How to Build a Firepit

With the rise of friluftsliv—aka spending more time outdoors, driven by an urgent desire to see the world beyond your four walls—it’s no wonder that backyards are the first area of the home people plan to upgrade this year. And the pièce de résistance of any outdoor set-up? A fire pit. We teamed up with Ford to show you how to create one yourself. Don’t worry—it only looks intimidating, and the features on the 2021 Ford F-150 will make the process even easier.

Start by using the available 12-inch touchscreen to navigate to your nearest hardware store to pick up supplies (more on that later). The truck’s high-strength aluminum alloy bed is built to tote the heavy pavestones needed for this project, and the available Tailgate Work Surface helps you keep track of directions as you go. See the full instructions below. For even more inspiration, check out our full list of summer projects here.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Fire ring
• Grill mat
• Bluestone gravel (60 pounds)
• Harbor Beltis Pavestones (80 stones); Pro tip: Pick these out in person in order to select your preferred color

Step 2: Protect the Ground with a Grill Mat

Lay down the grill mat to protect the natural ground from heat and scorching. Heads up that it will bear a great deal of weight and likely be flattened.

Step 3: Pour Bluestone Gravel

Pour the bluestone gravel over the grill mat in a circle. Cover grill mat completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Fire Ring

Place fire ring in center of gravel mound.

Step 5: Arrange Paver Stones

Stagger the stones for stability and visual appeal. Three layers should do the trick. Now, just add firewood (and don’t forget the marshmallows).