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22 DIY Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for a Cozy Backyard
Create a fiery focal point with a fireplace, fire pit, or chiminea.
There's just something so cozy about a fire this time of year—the crackle, the smell, and the memories made while roasting hot dogs and toasting marshmallows for the best s'mores recipes. Even though campfires get most of the glory, homeowners are embracing the romantic appeal of enjoying a fire in their very own backyards. And the good news is, whatever your budget, style, or skill level, one of these outdoor fireplace ideas will be the perfect fit for your home.
For a large, sprawling back lawn, one of our favorite affordable backyard ideas is to build a simple DIY stone fire pit in a pea gravel patio—encircle it with Adirondack chairs, and violà, an outdoor room! Or, move the fun to the patio with a full fireplace that might even double as part of an outdoor kitchen. If you are looking for small backyard ideas, many of these options are right-sized for your space, from a super-easy tabletop burner to stylish, patio-friendly metal fire pits and chimineas. With styles ranging from rustic to modern (see the DIY concrete fire bowl, which is also super affordable), you’re sure to find the right look too.
Now that your outdoor fireplace or pit is in place, turn your attention to the rest of your backyard autumn retreat. Our favorite outdoor rugs will upgrade your patio style through rain, sunshine, or the cold season ahead. And don't forget to add some pretty fall flowers to your garden too!
DIY 4-Step Fire Pit
This easy-peasy fire pit can be knocked out in an afternoon, so you can be toasting marshmallows by evening. Use two or three layers of landscaping stone for a custom finished look.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
DIY Outdoor Fireplace
Now this is an outdoor fireplace! Before attempting a DIY project of this scale, consider consulting a professional.
Get the tutorial at Living Stone Masonry.
Sunjoy Wood Burning Fireplace with Black Chimney
Sunjoy Wood Burning Fireplace with Black Chimney
At more than 6 feet wide, this ready-to-assemble wood-burning fireplace boasts a sleek topper for a more luxury look. The shelves underneath provide a handy spot for storing wood.
Hampton Bay Fire Ball with Tree Branches
Hampton Bay Fire Ball with Tree Branches
You've never seen a fire pit quite like this sphere-shaped design. Tree branch details on the screen add an unexpected touch.
Sunnydaze Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl with Handles
Sunnydaze Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl with Handles
This rustic pit is perfect for evening gathering in the backyard. It even includes sturdy handles that make moving seamless and easy.
DIY Outdoor Fire Pit
For a fire pit the whole family can enjoy, use granite, sand, or pea gravel to make a wide circle around the pit. It's safer, and when surrounded by adirondack chairs, it creates a "room" in your yard.
Get the tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.
Pleasant Hearth Galvanized Steel Wood Fire Ring
Pleasant Hearth Galvanized Steel Wood Fire Ring
This simple and durable design is a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper. Click-together assembly makes for a super easy weekend project.
DIY Adirondack Fire Bowl Table
If space is at a premium in your backyard, build yourself this nifty fire bowl table, made to fit on a deck or patio. But be aware you should only use gel burners or small eco logs with it.
Get the tutorial at Interior Frugalista.
DIY Concrete Fire Bowl
Add instant allure to your outdoor space with this pretty-as-a-picture fire bowl. Make sure the concrete if fully dry before using.
Get the tutorial at Scrappy Geek.
DIY Fire Pit with Grill
Made from a kit, this square-shaped fire pit can be built in just two hours. With a grill insert like this one, dinner can be more than hot dogs and s'mores (not that there's anything wrong with that!).
Get the tutorial at Redhead Can Decorate.
Sunnydaze Decor Cauldron Outdoor Fire Pit
Sunnydaze Decor Cauldron Outdoor Fire Pit
With its curved feet and strap detailing, this cauldron-style fire pit in a brushed bronze finish is just right for a slightly more formal outdoor space.
DIY Fire Pit on a Patio
Because it was built with an insert, which prevents heat from coming in direct contact with the concrete, this simple fire pit can sit on a patio.
Get the tutorial at Creatively Southern.
Arlmont & Co. Hicks Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit with Lid
The rustic lines of this fire pit would be right at home at a country cabin—plus, it comes with a grill grate for cooking meals over an open fire.
DIY Rustic Fire Pit
Bring back memories of summer camp with this homey fire pit that's far more durable than it looks, thanks to the concrete used to bind the rocks together.
Get the tutorial at Greco Design Co.
This charming little chimenea will brighten up your patio or backyard with a 360-degree view of the fire. It's also designed to funnel smoke up and away, so it won't get in your eyes.
DIY Cube Fire Pit
This exquisite little fire pit is lined with a wire mesh bottom to hold stones and a gel fuel can.
Get the tutorial at The Art of Doing Stuff.
DIY Fire Pit With Cover
This fire pit does double duty as a handy table when not in use.
Get the tutorial at Keeping It Simple.
DIY Tabletop Burner
Made specifically for s'mores-loving families, this sweet little table top burner can be used when the weather is too warm for the fire pit.
Get the tutorial at Sincerely, Marie Designs.
Mutual Materials Romanstack High Back Fire Pit Kit
Mutual Materials Romanstack High Back Fire Pit Kit
No cutting required! This kit comes with 72 pieces to be stacked together in a high back design for extra visual interest.
DIY Modern Concrete Fire Pit
Sleek and super sturdy, this modern fire pit is also portable. Its best attribute? It can be made for less than $50.
Get the tutorial at ManMadeDIY.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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