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There is something about sitting near a warm crackling fire that is truly comforting. I love everything about a backyard fire pit for summer! Sitting around the fire and roasting s’mores with friends and family is pretty much the best frugal summer activity I can dream up.
Backyard firepits can change the whole feeling of your yard, transforming it into a place that welcomes you on a cool evening, inviting you to sit down and put your feet up for a while.
Unfortunately firepits don’t always come cheap, but like many things, you can find some really fun and frugal DIY alternatives.
You can even prep the inside of your home for the coziness of fall with a DIY fireplace setup. Faux fireplaces add beauty and can be filled with candles, lanterns, or simply some glittering lights.
There are so many lovely ways that you can add a fire pit or a fireplace to your life, even if you don’t have a lot of time, money, or space. I’ve collected a number of interesting projects I found around the internet to show you some of the amazing versatility you have when you set out to DIY your way to more cozy summer (or fall) nights!
No matter which project you choose, I would love to hear about it. Even better, I’d love to see pictures! I hope that whichever you choose, your firepit or fireplace adds a much-needed touch of fun and warmth to your life (on a budget)!
DIY Firepits and Fireplaces to Warm Your Heart
- DIY Colorful Brick Outdoor Firepit – A Joyful Riot
If you’ve been wanting a firepit, this is one really easy way to make it happen. With just a few salvaged bricks, small stones, and a little time to dig a hole, this blogger made an awesome, colorful firepit. It really can be just that simple!
- Make Your Own Fire Pit in 4 Easy Steps – A Beautiful Mess
This firepit is quite a bit larger and upscale than the first, but still something you and your family can make as a weekend project. This firepit invites all kinds of fantasies about warm nights outside eating way too many roasted marshmallows. But maybe that’s just me.
- How to Build a DIY Fire Pit – Scattered Thoughts Of a Crafty Mom
This is another style of firepit that is simple, basic, attractive, and gets the job done. I like looking at the different options for firepits depending on the stones or blocks or bricks you have available to you and how intricate you wish to get. I also love how much this particular design reminds me of an old well in a scary movie.
- DIY Mini Fire Pit For S’mores – Artsy Fartsy Mama
S’mores are one of those treats that are quintessentially summer. They speak of campfires and cookouts and all kinds of fun memories. If you’re craving S’mores, you don’t have to go camping. You don’t even have to have a big fire. This small tabletop “firepit” is just perfect for you and your friends to gather around to cook up some delicious S’mores treats. Welcome Summer!
- DIY Movable Electric Fireplace – The Merry Thought
Even if your current home doesn’t have a fireplace, you can make one. This DIY fireplace is movable, versatile, and brings warmth to any room you set it in. And just think of all the cool things you can do with the mantle!
- DIY Birch Wood Fireplace Cover – Lia Griffith
If you have a fireplace that you don’t use very often (or at all), this DIY fireplace cover will help you block it in the most attractive way. This creative cover is easy to make and it looks like a giant pile of wood neatly piled in the fireplace. But, even cooler!
- DIY Cardboard Fireplace – Midget Momma
I find it surprising that this fireplace is made of cardboard. It looks so sweet and festive. This is a fun project for you and your kids to make in those exciting days leading up to Christmas, and might make the little ones feel a little more confident that Santa will find his way on Christmas Eve!
- DIY Movable Fireplace – A Subtle Revelry
Like the cardboard fireplace above, this movable fireplace definitely has a more temporary feel than some of them, but it’s wonderfully creative and lovely. It’s also incredibly unique. After all, when is the last time that you saw a fireplace that was literally made out of a pile of wood?
- Build Your Own curved Fire Pit Bench – A Beautiful Mess
This DIY project is not for a fireplace or firepit, but rather, for a wonderful curved bench to sit on while enjoying your beautiful firepit. After all, the only way to really enjoy a firepit is when you can comfortably chill out next to it, basking in the warmth crackle of the fire with the people you love. That’s why you need this bench.
- How to Build a Fire Pit on a Paver Patio – Everyday Shortcuts
If you really want a firepit but have a backyard that is overwhelmed by a large paver patio, here is the project for you. You really can have an amazing firepit on a paver patio, much easier than you might think. Your summer nights are about to get a whole lot nicer!
- Inexpensive Fire Pits and Benches – The Typical Mom
If you are looking for a cost effective way to add a firepit and benches to your backyard paradise, you’ll want to check this project out. Once you see how easy and affordable it can be, you may end up wondering why you waited for so long!
- A Beautiful DIY Fire Pit Makeover – Love Create Celebrate
This firepit is an incredible makeover from an old propane fire table. The table is in pretty terrible shape until this blogger fixes it up, and the makeover is, frankly, amazing and inspiring. It’s amazing what a little creativity can do!
- Emma’s Tiled Faux Fireplace – A Beautiful Mess
This tiled faux fireplace adds a touch of color, beauty, and class to any room you place it in. And while it may not be a real working fireplace, it will look amazing when filled with the light of a nice selection of burning candles!
- Make a DIY Faux Fireplace – The Proper Blog
If you like nice clean lines and white brick, this faux fireplace may be just what you are looking for. Shallower than many faux fireplaces, this one may be a better choice for a room that is already on the small side, but still needs a touch of warmth and beauty.
This beautiful faux fireplace is so classy looking. I especially like the sparkling wood inside of it, because it looks almost as magical and comforting as a real fire. Best of all, it has a lovely mantle, which you can happily take full advantage of when decorating your home!
hi! I'm shannon
I’m a wife, mom of three, doctor, and blogger! In 2018, I decided to turn my mom blog, into a personal finance blog so others could follow along on our journey to pay off over HALF a MILLION dollars in student loan and practice start up debt. I hope you enjoy following along, and maybe even find some inspiration along the way.
