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We have been wanting to create a backyard firepit area for our family since we moved in, and we recently had an open weekend to finally get it done! This is a very doable version for beginners, and is a somewhat affordable project that you can use with family or friends for years to come. Below is our Step-by-Step DIY for how to build a backyard firepit with minimal time and tools!

Supplies:

(For a 43in diameter firepit with 9.5ft diameter gravel circle )
Firepit ring 28in inner diameter – $87
Concrete Blocks – 44 blocks – 4 layers of 11 blocks $2.5 per block – $110
Paver base – 12 bags – $6.5 per bag – $78
Standard gravel – 6 bags – $5 per bag – $30
Kolorscape Sand Pebbles – 13 bags $5.75 per bag – $75
Optional tool: Hand Tamper
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Total cost: $380

Step 1: Mark Your Firepit Layout

Start by choosing your ideal spot in your yard — ideally a flat, open area away from trees and structures.

Drive a stake into the center of where you want the firepit to go.
Tie a string to the stake and use it to trace a circle with marking paint. This will be the outer edge of your firepit area.
Make sure the circle is the size you want before moving on.

Pro tip: Most backyard firepits range from 36–48 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Clear and Level the Ground

With your circle marked, it’s time to prep the area:

Remove grass, rocks, and debris from inside the circle.
Dig down 2–3 inches below ground level.
Use a long level and a straight board (like a 2×4) to make sure the entire base is as flat as possible.

A level foundation ensures that your firepit is stable and safe once it’s built.

Step 3: Add a Drainage Hole

To avoid a soggy firepit after a rainstorm, you’ll need to give water somewhere to go:

Dig a hole in the center of the circle, about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
Fill it to ground level with gravel.

This simple step helps your firepit drain properly and stay dry.

Step 4: Spread and Tamp a Paver Base

Now it’s time to build a stable foundation:

Spread a 1-inch layer of paver base over the entire floor of your firepit area.
Use a straight 2×4 to screed the surface evenly.
Compact the base with a hand tamper, checking frequently for level.

Pay extra attention to the outer edge where your firepit walls will go — a level ring here is key for a solid build.

Step 5: Build the Firepit Walls

This is where the magic starts to take shape:

Place your metal firepit ring in the center to guide your layout.
Lay the first row of firepit blocks tightly around the ring.
Once the first layer is complete and level, remove the ring and stack additional layers of blocks as needed (typically 3–4 layers high).
Insert the metal ring back into place once your walls are complete.

Tip: Many DIY firepit kits include blocks and a metal ring that fit perfectly together.

Step 6: Fill the Interior with Gravel

To protect the firepit walls from heat and improve airflow:

Fill the interior of your firepit with several inches of gravel, stopping just below the fire ring.
This layer helps with heat distribution and keeps your firepit in top shape over time.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

To give your firepit a polished, professional look:

Spread 1–2 inches of decorative gravel around the outside of the firepit.
Tamp the gravel down evenly for a clean and cohesive surface.

This creates a safe, fire-resistant zone around the pit!

This ended up being a whole family project as all of the kids wanted to help. It was a good one to get them involved in even though it may have extended the time to get it done;) We have already used this spot multiple times! We want to remove some of the plants to make a spot for a few more chairs, and eventually we may add pavers!