I was out for a walk with my fiance when I saw lots of unused bricks in my neighbor’s front garden. I immediately got an idea about building a DIY firepit, so I asked them if I could pick them up. In return, I gave them a 1.5-liter bottle of spicy oil (3 years old) and one of our lovely jade plant cuttings to say thanks for their kindness.

I’m a believer that adding a firepit to your outdoor space is a great idea, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor space, it really is a game changer. Not only does it provide warmth and light, but it also adds a cozy and inviting ambiance that will make your garden the ultimate hangout spot.

But before you start, there are three main points to remember.

  1. You have to choose the right spot

Before you start placing the bricks, it’s crucial to select the perfect spot for your firepit. Consider the size of your garden, proximity to flammable materials, and the overall aesthetic. For example, placing the firepit near a seating area creates a cozy ambiance, while keeping it away from overhanging trees ensures safety.

  1. Selecting materials

One of the reasons why I love doing DIY projects is because of the opportunity to get creative with materials and repurpose the things that most people thought were a waste. When constructing a firepit, you have a range of options to suit your style. You may opt for classic brick or stone to add rustic charm and durability. On the other hand, metal fire bowls or repurposed washing machine drums offer a modern twist with ease of assembly. Consider the aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements, and longevity of each material before making your choice. But, of course, if you can recycle some materials, that would be the best option.

  1. Building your firepit

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the construction process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your DIY firepit. There are many ways to build, but I’ll teach you how I did mine.

Materials Needed:

-bricks

-natural decorative stones

-handmade tripod metal

-handmade aluminum pan

old bricks
natural decorative stones

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Mark the area (optional): Use a can of spray paint or a length of rope to outline the shape and size of your firepit on the ground.

Step 2: Arrange the Outer Ring: Place your chosen materials (in my case, bricks from my neighbor) in a circle of 2 layers to form the outer ring of your firepit, ensuring they are snugly fitted together.

Step 3: Add base material: Fill the inside area with a layer of 2 bags of natural decorative stones, ensuring it is level and compacted to provide stability. You can walk over it to flat it out and make the stone level.

Step 4: Place a handmade tripod metal: This will serve as a foundation so you can hang your handmade aluminum pan. It’s lovely to cook soup in your garden!

With a little imagination and elbow grease, crafting your DIY firepit can elevate your garden from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with the kids, sharing stories with friends, cooking soup for dinner, or simply enjoying the warmth of the flames at night, your DIY firepit will become the heart of your garden. So why wait? Start a new, memorable experience with your DIY Firepit!

Alessandro Vitale aka Spicy Moustache setting up a firepit in his garden