Don't Throw Out That Old Fire Pit! Try These Unique Repurposing Ideas

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Does your fire pit look a bit rusty or beat up after many seasons of use? While these durable pits are usually made of materials like steel or stone, it doesn't mean they aren't susceptible to damage after extensive use. If you've started seeing rust or severe discoloration, it may be time to retire that old fire pit and start over with something new for the next burst of cool weather. However, instead of putting the old fire pit out on the curb for trash day, you can repurpose it in countless ways around the house and garden. The possibilities are endless, ranging from upcycling the fire pit into a bird bath to using it as a DIY ice bucket for your next get-together.

If you want to find ways to repurpose your fire pit but are worried about its appearance, there are methods to help bring its materials back to life. You'll want to start by cleaning the surface thoroughly by removing excess ash and debris, using a wire brush or sandpaper to break away any buildup. Once the surface is clean, it's ready for the paint of your choice that best matches the design scheme of your space and its new DIY purpose.

You can help your feathered friends by making a charming DIY bird bath out of your old fire pit. Start by cleaning it thoroughly to make sure it's safe for wildlife. Paint it any color you'd like using a protective outdoor metal paint, decorate it with greenery and rocks for perches, and place it in an area with some shade during warm months. You'll also need to clean it every few days to keep the water fresh.

Love the look of those desktop succulents mini-planters and wish you could recreate the look in your garden? Design your own oversized succulent planter landscape garden by repurposing an old fire pit into the perfect space for these plants to thrive. Use a well-draining soil product like the Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix (you may want to drill a few holes in the bottom of the pit), and be sure not to overwater them.

Step outside the box and reuse an old fire pit as an adorable garden feature that will shine through each season. The pit can be used as the base for a feature that holds various flowers or decorative elements and can be modified to match the season or a themed party you're hosting. You can treat the structure similar to a planter by filling it with potting soil and flowers before adding in clever design pieces like fairy garden elements making it downright magical.

Have you always dreamed of having a water feature in your garden or patio? If you've got an old fire pit, you can DIY a water feature for your outdoor space that will wow guests and create a relaxing ambiance. This may be a bit more intensive than other projects: It generally involves drilling into the pit, adding barrier layers, a pump, water access, and decorative stone or greenery. But it's worth it: The final project should be a gentle running water feature perfect for any space.

Instead of tossing your old fire pit into the garbage on trash day, why not use the vessel as a trash can for your outdoor space? If you were already planning on getting rid of it, you won't have any extra worries about the fire pit getting damaged or dirty in its new life. You can even opt not to use a bag or liner inside the opening and just toss your trash in before disposing of it properly once full.

Don't run out and spend extra cash on store-bought Halloween decorations when you can repurpose a fire pit into spooky yard decor. You can approach this DIY in many different ways, ranging from filling the interior with glowing skulls to making a complete, custom insert from scrap items like cardboard, a random string of lights, and spray foam. Just make sure to bring this piece indoors during inclement weather.

Another fall-related way to repurpose a fire pit or grate is to use the structure as a pumpkin holder to display in the garden. Stack up different shapes and colors of gourds in the fire pit for a fun pop of color in the yard, or go with all one variety to keep things cohesive. You can even incorporate other seasonal elements — like pinecones, corn stalks, or small hay bales — for an autumnal design theme.

Standard backyard fire pits are the perfect size to use as planters to display your favorite flowers. You can find ways to repurpose a fire pit as a standard planter with rustic appeal, or there's always the opportunity to turn the vessel into a cauldron for Spooky Season, displaying festive plants evoking flames or smoke. Treat it like you would a regular planter and be sure to drill small drainage holes into the bottom as needed.

You can create a stunning backyard piece of decor that can be the focal point of your property with an old fire pit and a little elbow grease. Additionally, one of the best parts about this repurposing option is there are virtually no limitations when it comes to what you can create. For example, you can paint the pit for a new look, build it into another structure, or add water for a relaxing atmosphere.

Getting ready to throw a fun get-together at your house, only to realize that you don't have a cooler on hand? Don't panic! You don't have to run to the store or spend a lot of money on a name-brand cooler if there's an old fire pit lying around your yard. Be sure to clean the fire pit beforehand and use a tarp or garbage bag as a liner to keep the melted ice contained.