Fire Pit DIY Contemporary Landscape, Milwaukee

I decided to start with a photo of the completed project rather than a photo of the materials because it's a little more interesting than a bunch of tools and materials laid out would be. I also thought it may be a good idea to give a general idea of what your efforts can produce if you choose to go this route.Materials:Concrete: 4 or 5 bagsMortar: 5 or 6 bagsRebar: 10 pieces (about 24 inches long)Sandy creek flagstone and steppers: 1,600 poundsFire brick: 50 bricksSupplies:Safety glassesHoseOld wheelbarrow ChiselMalletShovelChemical glovesLeather glovesLots of patience2 bottles of ibuprofenDimensions: 5 feet wide and 18 inches tall, which is somewhat large, so use these figures loosely depending on the size of your yard.Approximate cost: $450

Project: Backyard fire pitDifficulty: HardEstimated time: Several weekends (and helping hands)If you are ready to bust out the power tools and do some heavy lifting, this stacked stone fire pit could be yours in time to enjoy warm summer nights. Erin Lang Norris did a wonderful job outlining step-by-step instructions, so if you decide to tackle this project, you are in good hands.

Add Fire Time required: A weekend.Starting budget: I found a 30-inch portable fire pit for $40; the DIY fire pit shown above cost $450 in materials. Whether it's a permanent installation or one of the many portable versions available on the market, a fire pit lets you enjoy your patio later into the night and later into the fall season. Best of all, you can toast marshmallows over it. Erin Lang Norris shows us how she built this one.Browse more fire pits

DIY it with a wood-burning fire pit. If you are looking to save some cash — and if a bit of hard physical labor doesn't put you off — consider building your own wood-burning fire pit. Over the course of several weekends, it is possible to create a simple stacked stone fire pit like the one shown here.See how to make this stone fire pit

Build a Stone Fire PitEver since humans discovered fire and stonework, we've yet to tire of them. Here's everything you need to build a rustic outdoor fire pit just in time for cool summer nights. How to Make a Stacked Stone Fire Pit