Build A Fire Pit In Your Backyard

Constructing a Permanent Fire Pit

in Your Backyard

When constructing a permanent fire pit, it is always a good idea to take the time to plan your fire pit.  Consider the following: the layout of your backyard, proximity to neighbors, style of the fire pit, size of the fire pit, storage of the combustible material you will be using, and the cost of the materials.

You should also check in regard to any local ordinances or regulations on open fires and most importantly, always, keep in mind the safety issues that exist with a fire pit.

After deciding on the location of the fire pit you will need to compile a list of materials needed and have them on hand when you begin the construction:

·         Round-mouth shovel

·         Pick

·         Yard Rake

·         Carpenter’s Level

·         Tarp

·         Hammer

·         Spray Paint

·         Crushed Rock

·         Sand

·         Stones/ Fire Resistant Brick/Flat Rock

·         Firebrick

·         Wheelbarrow

All of the above items can be purchased from most hardware stores.

Determine the diameter of the fire pit; no more than 36″. Dig a circular hole about 30″ deep with gradually sloping edges to a flat spot about 12″ in diameter in the middle of the hole. Cover the bottom of the fire pit with crushed rock as this will facilitate drainage and prevent water from accumulating. Now place the firebrick along the slopes of the hole. Firebrick is designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and holds the heat to enable longer cooking times, if desired.

Dig any sod or grass away from the top of the circle by 12″ and spread crushed rock on the exposed soil. Position the concrete blocks on the crushed rock around the circle. Depending on preferences, there may be two or three levels of these concrete blocks around the fire pit. The circle of bricks should be continuous with no breaks. Place a layer of firebrick on the inside of the concrete bricks. This will prevent the concrete blocks from deteriorating from the heat of the fire. Stones can be used as an alternative in place of concrete blocks to line the top of the fire pit. Stones tend to give a more traditional look and can be a less expensive substitute.

Ensure that there are no easily combustible materials in approximately a twelve foot radius around the fire pit. Ideally a buffer of green grass, sand, patio blocks, flat rocks or crushed rock to enhance the look of the fire pit and diminish the possibility of fire from flying embers. Always employ the three P’s (planning - precedes - performance) when placing or constructing a fire pit in the backyard of your home.

Now that you have completed construction of the pit and preparing for a fire, crumpled up paper should be placed in the center of the pit. Next, place dried kindling (small, dried sticks) on top of the paper. Make sure there is enough kindling to burn long enough to light the bigger sticks of wood and keep a flame lit so the kindling is burning on its own. Now larger pieces of wood can be added. You can burn either Hardwood or softwood in the fire pit, but hardwood burns longer and creates a nice bed of coals to cook with.

Chairs, big rocks with flat surfaces, outdoor benches or pieces of stump from a tree are good for seating options around the fire pit. Standing around a crackling fire pit is also a very popular way to enjoy the experience.

It is important to prep the fire pit for winter when it is not being used. Place a few pieces of dried hardwood should in the fire pit to absorb moisture. Cover the fire pit with a tarp to prevent the deterioration of the bricks and firebrick from the snow and ice freezing and then melting.