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A DIY block fire pit costs about $60–$110 and takes an afternoon. The cheapest version uses retaining wall blocks around a steel fire ring. That ring — or a layer of fire brick — is the step most cheap builds skip, and it matters: ordinary concrete blocks aren’t made to sit in direct flame and can split or spall when heated.
The receipt: ~36 in. round pit, 3 courses
| Item | Qty | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Retaining wall blocks (tapered) | 30–36 | $45–$80 |
| Steel fire ring insert, ~36 in. | 1 | $0–$30 (reuse or buy) |
| Paver base or gravel | 2–3 bags | $10–$18 |
| Pea gravel or lava rock for the floor | 1–2 bags | $5–$12 |
| Total | $60–$110 |
Typical US big-box ranges in late 2026. Some stores sell boxed fire pit block kits that bundle everything. How we price.
Check the rules before you dig
- Local burn rules. Many towns limit open fires or require a permit; some ban them during dry seasons.
- Distance. A common guideline is at least 10 feet from structures, fences and overhanging branches. Your local code may require more.
- Buried utilities. In the US, call 811 a few days before digging.
- HOA or lease rules if they apply to you.
Which blocks to use
Tapered retaining wall blocks form a circle without gaps and are the standard choice for DIY pits. Standard 8×8×16 “cinder” blocks are cheaper per block but make a square pit with open cores. Either way, don’t let the fire touch plain concrete: line the inside with a steel fire ring or a course of fire brick. Concrete can trap moisture, and rapid heating can make it split or pop.
How to build it
- Mark a circle using a stake and string. Lay the first course dry to check the fit.
- Dig out 4–6 inches of sod and soil inside and under the blocks.
- Add and tamp paver base or gravel until level. Check with a level across several points.
- Set the first course tightly around the fire ring. Level each block.
- Stack two more courses, staggering joints like brickwork. Masonry adhesive is optional for low pits.
- Add 2–3 inches of pea gravel or lava rock to the floor for drainage.
- Test with a small fire before a full one.
- Far cheaper than a stone pit built by a contractor
- Holds heat and looks permanent
- Easy to expand with seating
- Not movable
- Needs a liner for safety
- Check local rules first
Every fire, every time
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood — never gasoline or other accelerants.
- Keep a hose or extinguisher within reach and skip fires on windy or dry days.
- Drown, stir and drown again until the ashes are cool to the touch.
Building a garden bed with leftover blocks? See the cinder block raised bed receipt.
FAQ
Can you use regular cinder blocks for a fire pit?
They can work for the outer wall, but don’t expose them to direct flame. Line the inside with a steel ring or fire brick.
How many blocks for a fire pit?
A ~36-inch round pit three courses high usually takes 30–36 tapered retaining wall blocks.
Do I need to glue fire pit blocks?
Not for a low pit. Masonry adhesive on the top course keeps blocks from shifting.
Can I build a fire pit on grass?
Remove the sod and set the pit on a compacted gravel base. Never build directly on grass or roots.
