If you enjoy relaxing in the backyard by the fire, you may have considered purchasing a steel fire ring or fire pit. Not only can a fire be the perfect focal point in a cozy backyard sitting area, but it can also be functional.
Of all of the options available for setting up a backyard bonfire, a ring is by far the most versatile.
Not only can rings be used on their own, but many can also be used to line a stone fire pit. Some, like the CountyLine Fire Ring (here on Tractor Supply Co) that tops the list below, can even be used as raised flower bed planters.
Keep reading to learn more about that fire ring and other great options!
Fire Pit Ring Reviews
 | CountryLine Fire Ring |
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 | Pleasant Hearth Fire Pit Rings |
| View On AmazonView On Home Depot |
 | Solid Steel Fire Pit Inserts |
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Here is a brief roundup of seven of the most popular fire rings available.
The CountyLine Fire Ring came out as the clear winner due to its versatility, appearance, and size.
1. Tractor Supply CountyLine Fire Ring
- Size: 36″ x12″
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Fuel type: wood only
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? No
The CountyLine fire ring and raised bed planter are as multipurpose as it sounds.
With its simple design, this 36″ galvanized steel fire pit ring is the perfect addition to your backyard.
Not only can it serve its function as a fire ring or pit liner, but you can also use it as a raised flower bed, which is an excellent option if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space but would still like to have a garden.
It’s not a beautifully manufactured cast iron fire pit, but it’s a lot cheaper, more portable, and easy to set up and use.
This ring’s size, versatility, and durability make it an excellent choice for a backyard bonfire. In addition, this ring is one of the best values options on this list due to its dual uses.
Pros
- Durability
- Doubles as a flower bed or fire ring
- Minimal setup required
Cons
- Design is a bit plain
- Higher price tag for a simpler design
2. Pleasant Hearth Wilderness Decorative Fire Ring
- Size: 36″ x12″
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Fuel type: wood only
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? Yes
The Pleasant Hearth Wilderness metal fire ring is not only functional, but it’s also fun to look at. With its mesh screen featuring cutouts of wolves, deer, bears, and trees, this ring is just as much a statement piece as a means to contain a fire.
This Wilderness is 36″ in diameter, which means it has plenty of space to stack logs and kindling. The Wilderness fire ring ranks near the top of the list for fire rings because of its sturdiness, ease-of-assembly, and the best value for the money.
This is almost as decorative as some of the Blue Rooster fire pits (which do cost more, unfortunately).
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
- Fun design
- Holds a lot of wood
Cons
- May tend to rust
- Metal bending
3. Pleasant Hearth Cheap Fire Pit Ring
- Size: 36″ x12″
- Weight: 10.12 pounds
- Fuel type: Wood only
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? Yes
The classic arts-and-crafts design of this outdoor fire ring makes it the perfect complement to any style of home or backyard. This 36″ wood-burning steel fire ring is an ideal size for giving your backyard parties that extra boost they need to continue on into the evening.
The Classic fire ring combines value, sturdiness, and an easy assembly. At only 10 pounds, it’s also lightweight enough that you can move it to the garage or shed when you aren’t using it.
It won’t contain every piece of your fire, but that’s not always necessary. Only get this one if you don’t mind the odd escaping ember (despite the mesh)!
Pros
- Classic design
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Holds a lot of wood
Cons
- Rusts fairly quickly
- Flexible metal keeps it from maintaining its shape
4. Pleasant Hearth Solid Steel Fire Ring
- Size: 33.5”x10” (top ring) 28.5”x10” (inner ring)
- Weight: 36.08 pounds
- Fuel type: Wood only
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? Yes
Pleasant Hearth’s Solid Steel fire ring can stand on its own, but it’s the perfect choice as a liner for a fire pit due to its shape.
Its wide lip makes it easy to construct a frame to create a permanent fixture in your yard, making this ring one of the best choices when building a stone fire pit.
The inner ring measures 28″ in diameter, while the wide upper ring is 33.5″ across. As the smallest ring on the list, it’s the perfect option if you have a slightly smaller area of your yard to work with.
This ring’s simple black style allows it to blend in with your yard decor easily if you choose to use it on its own, and the smooth walls will enable you to build an outer wall of bricks seamlessly.
If you like this style, also consider these good copper fire bowls.
Pros
- Smooth design
- Can be used alone or to construct a pit
- Holds a lot of wood
Cons
- Can get rusty
- Inaccurate measurements
- Damaged weld spots
5. Heavy Duty Outdoor Fire Ring
- Size: 36″ x 13.19″
- Weight: 22.44 pounds
- Fuel type: Wood only
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Assembly required? Yes
Pleasant Hearth’s Round Infinity fire ring has a rustic look that makes this ring great as a regular fire ring or as a raised flower bed. In addition, the industrial-style galvanized steel is excellent at preventing rust, which makes this ring ideal for the outdoors.
This ring has four options for use: you can use it on its own, you can use it as a liner for a stone fire pit, you can partially bury it, or, if you want to get creative, you can turn it into a raised flower bed. For this reason, the Infinity ring is one of the more versatile rings that made this list.
Pros
- Simple design
- Can be used alone, as part of a pit, or as a raised flower bed
- Resists rust
Cons
- Thin material
- Lower quality compared to other brands
6. Sunnydaze Square Fire Pit Insert
- Size: 42” x 10” (top ring) 36” x 10” (inner ring)
- Weight: 36.08 pounds
- Fuel type: Wood only
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? Yes
The Sunnydaze Heavy-Duty square fire ring has a wide top lip. It has a solid construction of thick steel with high-temperature paint that resists rust. These features make it the most durable ring on this list.
You can use this ring in-ground, above ground, or framed with bricks to create a permanent place for bonfires. The large upper ring lets you create a more expansive fire pit without sacrificing any of the 3-foot burning area.
This ring is one of the best options if you’d like to build a permanent fire pit. It’s easy to assemble, sturdy, and looks great. However, you might prefer some of these other wood-burning fire pits instead (they have stands, etc).
Pros
- Smooth design
- Can be used alone or to construct a pit
- High-temperature paint that resists rust
Cons
- Rusted in a few spots
- Paint peeled
7. Stanbroil Propane Gas Fire Pit Burner Ring
- Size: 12″
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Fuel type: Liquefied petroleum gas
- Material: Steel
- Assembly required? Yes
The Stanbroil burning ring installation kit allows you to turn your fire ring into a gas-fueled fire pit. A burner like this is a good choice if you cannot or would prefer not to use wood as fuel.
This burner ring is the perfect option if you live in an area where you might not find firewood easily, or you would like to have control over how long and how hot your fire burns.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Great value
- Doesn’t need wood to burn
Cons
- Whistling sound from the flex line
- Insufficient gas pressure
Fire Ring Vs Fire Ring Insert
A fire ring and fire pit ring insert serve the same purpose – to contain a bonfire in a small area. The main difference lies in their ability to act as a good liner for a fire pit.
Fire ring inserts are meant to act as liners for stone fire pits. These inserts act as a barrier that helps to maintain the integrity of the stonework. Because they separate the stone from the flame, inserts include solid steel, such as the Sunnydaze Square Insert.
Another aspect of fire ring inserts that is not present in regular fire rings is that they can be dual-purpose. For example, two of the inserts listed above, the CountyLine and the Pleasant Hearth Infinity, can both be used as raised flower beds, too.
A fire ring can stand independently but won’t necessarily act as an appropriate liner for a fire pit.
For example, the Pleasant Hearth Wilderness and the Classic fire rings with decorative cutouts have a great aesthetic. Still, they are not as practical as an insert for a pit because the mesh on these rings does not provide a sufficient barrier between flame and stone.
Fire Ring FAQs
If you’re still unsure whether a fire ring is right for you, here are a few common questions about fire rings to give you a bit more information. Read our fire pit guide for more info.
What Is the Purpose of a Fire Ring?
A fire ring is a piece of metal, typically round or square, intended to contain a small bonfire.
Most fire rings are for wood-burning fire pits, and you can use them as an insert for stone fire pits. When used as a liner for a stone fire pit, the ring helps maintain the pit’s structure.
Can you cook over a fire pit ring?
Yes, you can set up your own grill or buy a fire pit grill that can be added to most existing setups.
Do You Need a Fire Ring for an Outdoor Fire Pit?
If you are planning to build a stone fire pit that you intend to leave standing, experts highly recommend installing a fire ring as a liner. It will hold the pit together, prevent damage to the stones and mortar, and help fires burn safely.
Do Firepits Need a Metal Ring?
Although you don’t need a fire ring in your fire pit, experts recommend you use one to maintain the integrity of your fire pit. More modern fire pit ideas here.
What Can I Use As a Fire Pit Ring?
A store-bought ring is your best option for an insert for your fire pit. However, you should avoid using anything that isn’t explicitly designed for high-heat environments.
Why Are Fire Rings So Expensive?
Steel fire rings come in a variety of sizes, which can affect the price.
For example, a large fire pit ring, such as the 72″ galvanized fire ring, will be significantly higher in price than a 30″ ring. A large one, such as a 60 inch galvanized fire ring, will likely cost more, as well, but there are plenty of budget-friendly fire rings for sale.
They are a lot cheaper than other fire pit options – fire pit tables, for example, tend to cost even more.
Why Are Most Fire Rings Made of Steel?
Steel is non-combustible, does not release toxins when burned, and manufacturers can easily weld it into different shapes. Check out the Blue Rooster Chimineas to see some more variations.
Best Fire Pit Ring
The winner of this roundup is the heavy-duty CountyLine Fire Pit Ring. Not only is this fire ring versatile in that you can use it as a fire ring or planter, but it is also an attractive option that can go well in any yard.
The runner-up here would be the Pleasant Hearth Classic Fire Ring. This fire ring mixes an attractive design with functionality. The arts-and-crafts style will match most designs, and it’s also portable, which means it will work well for any size yard.
