How To Build a Brick Fire Pit on a Budget

Creating the perfect garden fireplace is a project that can transform your outdoor space into a cozy, inviting haven. Whether you’re planning summer get-togethers or winter nights by the fire, a brick fireplace can be a fantastic addition. I’m here to walk you through the process, sharing my expertise and making sure you feel confident every step of the way.

What You’ll Need

First things first, you need to think about the materials. There are a lot of options when it comes to bricks and stones, and what you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and how much you’re willing to spend. Personally, I like using retaining wall bricks because they’re sturdy and give a nice, clean look. You can pick these up at your local home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes. Shop around for the best price for the quality of bricks you want. For a standard fireplace, you’re looking at around 36 bricks, and with the standard price of $3 per brick, this should cost you around $130, but prices can vary.

When selecting your bricks, make sure they’re wedge-shaped if you’re going for a circular fireplace. These are great because they naturally form a circle when placed edge to edge. If you prefer a more rustic look, you might opt for tumbled bricks. They’re a bit harder to level due to their uneven surface, but they give a beautiful, organic finish.

Now, onto the fire rings. You don’t necessarily need one, but they do help protect the bricks from the intense heat and add a neat, professional look to your fireplace. There are a few options here. A galvanized fire ring is cheap but tends to warp and doesn’t sit well over the bricks. I’d recommend going for a traditional fire ring with a flange, which helps keep everything together and looks more polished. These usually run around $150-$200.

Time To Start Building

Pick a Spot

Once you’ve got your materials, the next big step is picking the perfect spot in your garden. You want to keep it a safe distance from any structures, like your house or a fence. Generally, 15 feet is a good rule of thumb. Also, think about seating. You’ll want enough space for people to sit comfortably around the fire without feeling the heat too intensely or worrying about rolling down a hill if your yard has a slope.

Mark the Ground

With your spot picked out, it’s time to start marking out your space. Lay your bricks out in the shape you want your fireplace to be, and use them as a guide to mark the ground. This is much easier than trying to measure and mark with spray paint. Once you’ve got your outline, it’s time to dig. You’ll need to dig out about 2-3 inches to create a base for your bricks. If your soil doesn’t drain well, consider digging a deeper hole in the center and filling it with gravel to help with drainage.

Start Laying the Bricks

After digging, you’ll want to add a base layer of paver sand. This will help level out the area and provide a stable foundation for your bricks. Spread the sand evenly, tamp it down, and use a level to make sure everything is nice and flat. This step is crucial for a sturdy, long-lasting fireplace.

Next, start laying your bricks. Begin with the first layer, carefully placing each brick and checking for level as you go. A dead blow mallet is your best friend here—it helps you adjust the bricks without damaging them. Once your first layer is down and level, you can start stacking the remaining layers. Align the seams of each new layer with the middle of the bricks below to create a strong, interlocked structure.

Install the Fire Ring

If you’re using a fire ring, now’s the time to place it. It should fit snugly inside your circle of bricks. Fill the space between the bricks and the ring with gravel or river stones. This not only adds a nice aesthetic touch but also helps with drainage and keeps the base cool.

Fill With Lave Rocks

Finally, fill the inside of your fireplace with lava rocks. These are great because they’re heat-resistant, look fantastic, and help with air flow to keep your fire burning well. You’ll want to fill the space up to the bottom of your fire ring.

And there you have it—a beautiful, functional brick fireplace that will be the centerpiece of your garden. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire, or just soaking up the warmth, you’ll be glad you took the time to build this fantastic addition to your outdoor space.