I added a few extra stones to the total, just to be on the safe side.

12 firepit stones fit around the fire pit ring per layer.If you plan to use a 30” fire pit ring (like I did) :įor a three-layer stone fire pit, you’ll need to buy 36-38 fire pit stones. How many fire pit stones do you need to buy? That’s why I’m going with the tumbled wall blocks. I’m not a fan of the gaps between the retaining wall stones, and I don’t want to make a capstone to cover them. Will need a capstone for the top layer to cover gaps between stones.Big gaps between stones to get them to fit around fire pit ring.Ridge of cement on bottom back edge, stones won’t sit flat unless it’s chiseled off.Wide gaps between stones to fit around 3o” fire ring insert.Top and bottom are both flat (except one ridge of cement on the back bottom edge).I also really hate big gaps between retaining wall stones and I didn’t have any gaps with the tumbled wall stones. They do take more effort to level, but it was worth it to me. I used tumbled landscaping stones when I built my DIY Retaining Wall and I really liked the way they looked. Small variation in size due to contoured top.Tops and sides of each stone are contoured they take a bit more effort to level.Can be used to make a DIY Smokeless Fire Pit.Bottom of each stone is flat, no ridge of cement to chisel off.Fits well around a 30” fire ring insert, no large gaps.That boiled down to two choices: Tumbled Wall Block So which stone should you use for your DIY Stone Fire Pits? There are tons of options out there, but I’m only looking at the options available at my local Home Depot and Lowes. I’ll go into more detail on this process below. If you’ve decided to use a fire pit ring, your goal is to make sure the ring will fit inside your circle of fire pit stones. Generally you want the fire pit walls to be 8 to 12 inches high, measuring from the base of the fire pit. Just make sure you build the fire pit deep enough. You’re not trying to get a fire pit ring to fit inside, so you’re good to go. If you’ve decided NOT to use a fire pit ring, you can build your fire pit with any size fire pit stone.

Check out how I converted my stone fire pit into a DIY smokeless fire pit. The fire pit ring will need to be at least 10” deep for a smokeless fire pit.

Planning to build a smokeless fire pit? You must use a fire ring to make a smokeless fire pit. Fire pit ring can also add stability to a stone fire pit.ĭo you have to have a fire pit ring? No, but I would recommend it. They also protect the fire pit stones from the heat of the fire, which helps the stones last longer. What is a fire pit ring and do you need to use one?įire pit rings are made of solid steel and are designed to contain your fire. This is the best time to make sure you have enough space for seating. That may sound like a lot, but you’ll need to sit back from the fire to be safe. How many fire pit stones you’ll need to buyĪ good rule of thumb is to have at least 7 feet of space surrounding your fire pit for seating.To decide on the size and materials for your fire pit you’ll need to know: Fire Pit Seatingįire pit seating ideas can be anything from wooden benches, to Adirondack chairs, to regular old folding camping chairs. It doesn’t matter what you go with, and outdoor furniture will work! 2. You’ll also want to make sure that the center or the fire pit is at leas 5-6 feet from any sizable slope. But you can work with a gently sloping yard like I did. The more level your land is, the easier it will be to build a level fire pit. I measured to make sure I was at least that far from my deck, and we were good to go! In my area the requirement is the fire pit should be at least 15 feet from any structure.

Your fire pit needs to be at least 10-20 feet away from any structure and on flat ground. Choose the right location for DIY Stone Fire Pit Fire Pit Location If that’s worth $80 to you than this is a great option. This will save you from hauling heavy stones around the store and getting them home. Nothing wrong with that, but this isn’t a good option if you’re trying to save money.įor even more convenience (and an extra $80) you can have the fire pit kit delivered to your home. If you choose to buy a fire pit kit, you’re paying for convenience. It was $255, but it didn’t include the rest of the materials you’ll need. The one I saw at Lowes included fire pit stones along with a fire pit ring. Most home stores sell ready-to-go fire pit kits. 2 bags of lava rocks Switched out for (1) 12″ Square Stepping Stone and.I spent $230 dollars to build my DIY stone fire pit. Before we get started you’re probably wondering, how much does a DIY stone fire pit cost?Īlso, is it cheaper to build your own fire pit? Obviously the materials you choose to use will affect your price, but in general it is cheaper to build your own fire pit.

Stone fire pit