Step aside, heated spas. The toasty, cosy fire pit has become the new must-have outdoor entertainment feature of Australian backyards – and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make your very own.

If you thought that creating your own fire pit was an idea for the too-hard basket, think again. With a little bit of effort, some simple tools and quality equipment like Adbri Masonry bricks, a fire pit is not only a budget backyard project but a rewarding one. (It’s also a brilliant excuse for toasting marshmallows all. The. Time.)

From cooking damper with the kids to sitting around the fire with friends, a fire pit changes the way you enjoy the backyard. And perhaps best of all, they cost very little to make and operate.

“The ambience a fire pit brings is worth the investment alone, providing an enjoyable feature for the garden and a natural gathering spot for socialising and entertaining. It’s a great focal point, I like to describe it as nature’s TV and people are naturally drawn to the campfire-like atmosphere.”

Jason Hodges, Adbri Masonry brand ambassador

What you need to make a safe backyard fire pit

• Preparation and digging: tape measure, shovel, trowel, level and sand
• Building the pit: landscape-frade adhesive or mortar, concrete bricks
• Installation: steel fire dish, decorative stones

Step-By-Step Guide To Making A Safe Fire Pit (The Right Way)

If you’re looking for a DIY option rather than installing an outdoor fireplace, you’re in the right spot. These simple steps will have you set up with a family-friendly backyard zone in no time.

When you’ve stepped through Jason’s instructions below, check out our Miniwall review to see just how easy it is to build your own!

Find the safest spot and put your shovel to work

Safety is everything with it comes to building a fire pit. And while it’s tempting to set up a fire pit in a corner or nook of the backyard, you’ll want to be very cautious about having fire anywhere near the house, fences, plants, sheds and equipment. The safest spot for a backyard fire pit is an open area with nothing overhead, water nearby and plenty of room for sitting or standing around the pit, too.

Oh, and it goes without saying that you want to set up your pit a good distance from the clothesline!

Once you’ve found your spot and marked it out, pop on your boots and reach for your trusty shovel. Jason Hodges recommends digging a square or round hole around 100mm deep with a diameter of around three feet.

Ensure You Have a Flat Base

Take the time to make sure the bottom of your pit is perfectly level, and then spread sand or mortar mix over the base to provide maximum stability and anchor the base.

Get Your Build On!

Now for the fun part – building! Get your hands on a good supply of Adbri Masonry bricks. Versawall blocks are a fab choice for square pits, and easy-stacking Miniwall blocks are brilliant for rounded pits. Quality Australian-made bricks like these not only look professional and beautiful, but they keep flames contained, which is important when kids and pets are enjoying the backyard.

…And Crank Up The Fire

Instal your fire dish among some decorative stones and you’re ready to enjoy the brand-new addition to your backyard!

Remember, always ensure children and pets are supervised around backyard fire pits. Also, make sure there is a full bucket of sand and water nearby to extinguish the fire if necessary. 

See A Fire Pit Build In Action

See Jason Hodges whip up a beautiful backyard fire pit in less than a weekend’s work.

Adbri Masonry is a partner of the Making HOME renovation series.

If you love getting a bit of DIY, check out how to build a veggie patch using Adbri Masonry Miniwall bricks!