Maybe this is fourth time’s a charm? {{nervous laughter}}. This is the fourth DIY fire pit I’ve worked on in the last decade and half and maybe my last?

You know I’ve had my backyard game face on for this entire summer so far. And what’s a backyard without finishing something that literally takes a day?

Here’s my starting point after all the work for my sloped terrace garden as seen HERE.

Keepin’ it real and I am SICK of moving that furniture to mow and weed eat. haha.

Plus, it’s literally sitting on a ring mound because there, I believe, used to be a large tree and the ground is sunken in.

BACKSTORY

Before I dig in (literally), lemme explain why this is the fourth time around.

First, I built a fire pit out of all curbside finds 13 YEARS AGO {{gasp}}.

While that was fun for a time, I couldn’t wait to take it next level. That’s what lead me to the next fire pit – SEE HERE.

Again, what a blessing to be able and have the spot to enjoy with my kids.

Fast-forward after a few years, a horrible neighbor and more (READ MORE HERE), I had to redo that same fire pit.

This time around, it’s all me with a bit of help from my youngest kids when they are available.

DIGGIN’ TIME AGAIN

Folks, my body is exhausted from all this work and yet in the best shape ever. woot!

And yet, I am not done digging as I’d hoped.

However, this project is like candy for me as it’s SO MUCH EASIER!!

First, in all seriousness, you do want to do a few things before starting a project like this (1) check your local codes on how far away your diy fire pit should be from your home or structures (2) do you need to call 811? (service in US checking for any electric, water lines, etc you might run into.) You won’t be digging deep if you’re doing like I do, but if you want to, you’ll want to check.

For my purposes, I have to have my fire pit at least 25′ from my home.

With that in mind, I measure and mark for a 14′ diameter circle. Keep in mind, your fire pit can be any shape you want. I’m just creating a circle because my current furniture fits that shape perfectly.

For your viewing pleasure, here is my vlog about the entire project and more.

STEP 1

To make your circle, measure 14′ in two directions and put a stake in the center, 7′ from outer edge.

Then, using string or twine, tie a loose not onto the stake.

From the stake line, measure 7′ on your string and tie a knot at 7′.

Using a light color spray paint, keep the string taught and spray while walking around the center stake in a circle. My vlog above shows this best.

STEP 2

Then, once you have your circle painted, you need to take up the sod (assuming you’re placing this in the grass).

I find my spade shovel works the best to punch in around the painted circle line to create the edge.

After that, I punch in an approx. 2′ x 3′ rectangle working from the outside edge in. Sod can be heavy and I find that size more manageable for me since we had rains recently. Again, the vlog below is the best way to see this in action.

Depending on your sod, you only need to go an inch or two and slide/push your shovel under the roots working side-to-side creating a carpet.

Working in about 6″-8″ increments with your shovel, pop it in and roll the sod back as you go.

I also like to roll it to the outside, so I don’t have to tread in my pit more than I have to.

STEP 3

In your planning stage, do take a minute to figure out what you’re going to do with your sod. In my previous fire pits I gave it away as I had no need for the remnant pieces

However, this time around I definitely can use it and find I have just enough to fill in all the naked spots I have in my yard. woot!

I can’t believe that THE BEST SOIL in my entire yard is here. Of course, I have clay mostly elsewhere and a tree would do this wonderful work once upon a time.

Isn’t it gorgeous soil?

I even have enough for the top of my new stairs and all along the rock slope top.

As soon as that sod is down, I head inside for a bit and see this out my upstairs window.

Hi Bambi!

This little one runs to its mother in my video. Close behind is this fella.

He’s checkin’ on my DIY snack stand coming to him soon. tsk.

STEP 4

Now for the unfun part – at least for me anyways.

My pickaxe and I are besties and are not yet ready to say goodbye for the season just yet.

I need to dig out all the tree roots to make this spot as level as possible.

Thankfully, the roots were all rotted to perfection, so they were very easy to remove.

It took me four-five wheelbarrows full of roots.

As soon as the roots are out, I rake it all smooth with my garden rake.

STEP 5

At this point, some may have different preferences for their substrate (sand?) or layering. I use landscaping fabric on as my base and cover with stone or gravel.

Again, I have just enough to cover the DIY fire pit soil making sure to overlap layers for best protection.

You can use fabric staples to hold in place. I cut to shape, then tuck into the edge using my spade or similar (again, vlog shows it best).

STEP 6

Now that you have your foundation, it’s time to add the actual fire pit.

I prefer a 36″ diameter space, but feel free to adjust that for your needs. Also, do keep in mind certain materials should NOT be used near high heat. Read more on this topic HERE.

For my purposes, I’m using the leftover stone from my retaining wall.

I find center of my pit again and measure out 18″ each direction for the 36″ total diameter.

Then, I start placing the stone, not only as my fire pit ring, but also make a ring around the perimeter to hold the pea gravel in place.

STEP 7

Next, it’s time for gravel. In my previous projects I’ve used limestone because my yard already had similar and wanted it to match.

This time around, I’m opting for pea gravel for (1) cost effectiveness (2) easy to haul (3) coordinates with the river rock I already have (4) perfect for using rock glue.

I ordered 2 tons of gravel since I knew I’d need at least 1 ton for a couple inch thickness on my fire pit.

Then after using about a ton, I felt like Marilla on Anne of Green Gables. I can hear her raspy voice now…

Except make that 1 ton of pea gravel. eep.

You know I’ll make good on it… right? I’ve got a shed to build, a patio to lay… so much to choose from.

Just look at Loula’s face. She either had her disc or ball religiously following me each wheelbarrow full of stone from this and my terrace. She’s so loyal and fun!

And this stuff is SO MUCH LIGHTER than the river rock! It was such a joy to blissfully chuck a few shovelfuls at a time. I was giddy!

As soon as I put a few gravel piles on, I rake it out using the backside of my garden rake and then add more as needed.

You can use a tamper to press it all level, or use a 2″ x 6″ board or similar to do the same.

STEP 8

Last, but not least, I am using the rock glue to make sure Loula and friends don’t chuck that gravel everywhere. ahem.

Up above my vlog shows this in action the best.

Just so you know, it’s goes on blue and cures clear.

This stuff’s not cheap but definitely does a great job and will need another application in a year.

It’s worth it for me because my previous home stone was ALWAYS getting in my yard from Loula and kids.

As soon as it cures, I mow and blow grass clippings all over it. I take my leaf blower and blow the entire thing off with not one pebble sent flying.

Amazing!

View my full project gallery HERE ON THIS PAGE

DIY FIRE PIT DONE

After about a day’s work, allowing time for rain and curing, I am able to say my DIY fire pit is ready for toasty summers and cozy cookouts.

And… ahem… I couldn’t resist a few plants that were… on sale.

While I still want ornamental grasses, I got something to just occupy that retaining wall soil for now.

Lavendar and Delosperma will tide me over until I can mess with getting more.

Can you blame me?

While I pretty much planted these in a row, I do want more of a relaxed vibe eventually. My goal now it to hold that soil there and enjoy myself a bit. Just like when I literally yanked out all my front landscaping on my old home because I WANTED TO as a birthday gift to self years ago.

Who’s ready for s’mores?

While we’re in the upper 90 degrees with 90% humidity, I’m waiting for the first official fire.

But… there will be several memory-making fires soon. For now, I’m just happy to be able to look out my window and smile.

NOW what do I do with that surplus pea gravel? Guess what I’m thinkin…

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