If you’re planning on building a fire pit soon, many ideas might have already popped into your head – particularly in regards to the choice of material, design, necessary budget, and color theme. We’re sure you need a harder push, though, given how paving stones open up a door of different possibilities in the hardscape world. At the end of the day, fire pits are a wonder in outdoor design, bringing people together at ceremonies and special meetings, so it’s only natural that homeowners would want them to be a seamless extension of their place. Do you know what are the best DIY fire pit ideas?

In this article, see some inspirational projects with paving stones – and what you can expect from this investment.

To read our complete guide on the best fire pit stones, click here instead.

Can you build a fire pit by yourself?

Before you begin, there’s some essential information you should know about to guarantee the integrity of your project. Hardscape requires delicate handwork, after all, and you don’t want to make the slightest mistake that might compromise it, right?

When it comes to fire pits, keep in mind that safety is a top priority. Always follow local building codes and guidelines and ensure that you use materials that are specifically designed for fire pit applications – thereby reducing the risk of accidents or damage. Safety hazards apart, pavers are popular for many reasons, as you can read in this complete article.

That said, if you’re still willing to go for a DIY approach, here are the materials and tools you’ll need:

• Pavers (fire-rated or heat-resistant);
• Shovel;
• Level;
• Gravel;
• Polymeric sand;
• Landscape adhesive (optional but recommended);
• Fire ring or metal insert (optional).

Basic tutorial on how to build a home fire pit:

• Pick a spot for your fire pit. Ensure it’s away from any structures, overhanging trees, or flammable materials.
• Clear the area and dig a shallow circular pit, about 6-12 inches deep and wider than the diameter of your fire pit. Make sure the base is level. Fill the bottom with gravel for drainage.
• Arrange the pavers in a circle on the prepared base. Use a level to ensure they’re even. If you’re using an insert or fire ring, place it inside the circle.
• Stack additional layers of pavers, staggering them for stability (like bricks). You can use landscape adhesive between layers to secure them if you want extra stability.
• Finally, once you’ve reached the desired height, fill any gaps between the pavers with sand. Ensure everything is level and stable.
• If you’re not using a metal insert, consider lining the inside of the pit with fire-rated bricks or stones to protect the pavers from direct heat.
• Before lighting a big fire, start with small fires to ensure everything is working as intended.

The best DIY fire pit ideas

So, are you convinced of your next project yet? When planning a fire pit, remember to consider the size of your space, local regulations, safety measures, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style, there’s a fire pit design to suit your taste and outdoor space!

It’s time to check our suggestions below:

Circular Paver Fire Pit

Create a classic circular fire pit using pavers. You can stack them in layers to form a round enclosure, leaving space for the fire in the center. Add a metal fire ring or fire-rated bricks inside for safety.

Square or Rectangular Paver Fire Pit

Opt for a modern look by using square or rectangular pavers to build a box-shaped fire pit. Stack the pavers vertically or horizontally to form the walls of the pit.

Paver Patio with Built-In Fire Pit

Design a paver patio with a built-in fire pit as its centerpiece. Surround the fire pit area with a different pattern or color of pavers to define the space.

Paver Bench Encircling Fire Pit

Create a circular fire pit and build a low paver wall around it. This wall can serve as a bench for seating, offering both functionality and style.

Hexagonal or Octagonal Paver Fire Pit

Experiment with unconventional shapes using pavers. Hexagonal or octagonal fire pits made with interlocking pavers can add a unique focal point to your outdoor space.

Why you should rely on professional help

As you can imagine, any hardscape job is tough – the more complex the structure, the more you’ll need patience and technical knowledge to complete it without fuss. In the case of fire pits, which deal with high temperatures in a concealed environment, every calculation matters. Given how a simple mistake can potentially damage the soil and people around – and even explode the paving stones you used to build it in the first place – professional guidance is always precious.

If you’re a beginner with construction tasks – or even DIY practices, for that matter – the best course of action is to consult the nearest masons and providers to you. Experts can provide you with the necessary information and the right tools, applying the right installation techniques to make it last – and all for a price that not only guarantees a long-lasting fire pit project but does so without breaking the bank. Is there anything worse than spending valuable money on something that will give you maintenance problems that could be easily avoided from the get-go?

And speaking of experts you can count on…

Contact Eagle Pavers to get your fire pit off the paper!

Are you planning to get your own fire pit, then? Well. if you live near Sarasota, Florida, don’t hesitate to call our expert team for a free estimate! As a branch of Eagle Stones, our team provides clients with top-notch fire pit stones (check out the online catalog here) and installation services that are sure to fit your needs.

It might also interest you: How to Calculate Square Feet for Pavers