Fire Pit DIY Vs. Hiring A Pro: There's More To Consider Than Budget

There's plenty of versatility when it comes to building a fire pit area since it often includes the low walls surrounding the area and features like pillars for lighting. Sure, you will have to be a little more selective of the materials that are used for the fire pit itself since you want to make sure that it doesn't explode in the heat. But otherwise, you have plenty of materials to choose from, and pavers are particularly perfect for this kind of project. While it's tempting to jump right in, the big question for many will be whether this is a viable DIY paver project to elevate your backyard or if the job should be handed over to the pros.

DIY and home improvement websites will invariably tell you that building a fire pit area yourself is cheaper than hiring a contractor. It makes a lot of sense. A big component of any project is the labor. If you do the work yourself, it's just a matter of finding the time, whereas every hour a professional spends in your yard costs you money. They usually mark up the materials too. So is it cheaper to DIY the job? Almost certainly. However, if you want the fire pit area you've dreamed about, there's a lot more to consider than just dollars and cents.

If you're just looking for a really budget-friendly solution, you might want to consider upcycling an old washing machine as a fire pit. There are also reasonably priced fire pit kits available at many hardware stores. Taking on the construction of the whole fire pit area is a very different type of challenge for your DIY skills. It's vital to establish a proper base before the first paver is laid. This will probably mean cutting and clearing sod, then laying sand and gravel to create a stable area that drains properly. There's plenty of advice available for how to do this, but it's still considerable effort.

Rectangular constructions are easier to achieve than curves, as the latter often means pavers will need to be trimmed or shaped. Using an angle grinder or circular saw is an option, although special diamond blades will be needed. It's also possible to rent a concrete saw, but these are heavy-duty pro tools that inexperienced DIYers might find intimidating and difficult to control. If you want to add a low wall, built-in seating, or other features, modern construction adhesives can be an easy, faster-drying alternative to mixing mortar. However, although using them demands less skill, there are limits to their structural strength, and they are usually more expensive than mixing sand and cement.

According to a popular YouTube video from Designs by Donnie Woodworking, contractors charge around $25 per square foot to lay a fire pit with upcharges for groundwork, retaining walls, or anything more complicated than squares or rectangles. It soon adds up. On the other hand, a pro should have the experience to discuss your design ideas and point out things you may not have considered. They will have all the right tools, saving you from possibly using the wrong thing. And because they don't need to work around their day job schedule like a DIYer would, they should get the job done more quickly.

Before you hire someone you should get several quotes. There are also a number of questions worth asking. Can the contractor show you photos of completed projects? How long do they anticipate it taking? Will they provide detailed plans? Do they offer a warranty on their work? What are their payment terms? Any reputable company should be happy to answer these questions and help you through the process. Good advice is part of what you pay them for.

If it's all about the money, a DIY fire pit area is pretty much always going to be cheaper than hiring a pro. And if you like getting your hands dirty it can be tremendously rewarding. However, if you're not confident you have the skills necessary to turn your outdoor space into the perfect leisure oasis, it's worth talking to a contractor. You should at the very least be able to get some no-obligation quotes before you decide.