. I also put flat brick for the floor of the pit for easy cleanup of ashes. Once you burn a few fires in the pit you built, you then have the issue of ash to deal with. With mine, I just use a flat shovel and the ashes and debris is gone. Mine is aprox. 4 foot round and 3 levels high, no fire ring, it wasn't needed or required. We had a large tree cut down in the front and used the trunk for 6 seats around the pit and all quite natural looking. The pit is still standing strong, no issues and we burn several times a week in the summer and fall. I haven't had to do any rebuilding or anything like that as the pavers are holding up quite well.

[@susanpeterson9947]

May I ask how you disposed of the ashes? I have a good sized homemade fire pit but it’s positively filled with ash and I have no idea how to get rid of it!

[@makerbyproxy8666]

I built a very similar fire pit last year. I chose to not go with an insert, because we liked the way it looked better than with one. The down side, the heat will eventually crack the flagstone block. On a plus side, those blocks are readily available.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yes, going sans insert is a decent option, especially if you like the look

[@facepalmdaily4404]

Also have to be careful, a lot of the "flagstone" retaining wall stones they sell at home depot and lowes are actually concrete "made to look like flagstone". Concrete will crack easily and can explode. Flagstone is pretty heat resistant. If you're getting cracks with average use, there's a good bet those are actually concrete.

[@glennwell2491]

I subscribed to your channel over a year ago, coming back to it now I see a major improvement in quality, truly a complete guide as your title says. Great video!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Welcome back!

[@lancemorgenstern3713]

Man, I love your content I opened up KZbin. I clicked on how to make a fire pit. Your video came up first and I watched it… so much good information what to buy when not to buy what bricks not to buy thank you thank you thank you I will subscribe to your channel and see what else I can put in the backyard….. this video has been very helpful…… keep up what you’re doing !!!!!! from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you so much……

[@Tammy166]

Been on YT since 2008, and I've got to say that this is the most useful video I've ever come across, lol. I can't wait to build my own firepit!

[@shano0k]

+1 for the smokeless because i hope to do that within the next couple weeks. love the diy projects

[@dutch4505]

great presentation with the different options, and breakdown of costs. very helpful

[@usa-earth]

Really great pacing on this video, much appreciated sir!

[@cryptodawk]

I bought the exact same firepit off amazon as well, so thank you very much for posting this. Very detailed. Definitely looking forward to the smokeless mod :-) Cheers

[@mtbikerdan]

Hi Brad, you have my vote for a smokeless upgrade! Thanks again for producing great content.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍 you're welcome!

[@coltgunner1]

Great video! Being from the rural area, another option is used rear tractor wheels as a fire ring. You can get them pretty cheap or free if you know a farmer, also there are a bunch of difference sizes to choose from.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

That sounds like a good country fire pit right there!

[@neisheawilkes7749]

this video was aso resourceful so glad i ran into this thank you for sticking it out with the weather lol! great demo!

[@j.justin1511]

Hey Brad, late to the show here, but what about buying TWO of the solid fire rings you like better and placing one upside down (flange on ground) and stacking the bricks on the flange, then capping the whole thing with the 2nd one right-side-up? I know it's more money but it'd do the trick, maybe. Great video!

[@danwilliams4089]

So great and informative and like a good recipe can be adjusted as needed...well done!

[@christianle9291]

Thank you, you make things seem so easy

[@robertkerby2581]

Great video! I am truly inspired to build my own fire pit! Well done!

[@stevenstratton-dp4ss]

I did it your way. It came out awesome. Thanks for the video!

[@JWW_Woodworks]

Very interested in seeing the smokeless upgrade!

[@diegosoto5166]

Thank you for the video. Thats exactly how im going yo build my fire pit. I love it!

[@gregdarbonne8137]

Definitely want to see the smokeless firepit. Good work here.

[@adam_loooong1735]

Definitely want to see the smokeless option! A few questions: 1. what do you do with all the dirt and grass you dig up with these outdoor projects? and 2. How do you avoid the peeble stones when mowing the grass? Careful weed eater operation? Thanks so much - before I do anything outside I come to your page and see what you have. If you dont have it - i just wait til you do haha (so an outdoor pergola video would be super helpful for me! ha(

[@EricRShelton]

I'm 10 seconds in and already excited because I have the same generation Avalanche! I call it my "dad truck"; holds the car seats, flexible enough for full sheets of plywood. The only hassle is all the little seals and stuff when loading aggregate stuff like gravel or sand.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yes, love my Avalanche! But rusted the midgate hinges out on my old one after a load of topsoil

[@matthysloedolff]

I would definitely like to see a smokeless fire pit upgrade. Great video, Brad!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍 thanks

[@rogeramadon4064]

EXCELLENT video and very well presented

[@dawgfan751]

Definitely would like to see the smokeless version of this pit.

[@MrF1230n]

Smokeless please! Huge fan of your videos, and love that you've moved from the woodshop to the backyard. I can only hope you do a stone patio one day to match.

[@ahmedslama3412]

I love your videos so much, actually i watched every single one of them you have a charming and very informative and idiot proof way I love your take on those builds, im still gonna wait for your take on a stone oven

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks!

[@stephentoumi]

Awesome! Would love to see it turned into a smokeless. But this is simple and cost effective

[@oomafoofoogutenberg8177]

you’ve just earned my subscription, amazing video man!

[@sapelesteve]

Now that was a fantastic build Brad! Would be very interested in seeing the smokeless fire pit build as well! 👍👍😉😉

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@stephensmith9233]

Loved the video and I just finished building almost the exact version of what you built. Only difference is I bought a Vingli fire ring on amazon for $75, and I used liquid nails to glue the blocks together. Everything feels very tight and solid, like it's going nowhere.

[@reginiahowell742]

Thank you. Just started watching you today

[@jupamoers]

Smokeless? Yes, do it^^

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@deborafikremariam2721]

Love your video thank you I have watched so many videos before you but I will do my fire using your video

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Awesome fire pit! THANKS!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelhardy7687]

Yes please make it smokeless. I have seen other do it but I'm now ready to make my own. You are just so informative I would like to see your ideas.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@10469]

Oh next year for sure I’m making one. Might be sooner but right now too many home projects. But it’s on the list.. thanks great making video.

[@juanmendoza7487]

Awesome fire pit…Great job!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks!

[@jasonvargas3626]

Definitely looking for the smokeless version

[@cjcomputer1]

Very nice! Yes do the smokeless version pls!!

[@mariaaguilar5736]

love it, thank you for your inspirational video

[@bobimurray9764]

can't wait to see the smokeless upgrade as building a fire pit will be on my to do list in the next year or so

[@tdz69]

What an awesome video! TY. Just starting my Firepit and got some very helpful tips from this. I looked at the retaining wall stones at Home Depot. Good price and large but I found the rear lip to be a deal breaker. It makes the stacked layers off level and I’m not about to start chipping them away lol. Used other bricks instead. One tip I would share from past experience of working with gravel for drainage….wrap the gravel in some weed block then bury it. Will prevent the dirt from compacting between the gravel over time and defeating the drainage capability. Back at the build tomorrow morning bright and early. Lol. I really hate the ground leveling part.

[@SteveGrin]

I just did mine this weekend, it took about 5 minutes with a brick chisel to knock off that lip on all the blocks.

[@dm05948]

What ring did you use. I have the the 10 bricks per level but can't find a pit ring

[@icaraveo2230]

I made my smokeless firepit with the bottom of a 55 gallon food drum, then put the stones around it with a concrete top to help seal it all up. Works great... love to see your take, might see how I can upgrade mine further

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

sounds cool

[@calebkennedy3854]

Definitely interested to see the smokeless fire pit option!

[@RodGriTV]

GREAT job and GREAT info! Just subscribed to your channel! 🤙🏼🔥

[@Ben7406]

I can't help but notice your lawn. Nice grass, man! :D

[@gregmize01]

Looks great!

[@ebareiss]

That 811 sponsorship was flawless. Not only did it fit the video perfectly it was also very informative. Well done.

[@stargazer7644]

It was utterly ridiculous for a firepit.

[@MattR759]

Been waiting two weeks for a new Brad video!!! Yay!!!

[@LukeTheJoker]

That came out nice.

[@nancyduhalde4679]

Great job, appreciate the video… beautiful pit!

[@rxlo1015]

Looks fantastic 👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johncronin1082]

Really enjoyed watching this video I'm going to have a go at building one myself so this video came in handy..keep up the great work mate 👍 ☘☘

[@narutofanz85]

Yeah we need smokeless! Looking nice!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@NoWorriesall]

Very good tutorial.👍👍

[@inspiringbuilds]

Awesome details and build Brad! Definitely do the smokeless and weld the seems If you want. I went with a DIY gas fire pit version as it’s an instant fire with the kids not lasting long. 👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yes, gas fire pits definitely have their advantages

[@robertlane8209]

Great video presentation.

[@ordinarypeople801]

Looks nice, but I have a very important question - How you are about to clean the ash?

[@SuperNelsonEddie]

Nice vid. Yes would love to see the smokeless conversion

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@orionthr123]

Totally cool Backyard 👍

[@Heyyylovlies]

Thank you so much for this video, I want to build my mom a fire pit for mother's day because she's been talking about making one because she hates the metal one we have now

[@davidbrieske]

Yes, do the smokeless pit!👍

[@thatdragon4988]

A complete and comprehensive build video that i will honestly be giving a shot once the burn ban in this area is lifted. Although i’ll definitely be using my home depot employee discount.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

good luck with the build!

[@thatdragon4988]

@@Fixthisbuildthat Thank you!

[@davedavenport8176]

So I used the same one from Amazon i also drilled holes and had spaces on my lowest row of pavers bricks this help dramatically with smoke once it warmed up. We live our fire pit I also use a round screen with deer 🦌for safety when there are kids or drunks around the fire 😁

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

glad to know the smokeless option works well

[@BronkBuilt]

Nice job Brad.

[@Breeze_952]

Great job. Great video.

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola 👋 Super cool, hope you enjoy making s’mores out there. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊🏼

[@Myisha777]

Your backyard is beautiful!

[@andrethegiant2877]

Agree

[@DeliciaBatten-Jean-ho2cf]

Nice professional thanks and detailed

[@makernova8160]

Looks great! I vote to see the smokeless fire pit :)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@carjen121]

Wow awesome I love it., great job. Thank you you’re so talent.💕👏🏼

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@83RBurke]

Getting the solid tire option for my Gorilla cart was a good bet. The pneumatic ones don’t hold air

[@brianpancoast5407]

And great job on the one you built

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks!

[@mgarner9027]

I wish I could add a picture but I made this exactly as you said and it turned out perfect!!!!!

[@kamiifae]

We just redid a portion of our backyard to DG and will be putting in a firepit. A smokeless version would be great!

[@AimingWanderously]

I didn't realize Brad Paisley had a DIY KZbin channel. ;)

[@donate1sttt]

Great information 👍 Thank you

[@bendorschel212]

Great video, man!

[@MattR759]

Smokeless fire pit! Yes!!! 🔥

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@JennB77]

Yes! Do the smokeless!!!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

👍👍

[@JennB77]

Not gonna lie, I had never heard of a smokeless until I watched this video. I need to move my current fire pit because it is currently directly under a tree (no idea what the last owner was thinking when they installed it) but now I want to make it a smokeless one after seeing this video!