Dreaming of a warm, inviting backyard fire pit but overwhelmed by the thought of costly materials or complex designs? Many homeowners want to create a cozy outdoor space for gatherings but worry about budget constraints or lack of DIY skills. Brick fire pit inspirations offer the perfect solution, combining affordability, durability, and endless design possibilities to transform your backyard into a stylish retreat.
This article presents 30 brick fire pit inspirations, from classic round designs to bold geometric shapes, tailored for DIY enthusiasts of all levels. With detailed ideas, practical tips, and cost-saving strategies, these inspirations will guide you to build a stunning fire pit using standard bricks from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic charm or a modern centerpiece, these brick fire pit inspirations will spark your creativity and get you building in no time.
Why Choose Brick Fire Pit Inspirations?
Bricks are a top choice for DIY fire pits due to their affordability, durability, and aesthetic versatility. Standard red bricks cost ~$0.90 each and withstand temperatures up to 1000°F, ideal for most backyard fires (800–1000°F). Brick fire pit inspirations allow you to experiment with shapes, patterns, and layouts, from simple circles to intricate hexagons, without requiring advanced masonry skills. Plus, bricks are widely available, making them a budget-friendly option for creating a professional-looking fire pit.
Materials and Tools for DIY Brick Fire Pits

To bring these brick fire pit inspirations to life, you’ll need:
- Standard Red Bricks: ~$0.90 each at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Pea Gravel or River Rocks: ~$5–$10 per bag for base and gap filling.
- Tools: Shovel, rope (for circular outlines), mason chisel, hammer, level, tape measure.
Most designs can be completed in 2–5 hours with no glue required, relying on the bricks’ weight for stability. Check local suppliers for bulk brick deals to save more.
Safety Tips for Building Brick Fire Pits
Before starting, ensure your fire pit is 10–25 feet from structures, per local regulations. Build on soil for inground designs, as patios may not allow digging. Keep fires small to avoid overheating bricks, and have a fire extinguisher or water nearby. Filling gaps with gravel improves stability and drainage, enhancing safety and longevity.
30 Brick Fire Pit Inspirations for Your Backyard

Here are 30 brick fire pit inspirations, organized by shape and style, to suit various aesthetics and skill levels. Each idea includes tips to customize and enhance your DIY project.
Classic Round Brick Fire Pit Inspirations

Round fire pits are timeless and easy to build, making them perfect for beginners. These brick fire pit inspirations create a cozy focal point for any backyard.
- Simple Single-Layer Circle: Arrange 40 bricks in a 36” diameter circle, fill with pea gravel. Cost: ~$40.
- Double-Layer Round Pit: Stack two layers of 45 bricks each for a 36” pit with a 12” deep base. Cost: ~$80.
- Sunburst Pattern: Lay 50 bricks in a radiating pattern, topped with a single layer. Cost: ~$50.
- Gravel-Filled Round Pit: Use 60 bricks in three layers, filled with river rocks for rustic charm. Cost: ~$60.
- Mini Round Pit: Build a 24” diameter pit with 30 bricks for small spaces. Cost: ~$30.
- Round Pit with Brick Patio: Integrate a 36” pit into a matching 6’ brick patio for cohesion. Cost: ~$150.
- Inground Round Pit: Dig a 32” diameter, 6” deep hole, line with 40 bricks. Cost: ~$40.
Tip: Use a rope to mark a perfect circle before digging or laying bricks.
Modern Square and Rectangular Brick Fire Pit Inspirations

Square and rectangular pits offer a contemporary look and easy assembly, ideal for modern or traditional settings.
- Simple Square Pit: Build a 32” x 32” pit with 48 bricks in two layers. Cost: ~$45.
- Double-Height Square: Stack 80 bricks in four layers for a bold 36” x 36” pit. Cost: ~$75.
- Rectangular Pit: Create a 48” x 24” pit with 60 bricks, perfect for larger gatherings. Cost: ~$55.
- Checkerboard Pattern: Alternate red and white bricks in a 36” square pit for visual flair. Cost: ~$50.
- Sunken Square Pit: Dig a 6” deep, 32” x 32” pit, line with 50 bricks. Cost: ~$50.
- Square with Cap Bricks: Top a 36” square pit with flat cap bricks for a sleek finish. Cost: ~$60.
- Patio-Integrated Square: Embed a 32” square pit into a brick patio for a seamless look. Cost: ~$120.
Tip: Use a level to ensure even layers for a polished, professional appearance.
Geometric and Unusual Brick Fire Pit Inspirations

For those seeking unique brick fire pit inspirations, geometric shapes add a creative twist and make your backyard stand out.
- Hexagon Fire Pit: Arrange 60 bricks in a six-sided shape, 40” across. Cost: ~$55.
- Triangular Fire Pit: Build a 36” equilateral triangle with 45 bricks for a quirky design. Cost: ~$40.
- Octagon Pit: Use 80 bricks for a 48” eight-sided pit, ideal for seating. Cost: ~$75.
- Spiral Design: Create a 40” spiral pit with 50 bricks, using angled cuts. Cost: ~$50.
- Star-Shaped Pit: Form a 36” star with 60 bricks for a bold statement. Cost: ~$55.
- Abstract Wave Pattern: Lay 70 bricks in a wavy, irregular circle for an artistic look. Cost: ~$65.
- Pentagon Pit: Build a 36” five-sided pit with 50 bricks for a modern vibe. Cost: ~$45.
Tip: Use a mason chisel for precise cuts in geometric designs, and test-fit bricks before final placement.
Rustic and Decorative Brick Fire Pit Inspirations

These designs add charm and character, perfect for rustic or eclectic backyards.
- Rustic Stacked Pit: Stack 60 bricks unevenly in a 36” circle for a natural look. Cost: ~$55.
- River Rock Combo: Combine 40 bricks with river rocks in a 40” pit. Cost: ~$50.
- Herringbone Pattern: Lay 50 bricks in a herringbone design for a 36” pit. Cost: ~$45.
- Inground Rustic Pit: Dig a 6” deep, 36” pit, line with 40 bricks, and top with gravel. Cost: ~$45.
- Brick and Stone Mix: Use 30 bricks and local stones for a 40” rustic pit. Cost: ~$40.
- Vintage Brick Pit: Source reclaimed bricks for a 36” weathered circle. Cost: ~$50.
Tip: Source leftover or reclaimed bricks from construction sites or Craigslist to save costs and add character.
Multi-Functional Brick Fire Pit Inspirations

These designs combine fire pits with additional features for practicality and style.
- Fire Pit with Bench: Build a 36” pit with a surrounding low brick wall for seating. Cost: ~$80.
- Cooking Pit: Add a 36” pit with a grill grate (~$20) for outdoor cooking. Cost: ~$50.
- Fire Pit with Planter: Surround a 32” pit with a brick planter ring for greenery. Cost: ~$70.
Tip: Incorporate a steel fire pit ring (~$20–$50) for cooking or added durability.
Enhancing Your Brick Fire Pit Design

To elevate your brick fire pit inspirations:
- Fill Gaps: Use pea gravel or river rocks to stabilize bricks and improve drainage.
- Add Pavers: Surround the pit with brick or stone pavers for a cohesive patio look.
- Experiment with Colors: Mix red, white, or reclaimed bricks for unique patterns.
- Lighting: Add solar-powered pathway lights (~$10–$20) around the pit for ambiance.
- Seating: Pair with DIY brick benches or wooden chairs for a complete setup.
Cost-Saving Tips for DIY Brick Fire Pits

- Source free or reclaimed bricks from Craigslist or local construction sites.
- Buy in bulk from Home Depot or Lowe’s for discounts (e.g., $0.80/brick for large orders).
- Use leftover gravel or rocks from other projects to fill bases or gaps.
- Stick to simple designs like single-layer circles to minimize material costs.
Conclusion
Brick fire pit inspirations offer endless possibilities to create a stunning, budget-friendly centerpiece for your backyard. From classic round pits to bold geometric designs, these 30 ideas cater to all skill levels and aesthetics. With affordable materials, minimal tools, and creative brick fire pit inspirations, you can build a cozy outdoor retreat in a weekend. Pick your favorite design, grab some bricks, and start crafting your dream fire pit today!