Easy DIY Outdoor Firepit Project

A firepit is great for outdoor entertaining, and when the the weather turns cooler, you can still enjoy the outdoors. This Lowe’s video features an easy DIY outdoor firepit project that you can do yourself or with your family:

Before you start your project, check local ordinances and homeowner association guidelines to make sure a firepit is permitted.

In selecting a location for your firepit, choose an open area away from the house, low tree limbs or other flammables. Also take the wind direction into consideration so that smoke won’t be blowing in your windows. For convenience, you may want to set up your firepit near a wood pile. You can build it on a patio but never on a deck.

This firepit is basically a ring of blocks with a steel firepit bowl on the top. The bowl should have a lip to support itself on the blocks.

1. Create the paver base: Dig up the area, add a gravel base followed by a layer of sand, then install the blocks.

2. Assemble the firebowl but leav off the legs. Put the screen cover down on the base.

3. Position the first layer of block around the cover, making sure the joints are tight. Then remove the cover.

4. Set the next row on top of the first row, staggering the joints for strength. Add the third and fourth row in similar fashion.

5. If you are not going to use a steel firepit bowl, you will need to line the inside of the ring with fireproof blocks.

6. Set firepit tray (without the legs) and set it in the ring and put in the grate.

To get a fire going, set a starter log on the grate, stack a few logs over it in tepee fashion, light the starter log and let it burn. Once it gets going, cover it with a screen lid.

Be sure to clean out the ashes regularly. Once they are completely extinguished and cold, they can be mixed with compost to use in your garden beds. You should also have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water close by for safety.