When homeowners and families make the decision to install a fire pit in their backyard, the cost is one of the first questions asked. How much does a fire ring cost? Fox River Fire Rings is here to help answer your questions about how to build a backyard fire pit on a budget with a quick step-by-step process.
5 Steps to Build a Backyard Fire Pit on a Budget
Hiring landscapers to build a fire pit in your backyard can be expensive and cost up to $5,000 in some cases — but prices will vary based on the size of your fire pit, the materials used, and its design. The good news — is that you can install a fire pit in your backyard for much less if you put in the time and effort, and have the right tools and equipment. You can use a variety of materials to make your backyard fire pit as intricate or as affordable as you wish.
Here are a few steps to help you build your backyard fire pit without breaking the bank:
1. Find the Right Spot and Level the Area
Location, location, location. The first step is to decide where you want to install your backyard fire pit and make sure that it is a minimum of 15 feet from your home and other structures. When you have found the right spot, you will want to till the area and level the soil in the chosen area, so you have a level surface where you can build your fire pit.
2. Mark and Dig Out an Outer Circle
When you have established the area for your backyard fire pit, you will want to draw out a circle for your fire pit and dig an outer circle. This will help establish the dimensions of your backyard fire pit. Use a shovel and dig to a depth of about 3 inches around the edge of the circle and inside of it. Make sure that the area inside the circle is tamped down firm and level when you have dug out the circle. This helps create a seating area around the inner fire pit that is free of debris that will burn.
3. Draw and Dig Out an Inner Circle
The next step is to draw and dig out an inner circle for your fire ring. Use a shovel to dig an inner circle that is 3 – 4 inches deep with enough room for a brick border around the outside of your fire ring if desired. Tamp down this inner circle and add a layer of fire resistant bricks, gravel, or sand to create a level surface for inside your fire pit. You may want to add a central hole for water drainage.
4. Lay a Weed Barrier
The last thing that you want after you finish all of your hard work is to have pesky weeds growing up between bricks and from under the gravel, ruining the aesthetic of your backyard fire pit. You can use a variety of materials to create a weed barrier around the inner circle of your fire pit — including old cardboard, plastic garbage bags, or landscaping fabric.
5. Lay Outer Layer of Bricks and Gravel
It is time to put the finishing touches on your backyard fire pit. Use bricks or gravel to cover the interior of the outer circle you created, up to the edge. You can use a layer of bricks to create a border and fill in the rest of the circle with gravel for a clean, smooth seating area, you could cover the entire area with a layer of bricks, or cover the area with gravel. The materials you choose to use can impact the cost of your project and help you decide on your budget.
READ MORE: 5 Essentials for Your Backyard Fire Pit
Are you on a tight budget? Do you not want to pay a landscaper to build a backyard fire pit? This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a backyard fire pit on a budget by doing it on your own. Contact Fox River Fire Rings today to find a custom fire ring that matches your own style!
