What styles can I choose for my DIY smokeless fire pit?

You can design your smokeless fire pit in various styles to match your outdoor aesthetic, including modern, rustic, or traditional [2, 4]. Consider your existing patio decor and personal taste when selecting a style [7, 20].

What features can I add to my DIY smokeless fire pit?

Enhance your fire pit with features such as built-in seating for a cozy gathering space [20, 17, 18], integrated cooking surfaces for grilling [2, 7], or decorative elements to personalize the design [2, 4]. You could also add a spark screen for safety [4].

How can I customize my smokeless fire pit?

Customize your fire pit by choosing the size, shape, and placement that best fits your outdoor space [2, 4]. Select materials like fire pit stones that complement your style, and consider adding a custom paint job [1, 16].

Where is the best location to place my DIY smokeless fire pit?

Choose a location away from your house, trees, and any structures, ensuring proper airflow and safety [1, 3]. A flat, non-combustible surface is ideal [1]. Also, check local regulations and safety codes before you start digging [1].

How does a smokeless fire pit work?

Smokeless fire pits minimize smoke by maximizing airflow for more efficient combustion [1]. They often utilize a double-wall design to preheat air, which is then fed back into the firebox to burn off smoke particles [7, 15, 13]. Ensure the wood is dry for best results [3, 7, 5].

DIY Smokeless Fire Pit

By Home Sidekick Team October 02, 2025 9 min read 1842 words

fire pitsmokelessDIYoutdoordesignbackyardpatiocustom

Introduction: Embracing the Outdoors with a Smokeless Fire Pit

Imagine a cool evening, gathered with friends and family around a crackling fire, sharing stories and laughter. Now, imagine that same scene without the constant shifting to avoid smoke in your eyes, the lingering smell on your clothes, and the potential complaints from neighbors. This is the promise of a smokeless fire pit – a revolutionary design that allows you to enjoy the ambiance of a traditional fire with significantly reduced smoke [19]. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how smokeless fire pits work, delve into various DIY designs, and provide step-by-step instructions to build your own backyard oasis.

DIY fire pits are cheaper than purchasing conventional or smokeless fire pits, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $150, when using repurposed materials [11]. With a little effort, anyone can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire in their backyard in a safe and responsible way.

Understanding Smokeless Fire Pit Technology

The secret to a smokeless fire pit lies in its innovative design, which promotes complete combustion [26]. Unlike traditional fire pits where smoke is a byproduct of incomplete burning, smokeless models utilize a secondary combustion process to burn off the smoke before it escapes into the air [7, 8, 10]. Here's how it works:

Double-Walled Construction: Most smokeless fire pits feature a double-wall design. This creates a space between the inner and outer walls where air is drawn in and heated [7, 20].
Air Intake Vents: Vents near the bottom of the fire pit allow fresh air to enter the combustion chamber, fueling the fire at its base [7, 8].
Heated Airflow: As the fire burns, the air between the walls heats up and rises [7].
Secondary Combustion: Near the top of the inner wall, a series of vent holes release the heated air into the fire [8, 10]. This preheated oxygen mixes with the unburned gases and smoke, causing them to ignite and burn off [7, 20, 26]. This secondary burn significantly reduces the amount of smoke produced [10].

This two-stage combustion process results in a hotter, more efficient fire that produces significantly less smoke and leaves behind very little ash [7, 19]. While the term "smokeless" can be misleading, as some smoke may occur when the fire is starting, a well-designed smokeless fire pit will dramatically reduce smoke emissions once the fire is established [26].

Design Considerations for Your DIY Smokeless Fire Pit

Before you start gathering materials, it's crucial to consider the design of your smokeless fire pit. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Size and Shape

The size of your fire pit will depend on the amount of space you have available and how many people you typically want to accommodate [17]. A diameter between 36 and 44 inches is ideal for creating an intimate setting for multiple people [17]. Smokeless fire pits are available in different shapes, including round, square and rectangular [13, 28]. Square smokeless fire pits can be inserted into a stone or brick fire pit [4].

Materials

Choose materials that can withstand high temperatures and outdoor conditions [13, 18]. Common materials include:

Retaining Wall Blocks: Concrete retaining wall blocks are durable, inexpensive, and easy to work with [11, 18].
Fire Bricks: Clay fire bricks are specifically designed to withstand direct flames and extreme heat [18]. Use these to line the interior of your fire pit.
Steel Stock Tank Ring: A galvanized steel stock tank ring can be used as the inner wall of your smokeless fire pit [16].
Metal Fire Pit Ring Insert: Using a metal fire pit ring makes a project extremely beginner-friendly [11].
Gravel and Sand: Use gravel and sand for drainage and leveling the base of your fire pit [5].

Important Note: Avoid using pea gravel or river rocks, as they retain moisture and can explode under extreme heat [18].

Airflow Design

Proper airflow is essential for the smokeless effect. Consider the following when designing your fire pit:

Double-Wall Gap: Maintain a consistent gap (around 2 inches) between the inner and outer walls to allow for proper air circulation [27].
Bottom Vents: Incorporate vents or openings at the base of the outer wall to allow air to enter the gap [7, 8, 27].
Inner Wall Vent Holes: Drill a series of holes near the top of the inner wall to release heated air into the fire [7, 8, 12]. The best hole size for the top is 60 holes 1/2 inches in diameter, spaced a 1-1/2 inches apart. Holes at the bottom of the fire pit ring should be 24 holes 1 inch in diameter, spaced 3-3/4″ apart [12].

DIY Smokeless Fire Pit Project: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide outlines a simple yet effective method for building a smokeless fire pit using readily available materials.

Materials You'll Need

Approximately 72 small retaining wall blocks [16]
One 36-inch diameter steel stock tank ring, 10-12 inches high [16]
3 cubic yards of granite drainage gravel, 1/4-inch [16]
Fire-resistant sealant [16]
Landscape block adhesive [16]
High-heat spray paint [16]
Sand [5]

Tools You'll Need

Shovel [15]
Level [15]
Tape measure [7]
Drill with drill bit set and 3/4-inch annular drill bit [7, 16]
Caulking gun [5, 16]
Metal file [16]
Painter's tape [16]
Rubber Mallet [15]

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Site: Choose a level location in your backyard, at least 10 feet away from any structures or flammable materials [13, 21, 23]. Clear the area of grass and debris [13, 21, 23].
Create a Base: Dig out a circular area approximately 6 inches deep and slightly larger than the desired diameter of your fire pit [15]. Fill the hole with a layer of gravel, followed by a layer of sand, and compact it down [5]. This will provide a stable and well-drained base [5].
Assemble the Outer Wall: Begin laying the first course of retaining wall blocks around the perimeter of the prepared base [5]. Use a level to ensure that the blocks are even [5]. Apply landscape block adhesive between each block to secure them together [5].
Build the Outer Wall: Continue stacking the retaining wall blocks, staggering the joints for added strength [27]. Apply landscape block adhesive between each layer [5]. Aim for a height of approximately 12-14 inches [17].
Prepare the Inner Ring: Drill holes around the rim of the stock tank ring, spacing them evenly with roughly 2 inches of space between each hole [7, 27]. Wear eye protection when drilling [27]. Remove rough edges with an angle grinder, or sand the holes down [27].
Position the Inner Ring: Place the steel stock tank ring inside the outer wall, ensuring there is a consistent gap of approximately 2 inches between the two walls [27].
Secure the Top Row: Cover the opening at the top using wider pavers, creating the opening to burn fires with less smoke [27]. You can also use the same pavers to cover the top row using fewer stones [27].
Finishing Touches: Apply fire-resistant sealant to any gaps or cracks in the fire pit to prevent air leaks [16]. You can also paint the outer wall with high-heat spray paint for a more finished look [1, 4].

Alternative DIY Fire Pit Designs

While the previous design provides a solid foundation, here are a few alternative ideas to customize your DIY smokeless fire pit:

Repurposed Materials: Get creative and use repurposed materials like salvaged bricks, concrete blocks, or even an old washing machine drum [11, 8].
In-Ground Fire Pit: For a more integrated look, consider building an in-ground fire pit. Dig a deeper hole and line it with fire bricks or retaining wall blocks [11].
Gas-Powered Fire Pit: Convert your wood-burning fire pit into a gas-powered one by installing a gas burner kit. Ensure you follow all safety precautions and consult with a qualified gas technician [2].

Safety First: Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips

Building and using a fire pit requires careful attention to safety. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience [21]:

Location: Position your fire pit at least 10 feet away from any structures, trees, or flammable materials [13, 21, 23].
Level Ground: Place the fire pit on a level, non-flammable surface like stone, brick, or concrete [21]. Avoid placing it directly on a wooden deck or grass [21].
Weather Conditions: Avoid using the fire pit during windy conditions [23].
Supervision: Never leave a fire unattended [13, 17]. Always have an adult present to supervise the fire [17].
Extinguishing: Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or sand nearby to extinguish the fire quickly in case of emergency [13, 17].
Safe Burning Practices: Only burn dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, ash, or birch [10]. Avoid softwoods like pine, fir, or cedar, which produce more smoke and sap [10]. Never burn wet, green, or pressure-treated wood [10]. Don't use fire accelerants such as lighter fluid or gasoline [17, 21].
Tools: Use long-handled tools such as tongs and fire pokers to safely maneuver logs [21].
Distance: Maintain a safe distance (at least 3 feet) from the flames [21].
Check Local Regulations: Check with your local council for regulations around fire pits and their use in your area [17, 22].

Maintaining Your Smokeless Fire Pit

Regular maintenance will keep your fire pit in good condition and ensure optimal performance [10, 13]. Here are some essential maintenance tips [1]:

Remove Ashes: After each use, once the ashes have cooled completely (at least 24 hours), remove them from the fire pit [1, 14]. Leaving a thin layer of ash can provide insulation and protect the metal [1].
Clean Debris: Regularly remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris from the fire pit [10, 24].
Rust Prevention: For metal fire pits, apply a high-temperature paint or sealant to the exterior to protect against rust and corrosion [1, 9, 14]. Seasoning your pit with vegetable or canola oil will also prevent rust [1]. Covering the fire pit when not in use will shield it from the elements [1].
Cleaning Metal Fire Pits: Use hot, soapy water and a soft cloth to scrub the interior of the fire pit. Rinse the soap and water thoroughly [25].
Cleaning Stone or Brick Fire Pits: Muriatic acid-based solutions can help brighten stone and brick [9, 24, 25]. Be sure to dilute the muriatic acid before using it [24, 25].
Check Fuel Lines: Keep an eye on the fuel lines and make sure they are organized and hooked up properly [9].

Conclusion: Enjoying Smoke-Free Evenings

Building your own DIY smokeless fire pit is a rewarding project that allows you to create a personalized outdoor gathering space while minimizing smoke and maximizing enjoyment. By understanding the principles of smokeless combustion, carefully planning your design, and following safety guidelines, you can build a fire pit that will provide years of warmth, ambiance, and smoke-free evenings [17].

Next Steps: Now that you're armed with the knowledge and inspiration to build your own smokeless fire pit, start gathering your materials, finalize your design, and get ready to transform your backyard into a cozy and inviting oasis.