Tractor Tire Fire Pit

• Building your own backyard fire pit can be pretty simple if you can get your hands on a few unusual items, for example, a tractor tire rim. That may not be so unusual for our rural readers, but if you live in a city, you can probably dig one up at a junk yard.
  
  To create your fire pit, first find an even surface that's a safe distance from any flammable materials such as trees or sheds, or your home. If you have a concrete surface, that's ideal. If not, lay some gravel or dirt down to create a safe spot. Dig a hole, at least 12 inches deep, and lay the tire rim inside on its side. Surround the area with bricks or stones, fill the rim with fire kindling and you're done.
  
  

Washer Drum Fire Pit

• A washing machine drum is another handy, inexpensive idea to create your own backyard fire pit. This can also probably be dug up at a junk yard or browse around on Craigslist for a cheap buy.
  
  To build your washer drum fire pit, again, find or create an even, non-flammable surface and dig a hole about 12 inches deep. Lay the drum inside the hole to keep it sturdy and in place. Surround it with bricks or stones, and there you go, a cheap, conveniently simple option.
  
  

Stone and Brick Fire Pits

• Fire pits can also be built simply out of natural stone and brick. This option is typically the most aesthetically pleasing, and allows for some landscaping creativity.
  
  For this option, you'll need more supplies of stone or brick than the washer drum or tire rim ideas. This can be more expensive, depending on what you have available to you. Stone landscaping blocks can be purchased in various qualities and designs. Just be sure they are natural, and don't include any plastics or flammable adhesives. Concrete blocks are another option, but these tend to deteriorate in the heat. However, they are inexpensive, so can be easily replaced when necessary. Bricks can be purchased quite cheaply at most building supply stores.
  
  First, dig a hole about 12 inches deep, and set the first layer of stone or brick around the perimeter. These can be stacked dry, which is helpful if the materials need to be replaced. Stacking dry also assists in allowing air to flow through the pit, so be sure to keep small gaps between the layers and stones. Lay three to four levels of stone or brick, and fill the center with gravel to assist with drainage.
  
  Finally, add a grill grate to your fire pit, and you're ready to barbecue.