Summary

  • DIY outdoor fireplaces create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
  • Choose from various designs like galvanized steel or rock fire pits to make your DIY ideas can come true!
  • Consider portable fire pits or retro washing machine drum fireplace for a unique look.

Are you looking for backyard ideas to revamp your space? Backyard fires are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, even in the cooler winter months. They also provide a cozy vibe and the opportunity to roast marshmallows or hot dogs over the open fire or grill.

For those curious about how to build an outdoor fireplace, there are a variety of DIY design ideas to transform your space into a warm, homey oasis. Whether you prefer the rustic look of a classic rock fire pit or a retro-style washing machine drum fire pit, there are a plethora of DIY outdoor fireplace ideas to consider!

1 Place a Galvanized Steel Fire Ring

Start with simple backyard ideas

Fire pit ring on the dirt
Steel ring on the ground
Image credits: Rosamar via Shutterstock

Are you wondering how to build an outdoor fireplace? For a simple DIY outdoor fireplace, a galvanized steel ring is an excellent choice. You can purchase a fire ring from a local hardware store or re-purpose a galvanized steel ring or tub. In addition to the basic design, there are also a variety of options with decorative patterns or animal shapes.

Gather a few materials for this DIY project:

  • Metal fire ring or galvanized steel ring
  • Level
  • Shovel

Step One

Select or create a flat surface in your backyard, using a level to confirm.

Step Two

Using a shovel, dig down about 3 to 6 inches, and slightly larger than the circumference of the ring.

Step Three

Set the fire ring in place and lightly pack the soil back around the outside of the steel fire ring.

Remove grass and other flammable objects positioned around the fire pit. Keep grass and chairs back at least 3 feet, and keep plants and tree branches back at least 10 feet. Check your local regulations, as recommended distances may vary depending on location.

2 Consider a Portable Fire Pit

Take your fire with you wherever you go

portable firepit (1)
Portable fire pit on the ground
Image credits: optimarc via Shutterstock

Are you struggling to find room for a backyard fire pit? No problem! Portable fire pits are ingenious design ideas to enjoy all the warmth and cozy vibes of the fire without the headache of digging your own pit. You can also utilize portable fire pits during the winter months when your main fire pit is covered in snow.

There are a variety of portable outdoor fireplace kits, or you can use a metal bucket as a DIY fireplace. Aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron are all good choices of metal for use as a fire pit. Anything can be a DIY outdoor fireplace if it is fire-proof! As long as you're observing safety, you're free to explore all sorts of backyard ideas!

Once the fire burns down to ashes, let the fire pit cool. Then, simply dump the ashes and store the portable fire pit for your next use. Using a portable pit for a while is a great option when you're not sure which fireplace ideas you'd like to pursue.

Be sure to always place your portable fire pit on a fire-safe surface, such as concrete.

3 Try a DIY Tabletop Fire

Elegance without the price tag

table top firepit
Tabletop fire pit
Image credits: ToniKias via Shutterstock

While wood-burning fires are traditional, many see the benefit of gas fireplaces. Tabletop fires are a popular modern design idea for those who want to create a warm, inviting space on the backyard porch. However, prices for tabletop outdoor fireplace kits can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Creating your own tabletop DIY fireplace is a quick project that's a lot of fun and doesn't have to break the bank. If you're just learning how to build an outdoor fireplace, a tabletop is agreta project to start with.

To construct your DIY tabletop fire, you'll need some materials:

  • Planter (ceramic or metal, with drainage holes)
  • Sand
  • Rocks of different sizes
  • Tiki torch
  • Tiki torch fuel

Step One

Select a planter made out of ceramic or metal.

Step Two

Add sand and/or rocks to the bottom to create a flat base for a tiki torch (of your choice).

  • Add enough sand and/or rocks so that the wick of the tiki torch is above the rock line.

Step Three

Put the tiki torch in the middle.

  • Set additional rocks around the torch to hold it in place.

Step Four

Fill your tiki torch with your preferred burning fluid, and then light to appreciate the soft glow!

Citronella oil is a popular burning fluid for tiki torches that is smoke-free and also helps to keep mosquitoes away.

4 Build a Landscaping Rock Fireplace With Cover

DIY or consider outdoor fireplace kits

firepit made of bricks with a grill on the top
Brick fire pit
Image credits: Kim Siever via Openverse

Landscaping rock is a stylish choice for a DIY outdoor fireplace ideas. Hard rocks, such as granite, marble, and lava rocks, are ideal options that are highly heat-resistant. Avoid using softer rocks, such as river rocks, sandstone, and limestone, as they can crack at high temperatures. If you don't have landscape rock available, consider outdoor fireplace kits with no-cut instructions for quick assembly or find a rock supplier to get creative with your own backyard ideas.

In order to create your new relaxing firepit, collect some materials first:

  • Landscaping rock
  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Paver sand
  • Grill rack
  • Metal ring insert (optional)
  • Adhesive glue (optional)

Step One

Create a flat surface.

  • Dig down about 3 to 6 inches, slightly larger than the circumference of the fire pit.

Step Two (optional)

To create a solid and level ground, add a layer of paver sand (about 1 to 2 inches).

  • Spray the sand with water, and then tamp down before proceeding.

Step Three

Place the first layer of landscape rocks.

  • Double-check to ensure they are on a flat surface with a level.

Step Four

Staggering the seems, lay additional rocks until you have three to four layers high.

Step Five

As a finishing touch and cooking surface, set a grill rack on top of the landscaping rocks.

Want to know how to build an outdoor fireplace that's meant to last? For a more permanent structure, use a metal ring insert for the center and use construction adhesive glue to hold the rocks together.

5 Design a Rustic Rock Fire Pit

Keep it classic with fieldstones

fire burning in a rock fire pit
Rock fire pit
Image credits: Skyler Ewing via Pexels

Rustic rock fire pits are classic outdoor fireplace ideas that never go out of style. It's a great project for homeowners who already have rocks to re-purpose on their property. When collecting fieldstones, ensure you have the property owner's permission, and select rocks with flat surfaces for easy stacking.

Ensure you have all the materials to get your DIY outdoor fireplace project underaway!

  • Fieldstones
  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Stake and string (optional)
  • Sand, gravel, or lava rock (optional)

Step One

Select a site that is relatively flat, and mark out the circumference of the fire pit.

  • One easy way to do this is to place a stake in the center of the pit area.
  • Attach a string at a length of at least 16 inches.
  • Use the string to mark the outside edge of the fire pit.

Step Two

Using a shovel, dig down about 12 to 18 inches, creating a flat surface out to the edges.

Step Three (optional)

For a more permanent structure, consider adding a 1 to 2 inch layer of sand, gravel, or lava rock to the bottom to help with drainage.

Step Four

Carefully arrange the fieldstones, starting with the larger rocks on the bottom and trying to fit them together like a puzzle for optimal stabilization.

  • Continue building the rock wall until it reaches a height of approximately 2 feet.

Check the fire regulations in your region, and consider using a fire screen to increase fire safety and decrease the chance of embers spreading. All your backyard ideas should include basic safety features!

6 Use a Retro Washing Machine Drum Fire Pit

Re-purpose old appliances for an eye-catching focal point

washing machine drum DIY firepit Image credits: Kapustin Igor via Shutterstock

For a truly innovative and retro-design, consider a DIY outdoor fireplace using a washing machine drum. The project is a bit more involved but is more than worth the effort for the end result.

Gather some materials first before you begin experimenting with drum-based fireplace ideas:

  • Old washing machine drum
  • Metal mallet
  • High heat spray paint (optional)
  • Painter's tape (optional)
  • Four iron pipes (for legs)
  • Four iron 90-degree elbows
  • Four iron flanges
  • Screws and nuts
  • Paver stones (optional)

Step One

Remove all plastic parts from the metal washing drum.

  • Wash it with warm, soapy water.

Step Two

Using a metal mallet, hammer down the rim.

  • Fold in any sharp or jagged parts.

Step Three (optional)

Paint the drum (and, if you want, add iron pipes for the legs) with high-heat spray paint.

  • To create a fun design (e.g., striped or spiral), use painter's tape to mark it out.

Step Four
  • Build the legs, using stainless steel pipes (about 18 inches in length).
  • Attach the pipes to a 90-degree elbow and flange.
  • Secure the flange through the holes of the drum with screws and nuts.
  • Depending on the size of your drum, you may need to adjust the length of the pipes.

Step Five

Set the fire pit on top of a heat-safe setting, such as large paver stones, and enjoy!

Instead of iron legs, you can prop the washing machine drum up on the paver stones.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace for Your Backyard

Whether you prefer the modern look of a tabletop fire or the convenience of a portable fireplace, there are many DIY outdoor fireplace ideas to consider.

For those wondering how to build an outdoor fireplace, there are a plethora of backyard ideas to elevate your space into a welcoming and warm environment. Especially in the winter months, backyard fires are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors without the chill. In addition to the heat and homey vibes they provide, outdoor fires also offer the option to grill or cook food over the open flames.

Whether you prefer the modern look of a tabletop fire or the convenience of a portable fireplace, there are many DIY outdoor fireplace ideas to consider.