Create an Affordable Backyard Fire Pit With These Simple Steps

There’s something about an Oklahoma autumn that makes you want to grab a flannel, light a fire, and settle in for a night of storytelling under the stars. The air gets crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the backyard becomes more than just a patch of grass—it turns into a gathering place. Whether you’re chasing the scent of woodsmoke or hoping to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot beyond the tree line, building a fire pit is the first step toward creating your own slice of wilderness magic. And the best part? You don’t need a big budget to make it happen.

Welcome to the Backyard: Where Fall Nights Come Alive

Here is this season’s go-list of easy firepit ideas you and your campfire crew can build today. Remember, you are not just building a thing; you are creating a space where memories will be made.  Happy Fall, y’all!

1. The Cinder Block Circle: Simple and Sturdy

This is the no-frills, get-it-done kind of fire pit. Stack fire-safe cinder blocks in a circle, leaving small gaps between them for airflow. You can dig a shallow trench to nestle the blocks in for extra stability or just build it right on top of a gravel base. It’s functional, fast, and perfect for spontaneous marshmallow roasts when the mood strikes.

Estimated cost: $30–$60

Best for: Rustic charm and quick setup

2. Brick by Brick: Salvaged Style

If you’ve got old bricks lying around—or access to a demolition site with permission—this fire pit brings vintage vibes to your backyard. Arrange the bricks in a layered circle or square and let the imperfections tell their story. Add a few mismatched ones for character. It’s the kind of pit that looks like it’s been there for generations, waiting for someone to sing “Home on the Range” beside it.

Estimated cost: $50–$80

Best for: Nostalgic aesthetics and upcycled flair

3. Tree Ring Fire Pit: Garden Center Gold

Concrete tree rings, usually sold for landscaping, can be stacked to form a perfect circle. They’re inexpensive, easy to handle, and surprisingly durable. This setup is ideal for smaller backyards or folks who want something tidy but still campfire-ready. Toss in some lava rocks, and you’ve got a fire pit that looks like it belongs in a forest clearing.

Estimated cost: Under $50

Best for: Compact spaces and clean lines

4. Retaining Wall Blocks: Polished and Practical

For a more finished look, retaining wall blocks are your go-to. Stack them in a circle, add a metal fire ring for safety, and you’ve got a fire pit that could pass for professionally installed. It’s the kind of setup that invites neighbors over for cider and ghost stories—especially the one about the misty blue lights spotted near the creek last October. (If y’all know, you know.)

Estimated cost: $75–$125

Best for: Long-term durability and visual appeal

5. Metal Drum Makeover: Industrial Meets Outdoorsy

Cut down an old metal drum (safely and with proper tools), sand the edges, and drop it into a gravel base. This fire pit has a rugged, industrial vibe that pairs well with vintage camping chairs and enamel mugs. It’s the kind of place where you’d expect someone to pull out a harmonica and start playing while S’quatch watches from the tree line.

Estimated cost: $40–$70

Best for: Upcycled edge and storytelling ambiance