How to Build a Fire Pit Area for $100

What We Wanted We weren’t looking to build something fancy. No gas lines, no bricks in patterns. We just wanted a safe, solid place to build a wood fire and enough space for a few chairs, a cooler, and a dog or two to nap nearby.

Materials We Used

• 10–12 retaining wall blocks (salvaged & store-bought mix): ~$40
• Bag of gravel: $7
• Salvaged pavers or flat rocks for base: free (from property)
• Shovel, level, work gloves: already owned
• Optional: small metal fire ring insert (ours was $45, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pick Your Spot: Choose a flat area at least 10 feet from trees, buildings, or overhangs. Check local burn ordinances.
2. Clear the Ground: We cleared a 5-foot diameter circle and dug about 2–3 inches down to remove grass and roots.
3. Add Gravel Base: Poured gravel into the pit for drainage and leveled it with a rake.
4. Lay Pavers or Blocks: We created a circle using wall blocks (stacked 2 high) and filled gaps with dirt.
5. Build Seating Area: We added salvaged logs as stools and brought in folding camp chairs for flexibility.

Cost Breakdown

Total cost came to just under $100, mostly because we had some materials already. But even buying everything new, you could keep this under $150 if you skip the metal ring insert. To be expanded with use cases, safety tips, and upgrades…

Why It Matters

There’s something ancient and essential about fire. It draws people together, holds space for conversations, and invites reflection. At The Station, our fire pit is where the phones get put away, where the stars take center stage, and where our daughter tells her most dramatic bedtime stories. It’s more than a backyard feature—it’s a gathering place with soul.

Tips for Safety

• Keep a 5-gallon bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
• Never burn treated wood—only dry, clean logs or sticks.
• Rake a fire break (bare soil) around your pit at least 2 feet wide.
• Always extinguish your fire completely before leaving or going to bed.

Things to Add Later

We started basic, but we’ve slowly upgraded the area over time:

• Stump stools with padded cushions
• A firewood storage rack built from scrap lumber
• Solar lights to gently illuminate the trail to the pit
• Large metal grill grate for campfire cooking

For Families

If you’ve got kids, a fire pit can be magic. Ours learned to safely help start fires, roast marshmallows on their own, and even tell ghost stories. We’ve also used it as an “outdoor classroom” for teaching about fire safety, the science of combustion, and basic camp skills. Still expanding with final thoughts…

Making It Your Own

You don’t have to follow our exact layout. We’ve seen beautiful fire pits made with river rocks, concrete rings, or simple dug-out dirt circles with stone borders. What matters is that it’s safe, intentional, and feels like home. Make it yours—whether that’s adding string lights, lanterns, or a carved log bench.

Nighttime at The Station

Some of our best memories at the cabin were made around this little circle of stones. Watching fireflies dance above the flames. Listening to the sound of owls from the woods. Teaching our daughter how to safely light kindling. And just sitting quietly, letting the fire speak for itself.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big budget to create a meaningful space. Our $100 fire pit is proof. With a few materials and a weekend of work, we made something that brings warmth, togetherness, and peace into our lives—night after night. If you’re just starting your cabin journey, this is the project we’d recommend first. It grounds you, gathers your people, and reminds you what matters. If you do take on this project, tag us or send a photo—we’d love to see what you create. The Station started with a single spark. Maybe your fire pit will too. ]]>