If you’ve ever been envious of your neighbor’s fire pit, it’s time to step up your patio game. Here are some simple instructions on how to construct a DIY fire pit in your own backyard and be ready for summer in no time.

Tools needed:

• Shovel
• Rubber mallet
• Wheelbarrow or buckets to move the dirt
• Pea gravel
• Sand
• Lava rocks
• Fireproof landscaping bricks (make sure they are fireproof, or they will disintegrate over time)

Start with locating a place that is a good distance away from your home for safety and measure out how large you would like your DIY fire pit to be. It’s suggested that it be 10 to 15 feet from your home but check the guidelines in your area before you make a commitment to the spot. Next, lay out the first layer of bricks in the small circle that the pit is going to be in; making sure that the rocks are touching to keep you as safe as possible. (This may mean you have to be a little flexible with the size of fire pit you are going for.) Once the brick are in place, dig about 4 to 5 inches into the soil outside the edge of the bricks. They will be a little sunken. For safety precautions you can call 811 and ask where the wires are hidden in your yard. Make sure the edges are nice and sharp so the bricks fit nicely and remove the dirt from the whole circle making it as flat as possible. Use a level to make it nice and flat. Stomp around in the dirt to pack it down and then add a layer of sand and spread it around evenly. Place the landscaping bricks along the edges of the circle and use the rubber mallet to press them into the earth so that they are all level. Add more sand in the areas that the bricks are a little lower than desired. It is now time to add the second and third layer of bricks; placing the center of the brick over the space between the bricks below it. After all the bricks are in place add a layer of pea gravel for drainage and add the lava rocks on top making sure both are level. Now that your DIY fire pit is done, it’s time to add your patio furniture and you’re ready to party!