Hands down the best part about home ownership is actually being able to make changes to your property. When you buy a home you no longer have to ask the landlord if you can plant flowers or paint a bedroom. It’s your home! With spring just a few months away you’re probably itching to start making plans to improve your home. DIY projects are fulfilling because you’re doing something to make your home a more inviting place for your family and friends.

During the spring, summer, and fall there’s nothing more relaxing than kicking back with an ice cold beer or iced tea around a fire and hanging out with friends and family. This is hard, though, if you don’t have a fire pit. You could always head to Lowe’s or Home Depot and purchase a fire pit or your could build your own fire pit. Within a weekend you can have a fire pit that will help you make memories and stay warm for years and years to come. Building your own pit isn’t as difficult as it seems and allows you to put your own unique twist on the appearance of the fire pit. Being able to put your own touch and design style into a DIY project is one of the perks of being handy.

Now, before you run out and buy everything needed to make a fire pit, look around your backyard and determine the best place for it. Ideally you’ll be close enough to a hose that you can easily pull it over to the fire pit when you need to extinguish the fire, but far enough away from your home, barn, or shed that should sparks fly they’re not at risk for igniting.

Supplies

Shovel

Work gloves

String

Quickrete

Landscape adhesive – to secure bricks

High temperature black spray paint – optional

Brick pavers of your choice – You’ll need to make sure you have a few extra in case the fire pit is damaged in the future or one of them needs to be replaced.

Brick paver caps – You may need to cut these to size or pay your local hardware store to do so, if they don’t fit over the brick pavers you select

The first step in this project is to map out the area you wish to have the fire pit at. You can do this simply using string to create a circle or square. Using your shovel remove sod and dirt until you have a 6 inch deep area. Ensure this area is completely even. Mix the Quickrete and pour onto the area you place to place your bricks. This will serve as the base of your fire pit. Stack your brick pavers one rung at a time and use landscape adhesive to secure them. As you reach your desired height place your brick paver caps on top of the brick pavers, adhere them, and pat yourself on the back. You’re almost done. If you plan on using high temperature black spray paint spray the inside of the fire pit. This helps give it a polished appearance and avoid uneven coloring from fires over time. If you aren’t worried about the internal appearance then simply wait 24 hours before you enjoy your homemade fire pit.

Have you ever made a homemade fire pit? What tips do you have? Share with us on Facebook.