Transforming your backyard into a cozy gathering spot can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start with a fire pit project. The idea of building a brick fire pit might seem daunting due to costs, materials, or complex designs, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right brick fire pit plans, you can create a stunning outdoor feature that’s both affordable and functional, perfect for roasting marshmallows or hosting friends.
This article provides five carefully crafted brick fire pit plans, designed to suit various skill levels, budgets, and aesthetic preferences. From simple round designs to a unique pyramid structure, each plan includes detailed steps, cost estimates, and material lists. These DIY brick fire pit plans make it easy to build an inground fire pit without glue or advanced masonry skills, ensuring you can enjoy a warm fire in no time.
Why Choose Brick for Your Fire Pit?
Bricks are a popular choice for DIY fire pits due to their durability, affordability, and versatility. Standard red bricks can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F, which is sufficient for most outdoor fire pits (typically 800–1000°F). Fire bricks, while more heat-resistant (up to 1200°F), are often unnecessary unless you’re building a high-intensity fire feature like a pizza oven. Red or white bricks offer aesthetic flexibility, allowing you to match your backyard’s style.
Using brick fire pit plans ensures precise measurements and stable construction. Bricks are also widely available at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, making them a budget-friendly option compared to stone or metal. With the right tools and materials, you can build a professional-looking fire pit in just a few hours.
Best Budget-Friendly Brick Fire Pit Plans
For cost-conscious DIYers, we recommend the Clay Red Standard Brick from Home Depot:
- Size: 7.5” x 3.75” x 2.25”.
- Cost: ~$0.90 per brick.
- Availability: Affordable and available nationwide.
This brick is ideal for all five brick fire pit plans outlined below. Its standard size simplifies calculations, but you can adjust dimensions slightly if using different bricks. Always check local suppliers for deals on bulk purchases to further reduce costs.
Filling Gaps Between Bricks
To ensure your fire pit remains stable over time, fill gaps between bricks with small stones or pebbles. Pea gravel or river rock pebbles (available at Home Depot or landscaping centers) are excellent choices. These materials prevent bricks from shifting and add a polished look to your design. Spread a thin layer of gravel at the base of your fire pit for added stability and drainage.
Essential Tools for Building a Brick Fire Pit
Constructing a brick fire pit requires minimal tools, most of which you may already own:
- Shovel: For digging the inground hole.
- Rope or String: To mark a precise circular outline.
- Mason Chisel and Hammer: For shaping bricks in certain designs (e.g., pyramid or clad fire pit).
- Tape Measure: To ensure accurate dimensions.
With these tools and materials ready, expect to complete your brick fire pit in 2–4 hours, depending on the plan’s complexity.
5 Free DIY Brick Fire Pit Plans
Below are five brick fire pit plans, each with detailed instructions, estimated costs, and unique design elements. These inground designs require no glue, making them beginner-friendly and easy to modify.
Plan 1: Simple Round Brick Fire Pit
This compact fire pit is perfect for small yards or first-time builders. Its straightforward design uses a sunburst pattern for a clean, modern look.
- Overall Diameter: 36”
- Bricks Needed: 45
- Estimated Cost: $0.90 x 45 = $40.50 (plus ~$10 for pea gravel)
- Build Time: ~2 hours
Building Steps:
- Dig a 32” diameter hole, 12” deep. Create a 2” deep, 2” wide lip around the perimeter.
- Lay the first circle of bricks in a sunburst pattern on the lip.
- Fill the bottom with pea gravel for drainage and stability.
- Stack bricks vertically around the circle, side by side, up to the lip.
- Add a final outer circle of bricks on the lip, securing with gravel. Adjust dirt or gravel as needed to keep bricks tight.
Tip: Use a rope to ensure a perfect circular outline before digging.
Plan 2: Brick Clad Round Fire Pit
This design features a snug brick layout, ideal for those who want a polished, professional appearance. Chiseling is required for a tight fit, adding a custom touch.
- Overall Diameter: 39”
- Bricks Needed: 90
- Estimated Cost: $0.90 x 90 = $81.00 (plus ~$15 for gravel)
- Build Time: ~3 hours
Building Steps:
- Dig a 31” diameter hole, 12” deep, with a 4” wide, 3” deep inner lip (total outer diameter: 39”).
- Lay 28 bricks in a circular pattern at the base, chiseling for a snug fit.
- Add a second row of 32 bricks, standing vertically.
- Place the top layer of 30 bricks, aligning with the second row, and fill gaps with pea gravel.
Tip: Test-fit bricks before chiseling to minimize waste.
Plan 3: Budget-Friendly Circular Brick Fire Pit
This is the most affordable of our brick fire pit plans, requiring minimal bricks and no base layer. It’s quick to build and perfect for tight budgets.
- Overall Diameter: 37”
- Bricks Needed: 50
- Estimated Cost: $0.90 x 50 = $45.00 (plus ~$10 for gravel)
- Build Time: ~2 hours
Building Steps:
- Dig a 37” diameter hole, 4” deep (two brick layers).
- Lay a single layer of 12 bricks to outline the circle.
- Stack two additional layers (12 bricks each), overlapping gaps for stability.
- Fill the bottom with pea gravel for a clean finish.
Tip: Reduce to two layers above ground to save ~$10 on bricks.
Plan 4: Large Round Brick Fire Pit
This spacious fire pit is ideal for larger gatherings, with a sunray brick pattern and river rock filling for a rustic aesthetic.
- Overall Diameter: 66”
- Bricks Needed: 85
- Estimated Cost: $0.90 x 85 = $76.50 (plus ~$20 for river rocks)
- Build Time: ~4 hours
Building Steps:
- Dig a 55” diameter hole, 9” deep, with a 5.5” wide, 2” deep lip.
- Stand bricks vertically around the circumference to form the walls.
- Add a sunray pattern of bricks on the lip for the top layer.
- Fill the pit with large river rocks or tumbled stones for heat retention and style.
Tip: Source local river rocks to cut costs, if available.
Plan 5: Pyramid-Shaped Brick Fire Pit
This unique pyramid design adds a striking focal point to your backyard. It requires more bricks and patience but delivers a bold, architectural look.
- Overall Diameter: 30”
- Bricks Needed: 210 (no brick bottom) or 238 (with brick bottom)
- Estimated Cost: $0.90 x 210 = $189.00 (or $214.20 with brick bottom, plus ~$15 for gravel)
- Build Time: ~5 hours
Building Steps:
- Dig a 30” diameter hole, 3” deep.
- Lay a gravel or brick floor (28 bricks for brick floor, chiseled for fit).
- Build 12 layers, starting with three full circles (24 bricks each), then reducing by one brick per layer from the fifth layer onward (e.g., 19, 18, 17, etc.).
- Ensure each layer overlaps gaps in the previous one for stability.
- Fill gaps with pea gravel for a secure fit.
Tip: Use a level to check each layer’s alignment for a stable pyramid structure.
Safety Considerations for DIY Brick Fire Pits
Before building, check local regulations for fire pit placement (typically 10–25 feet from structures). Avoid building on patios, as these plans require digging into soil. Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the pit open and free of debris. For added safety, keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby during use.
Why These Brick Fire Pit Plans Stand Out
These brick fire pit plans are designed for accessibility, affordability, and customization. Unlike complex masonry projects, they require no glue or advanced skills, making them ideal for beginners. Each plan includes precise measurements, cost breakdowns, and visual inspiration to guide you. Whether you prefer a minimalist round pit or a dramatic pyramid, these designs elevate your backyard without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Building a brick fire pit is a rewarding DIY project that enhances your outdoor space for years to come. With these five brick fire pit plans, you can choose a design that fits your budget, time, and style preferences. From the budget-friendly circular pit to the intricate pyramid design, each plan offers step-by-step guidance to ensure success. Grab your tools, pick a plan, and start creating your dream backyard fire pit today!
