The Best Fire Pit Ideas for Any Budget
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Fire pits are a great way to better enjoy being outdoors in any season. Whether you’re looking for DIY ideas or the best affordable fire pits to buy, these awesome outdoor fire pit ideas will work on any budget!
For more awesome ideas for outdoors, check out these insanely clever outdoor DIYs and outdoor raised garden beds you can make yourself.
Some of our most magical nights have been spent sitting by the firepit. Whether it’s to kick-off summer with friends, enjoy a winter night snuggled up in blankets and eating S’mores, or sipping our favorite beverages and enjoying fall weather– firepits make the outdoors even more enjoyable.
Summer isn’t the only season where you’ll want to be outside. In fact, this year people are looking for ways to socialize outside and extend the outdoor gathering season well into the fall and winter. It’s an ideal spot for celebrating birthdays, holidays, Friday nights, whatever!
Some people prefer to invest some sweat equity and DIY their firepits, and others prefer to order them ready made. Whether you’re a DIY-er or want instant satisfaction, we’ve found the best firepits on the interwebs to warm up your festivities all year long.
Why should you get a firepit?
Fire pits are the most awesome way for transforming your backyard or patio into a magical place to hand with friends and family. For those of you who may have a tiny backyard, a small fire pit would be great, but if you have the luxury of having a larger backyard, there are some real fancy ways to dress them up!
The best part is you can find firepits at almost every price range and style, from DIY to woodburning to propane powered. It can be a very easy DIY project, even if you’re not a DIYer. Or, you can order the perfect firepit that fits your budget and style.
Plus, wood burning fire pits produce smoke that may help keep bugs at bay during your gatherings.
Solo Stove fire pit with safety surround and cover
DIY Fire Pit Ideas
Since we’re looking to add a firepit to our own backyard, we’ve rounded up some of the best fire pit ideas– both DIY and ones you can buy– to inspire you and give you all the fall feels. Pass the S’mores!
DIY instructions for each project are linked in yellow below each photo.
DIY Fire Pit Bowl
Cement fire pit bowls are a sleek and modern take on the trend.
DIY Fire Pit with Gravel and Stones
It’s helpful to have pea gravel surrounding your fire pit to reduce fire danger, as well as keeping it a safe distance from your home.
Simple DIY Fire Pit Build
This simple DIY fire pit looks so inviting!
4 Step DIY Fire Pit
You can make this fire pit in only 4 steps; I love the clean, finished look.
Garden Fire Pit with Bench
Woah, this fire pit is a stunner! I’d probably put something around the fire area to catch sparks and create a barrier, but overall it’s a gorgeous design.
DIY Fire Pit and Pea Stone Patio
This substantial fire pit has the rustic look of fieldstone. So classic and pretty.
One Hour DIY Fire Pit
Got an hour? Then you’ll be able to whip this firepit up!
$60 DIY Fire Pit
Love the look of a firepit but don’t have a huge budget? Here’s how to create one for under $60.
DIY Hardscape Benches + Fire Pit
Benches + fire pit = more room for friends! The benches also make perfect side tables for beverages and snacks.
What is the best fire pit to buy?
For those of you who are just really not into the DIY scene, here are some great non-DIY options to buy.
There are two different types of fueling fire pits – wood or propane.
Benefits of a wood burning fire pit
If you want a fire pit where you can practice fire starting skills and have access to chopped wood for fuel then wood burning is the way to go. Plus, they’re on the more affordable side.
Benefits of a propane fire pit
If you really just want to quite literally set it and forget it, propane might be your best bet. It’s going to be quicker to set up and easier to keep going for your gathering or get together. They tend to be more expensive and you’ll have to buy propane tanks for fuel, but the positive side is they start up instantly and you won’t have to deal with smoke.
We opted for a smokeless Solo Stove, and purchased several accessories to maximize it’s utility, such as a cover for the elements and heat deflector to maximize the heat output in winter. We also added a surround as a safety feature since we use it around the kids.
Both types are wonderful and will give your backyard a lovely ambiance, it really depends on your personal preferences and budget. Here are my favorites of both types below!
No matter how you slice it – DIY, not DIY, wood burning, propane – it will all give you the warm and cozy experience to be the perfect compliment to your fall season. Or summer season with a cold drink. Or really and truly, any season. What are you waiting for? It’s time to turn your backyard into the paradise you’ve always wanted.
Whether you DIY or buy your firepit, enjoy these great styles for cozying up your backyard all year long!
