Introduction:
Congratulations on making the decision to elevate your outdoor living space! We feel like we know so much about you already – you cherish the beauty of your yard and you value the ones around you. So we want to help guide you through the very best options for retaining wall fire pits that will give your home the glamor and comfort it deserves, where the outcome will be warmth, quality conversations, and precious memories.
For all of our suggested retaining wall fire pits, it’s important to be educated on best practices prior to beginning the project:
- Check with your HOA. Make sure fire pits are allowed in your neighborhood.
- Choose a level location in your yard to build the fire pit. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to spend time excavating the area to ensure a level space.
- Pay attention to the wind, too! Are you in a location where wind gusts are strong? That may deter you from building one there! You don’t want to smoke out your guests.
- You’ll need stakes and twine to map out the shape and size of your fire pit. On average, fire pits are between 34 and 44 inches in diameter and 12 – 18 inches in height.
- Remember when you go to construct your fire pit, it’s important to leave gaps between stones in order to promote air circulation.
7 Fun Fire Pit Ideas for any Backyard
1. Round Retaining Wall Fire Pit
This hardscape is a traditional and classic one. For a new DIYer, it’s a great fire pit to design and construct. You can use any style of retaining wall blocks and play with color and design styles.
*A creative option is to use flagstone caps for the top and final layer of your fire pit.
*Allow approximately 24 hours of drying time before building your first fire.
Investment: approximately between $500 – $1,500
2. Square Retaining Wall Block Fire Pit
If a circle is too traditional for you, we recommend the square retaining wall fire pit. This adds a little versatility to your outdoor living space. With sharp, clean lines, it offers a more modern style. It allows for ample seating. And it pairs really well with retaining walls or seat walls.
Investment: approximately between $800 – $1,800
3. In-Ground Fire Pit
This is a unique fire pit option for your outdoor living space. With uniqueness comes a bit more effort. You’ll need to excavate approximately 18 inches deep in the desired shape of your fire pit. Renting an excavator or mini-excavator is the best option – check your local rental equipment store.
*For this design, it’s imperative to ensure you have proper draining. Improper draining of your fire pit will result in mosquitos, mold growth, and other organism growth.
Investment: approximately between $1,000 – $3,000
4. Modern Fire Table with Retaining Wall Blocks
Clean lines, elegant, and full-bodied encompass this hardscape. If you want to make a statement, this will do it! Pair your evening with wine tasting and a charcuterie board, you’ve set the bar for all future gatherings.
This modern fire table is typically built on cement or paver patios. And it’s a great addition to a poolside oasis or cabana escape.
Investment: approximately between $1,500 – $4,000
5. Stone Retaining Wall Block Fire Pit
There are two options for this type of fire pit: Stacked Stone and Stone Veneer. Both create that distinguished and decorous look. But construction looks different. Let’s take a look:
- Stacked Stone: flat stones will be the ingredient to building this flawless hardscape. You’ll hand place each stone while utilizing mortar to build each new layer. Capstones will rest atop this fire pit to give the hardscape a clean finish.
Investment: approximately between $500 – $1,500
- Stone Veneer: You will need to purchase a fire pit kit (Stone Age fire pit kits) that will include cement pieces. With mortar, you’ll connect the interior cement ring of your fire pit that this kit provides. Once it dries, you’ll then add stone veneer by cementing and placing each stone in place. If you like puzzles, then this design is perfect for you and your outdoor living space. The joints won’t fully line up, but that’s okay, the gaps and spacing offer character to this hardscape.
Investment: approximately between $1,500 – $2,500
6. Brick & Mortar Retaining Wall Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a durable and low-maintenance fire pit, then this brick and mortar one is for you! With numerous colors and styles, your options are endless. While more work and skill will be needed in upfront construction of this hardscape, the long term benefits are worth the time and effort. The aesthetics of a brick and mortar fire pit is timeless and cozy. You’ll set the tone for quality conversations and time with loved ones.
Investment: approximately between $1,000 – $3,000
7. Retaining Wall Fire Pit with Seat Wall
To elevate your outdoor living space, we highly recommend this option. It may be the last on our list, but it’s certainly not the least! In fact, we think we’ve saved the best for last. Whether your goal is romantic, intimate, family fun, or quiet retreat, this option gives you all the perks of outdoor living! To complete the look, you’d need a paver patio, fire pit, and retaining walls or seat walls.
Investment: approximately between $8,000 – $12,000
Did you know that our experts at Elevate Outdoor can bring your outdoor living space to life? We offer FREE QUOTES to all of our potential customers. And we specialize in custom fire pits, fireplaces, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, paver patios, and so much more! Check out some of our featured projects here. If we can help elevate your outdoor living space, please fill out a customer questionnaire here, and one of our customer service representatives will be with you soon!