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How to Budget for a Backyard Fire Pit Patio

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Fire Pit Patio

Plan your outdoor lounge in winter to save on materials and spread the $1200 cost over 15 months without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $80.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Winter is the best time to buy stone and pavers because demand is low. You want the patio ready for the first warm night of spring, so starting the heavy lifting while it is cold saves cash and time. Moving dirt and leveling ground is easier before the spring rain turns everything into a swamp.

Setting up the space usually costs around $1200 for materials and seating. The Discover it® Cash Back offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets us break that total into manageable $80 monthly payments.

The 0% intro window is a deadline, not a gift. If you do not pay off the full balance by the time those 15 months are up, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map the space

    Measure your area and mark it with spray paint. You need a flat spot away from low-hanging branches and your house. Ensure there is enough room for chairs to sit comfortably back from the heat.

  2. 02

    Buy stone in winter

    Hardscaping materials like pavers and gravel often go on sale when nobody is thinking about their yard. Check local landscape supply yards for overstock or end-of-season discounts to stay under budget.

  3. 03

    Manage the math

    Use the Discover it® Cash Back to cover the $1200 in materials. With 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, we can pay $80 a month to clear the balance before interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Prep the foundation

    Dig out the grass and level the dirt before the ground freezes solid. Use a layer of crushed stone and sand to keep the patio from shifting when the frost thaws later in the year.

  5. 05

    Pick the pit

    Decide between a permanent stone ring or a portable metal pit. A metal one is usually cheaper and gives you the flexibility to move the layout if you change your mind next summer.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Can I build this on a wood deck?

No, that is a fire hazard. Fire pits belong on stone, dirt, or gravel surfaces with plenty of clearance from flammable structures.

Is a permit required for a fire pit?

Check your local town or HOA rules. Some places have specific requirements about how far a fire must be from a property line or your house.

What is the cheapest patio material?

Pea gravel is usually the most affordable option. It is easy to spread yourself and provides a stable surface for chairs and a pit.

How do I avoid smoke in my face?

Buy a smokeless fire pit or make sure you use very dry, seasoned wood. Wet wood creates the heavy smoke that makes sitting outside uncomfortable.