Designing a backyard fire pit area is achievable on a tight budget. If you’ve been camping, you know you don’t need much material or fancy furniture to enjoy warming up next to the fire.
Check out our post on the best fire pits of 2024 for our top fire pit recommendations.
Creating an ambient fire pit area in your backyard is simple and doesn’t require much construction.
Whether you are into DIY and like to get your hands dirty, or if you would instead purchase something off the shelf, many affordable fire pit designs won’t have you breaking the bank.
We’ve researched this in great detail because we plan on adding a fire pit to our small backyard oasis.
We’ll share various budget-friendly fire pit designs we’ve found and our tips for backyard fire pit ideas landscaping on a budget.
Get ready to cozy up next to your garden fire pit!
Pro Tip: First, if you’re on a budget, accept that landscaping your backyard or any renovation to your house is a process. You might not get that Pinterest-esque photo in year one, but if you invest year after year, it just keeps getting better.
TL;DR
- 5 main design elements make your backyard fire pit area landscape design complete: the fire pit, ground surface, seating, planting, and lighting.
- Consider your budget by thinking short and long-term – remember that you don’t have to do it all in year one.
- Several DIY fire pit options use leftover bricks, concrete pavers, cement blocks, and repurposed materials.
- Choose native perennial plants, vines, and ground covers for a thriving garden.
- Tie it all together with some overhead or ground lighting. Solar-powered lights are a great low-budget option.
25 Ways to Landscape Your Backyard Fire Pit Area On a Budget
We’ve created five steps to help you plan the landscape design of your backyard fire pit area. Here’s a list of fire pit ideas to create your dream backyard on a budget:
Step 1: Choose Your Fire Pit
1. Rustic Fire Pit Ideas
One of the most common DIY fire pit ideas is a brick or natural stone fire pit. You can achieve this quickly and create this over one weekend.
I love the idea of repurposing old architectural or landscaping brick into a rustic-looking circular fire pit.
I prefer a circular fire pit over a square if you’re starting from a blank slate. The circle, for me, is a shape that evokes gathering and unity.


2. Square Fire Pit
Second up for DIY fire pit ideas is using cinder blocks for a more modern, geometric fire pit design.


3. Upcycled Fire Pit Ideas
For cheap fire pit ideas, consider upcycling a used project. For those on a tight budget, if you want to spend more on plants or seating, you can create a fire pit from upcycled materials like metal barrels, terracotta pots, old tire rims, and.. even wheelbarrows.


4. Metal Fire Pit Ideas
For a more contemporary feel and simple fire pit, metal fire pits are for you. A fire ring can cost under 100 dollars with less manual labor and installation time.
If you’re into the rusted metal look (like Corten steel) but want to avoid paying the price, know that all metal rusts over time. You can even treat the metal to rust quicker.


5. In Ground Fire Pit
In-ground fire pits are an easy way to contain a fire because they’re in the ground. You need less material as well.
There are a few different ways you can do this. Lowes has a comprehensive video on how to do this.



6. Fire Pit Bowl
If you’re not into manual labor and want to pick something off the shelf, some nice options for fire pit bowls are on the market.
This is an excellent option if you don’t own your house and might be moving.


7. Propane Fire Pits
If you’re not into the mess of wood burning or your municipality doesn’t allow it, a gas fire pit is another portable option.

8. Tabletop Fire Pits
Gas fire pits that turn into tables are great for small backyards and those looking for flexible use of their space.
For more fire pit table ideas check out our post: How to Choose the Best Small Fire Pit Table For Your Compact Space.

9. Sunken Fire Pit Ideas
I wanted to include this example because if your yard changes in grade, a sunken fire pit could be the answer to creating a designated fire pit area. It will likely take some extra digging and construction, so this is definitely the option for someone who wants to build.
If you want to build the whole fire pit area from scratch, this is a good option.

Step 2: Choose Your Base Surface
10. Grass Lawn
If you spend your budget only on your fire pit in year one, that’s ok. You can have a fire pit on your lawn IF there is a protective barrier and no dry, flammable grass, leaves, and debris around.
Martha Stewart has some simple basic ways to build a fire pit barrier.
If you put your fire pit on your lawn, please consider these safety precautions before you do this.
- Use a Fire Pit Pad or Barrier: Place a protective barrier between the fire pit and the grass. This can be a commercially available fire pit pad, a layer of pavers, or a metal or stone platform. The barrier should be heat-resistant and larger than the fire pit’s base to catch any stray sparks or embers.
- Select a Portable Fire Pit: Portable fire pits are typically raised off the ground and are a safer option for grass areas. They reduce the risk of heat transfer to the grass.
- Keep the Area Clear: Ensure the area around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials, including dry grass, leaves, and garden debris.
- Water the Grass: Before lighting the fire pit, watering the grass around the area is a good idea. This reduces the risk of the grass catching fire from any stray sparks.
- Monitor the Fire: Never leave the fire unattended. Always have a method of extinguishing the fire close by, such as a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher.
- Check Local Regulations: Before setting up a fire pit on your lawn, check your local fire codes and regulations. Some areas have restrictions on open flames in residential areas.
- Consider Heat Damage: Even with a barrier, the heat from the fire pit can cause the grass underneath to brown or die. Be prepared for potential lawn damage and the need for grass repair or replacement.



11. Gravel
A gravel base is one of the most common ways to landscape a fire pit area. It is undoubtedly more affordable than unit paving.
I love the aesthetic of pea gravel in landscape design, with or without a fire pit. It gives the right amount of rustic chic and adds a beautiful texture to a garden space.


12. Stepping Stones
If you look on Craigslist or any other listing site, this option can be one of the most cost-effective.
There are always folks wanting to redo their yards and get rid of material. We salvaged about 100 square feet of flagstone for our backyard, which cost zero dollars.
Like gravel surface installation, you’ll have to level out the area, but I promise it’s simple.

Step 3: Design Your Seating Area
13.Adirondack Chairs Under $100
While there are many ways to set up your fire pit seating area, it can be costly.
Adirondack chairs are definitely the most popular for backyard fire pit areas. Search Google images, and you will see.
I’ve previously recommended the Polywood Adirondack chairs – but those are $250 for ONE chair.
I found a couple with 4+ star ratings that look great and are under $100 for each chair.

14. Camping Chairs
If purchasing backyard furniture is outside your budget or makes sense for your space, consider using camping chairs around your fire pit!
We have some great ones from REI that can be stored when we are not using them.

15. Wood Benches
The original campfire set up. This is also for one who wants to get the power tools going.
Check your local stores for repurposed wood, beams, railway ties, etc.


16. Tree Stumps
Versatile, portable, and low-cost. You can mix and match here.

Step 4: Invest in Some Plants
17. Plant Native Perennials
Like every landscape architect, I’m here to remind you that planting native perennials is a great low-budget landscaping option with high returns.
Because they are perennials, these plants return year after year. Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted each season, native perennials provide ongoing beauty and function with a one-time planting cost.
Native plants are low maintenance and resilient to local climate and pests.
Native plants reduce the costs associated with watering, fertilizing, and pest control, support local ecosystems, and improve soil and water conservation.
They offer ecological benefits such as supporting wildlife and aiding in carbon sequestration.
The ability to propagate these plants easily further adds to their cost-effectiveness, making them a sustainable and excellent investment for gardeners and landscapers looking for long-term value.
Of course, depending on where you live, your native plant selection is going to vary. Consult with your local nurseries.



18. Container Gardening
If green space is limited on your hard, have no fear. Container gardening is a great way to add some lushness to your space.
The soil depths for shrubs vary as follows:
Small Shrubs: Small shrubs typically need a soil depth of at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). This depth allows enough room for their root systems to establish and access necessary nutrients and water.
Medium-Sized Shrubs: A soil depth of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) is often recommended for medium-sized shrubs. This ensures the larger root systems have sufficient space to grow without becoming restricted or pot-bound.
Large Shrubs: Large shrubs or those with deep root systems may require a soil depth of 24 inches (60 cm) or more. These plants need more space for their roots to spread and anchor the plant and to access water and nutrients from a larger soil volume.



19. Fast-Growing Groundcovers
Groundcovers are an excellent way to fill in the gaps between plantings, especially ones that spread quickly. This also can eliminate the amount of weeding.
Again, opt for native species and consult your growing zone for the groundcovers available to you.



20. Fast-Growing Vine Plants
Fast-growing vine planting is another great way to immerse you in nature around the fire. If you’ve got vertical surfaces, you can DIY or buy some trellises that the vines will trail up.

Step 5: Light it Up
21. String Lights
String lights are a budget-friendly choice for fire pit areas. They are inexpensive to purchase and install, offering a high-impact visual enhancement without a hefty price tag.
They are energy efficient, especially the LED options, which also ensure low operating costs, keeping your energy bills in check.

22. Solar Lights
Solar lights are a budget-friendly option for fire pit areas as they require no electrical wiring and minimal maintenance, significantly reducing installation and ongoing costs.
Because they are powered by sunlight, they are eco-friendly without incurring any electricity expenses, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Their automatic charging and lighting capabilities ensure convenience and consistent ambiance enhancement, adding value and charm to your outdoor gatherings with minimal effort and expense.


Gardening Tips
23. Border Garden
Creating a border garden is tried and true in residential landscape design.
It’s a fail-safe, effective way to transform a backyard space into a green, vibrant, and lush oasis.
By strategically placing various plants along the edges of your space, you can create a visual framework that draws the eye, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Combining a diverse range of plant species, including perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, creates a range of textures and colors, contributing to vibrancy and lushness.
Additionally, by choosing native pollinator species, your garden will serve as a natural habitat for beneficial wildlife, such as bees and butterflies, further adding to the area’s ecological value and your contribution to keeping the earth’s pollinators alive.


24. Propagate your Plants
Propagating your outdoor garden plants is a highly budget-friendly option as it allows you to expand your garden without purchasing new plants.
Through simple techniques like cutting, dividing, or layering, you can create new plants from the ones you already have, significantly reducing gardening expenses.
This is also a great way to connect with your community through a community exchange that can further minimize costs.
By propagating plants adapted to your garden’s specific conditions, you increase the likelihood of successful growth, reducing the need for costly replacements.

25. Be Patient and Build Over Time
The first year you plant your garden, it will look a bit sparse, especially if you are on a budget.
THAT’S OK!
The beauty that comes with creating your garden is building it over time.
Watching our garden bloom year after year has genuinely been one of the most rewarding things.
Every year, we buy a couple more plants (nothing crazy) to fill it out. And every spring, when the first blooms start to pop out of the soil, we get so excited to see them flourish.


Final Thoughts
You can create a great fire pit patio area on a budget. Whether you’re into DIY or would instead purchase something off the shelf, you can create your dream fire pit area without breaking the bank. Remember to check your local jurisdictions’ fire burning policies, take precautions, and follow safety guidelines. In no time, you’ll be able to roast marshmallows, share stories, sip a drink next to the fire, and entertain your loved ones.
Have any questions? We love to hear what you’ve done with to create your fire pit area on a budget. Drop it in the comments below!