Outdoor Fire Pit Ideas to Upgrade Your Backyard

Nothing adds atmosphere and warmth to your garden like an outdoor fire pit. It’s fun and nostalgic to gather around the flames, whether you’re roasting marshmallows for s’mores on a summer night or hanging out with hot apple cider in the fall. As far as design goes, fire pits are also a great way to add a focal point to your backyard landscape and make it feel more thoughtful and inclusive. You can use it to anchor a patio, complement an outdoor fireplace, or create a cozy atmosphere near an outdoor dining table.

A backyard fire pit doesn’t have to be an expensive addition, either. The cheapest way to build a fire pit yourself is with concrete blocks, which cost just a dollar each at The Home Depot. From affordable yet stylish steel fire pit options to built-in designs with lava rocks and custom tiles, there are plenty of backyard fire pit ideas to suit every budget.

The best part? With so many options on the market, finding the right fire pit for your outdoor space couldn’t be easier, even if you have a small backyard. To get your mood board going, we present 21 beautiful outdoor spaces that will encourage you to create your own (hot) chill zone.

Pro Tip: To ensure your fire pit brings only heat and not a lot of smoke to your party, only burn well-seasoned firewood and avoid green leaves or newspaper. The more moisture there is in your burning materials, the more smoke will be produced.