Backyard Fire Pits

HSM staff

There is something familiar and comforting about gathering around a crackling fire to roast weenies and marshmallows. Perhaps it conjures up fond memories of sleep away camp or a family outing. Whatever the reason, you can build a fire pit in you own backyard and relive them all year long.

There are many different ways to build a fire pit, but some things are universal. Before constructing any fire pit, check with your local fire department for specific codes and regulations regarding outdoor fires. Some areas may have a complete ban on outdoor fires while others may have limits on size or require that specific materials and construction methods be followed. You will save yourself time and money by doing your homework.

When selecting the location for your fire pit, keep safety and adequate spacing in mind. Choose an area that is located a safe distance from your home or other combustible materials (plants, trees, fences, etc). Remember to factor in the wind; you don't want smoke blowing into your neighbor's yard nor do you want embers to spark a fire. The spot should also have enough room for the pit itself as well as room for walking and sitting around it- generally, an area about 7 feet in diameter.

The following instructions are provided to give general guidelines for constructing a fire pit. The results will be a fire pit that is approximately 20 inches high (five courses of stone) with an interior of 32 inches (to accomodate a fire ring if you choose to use one). Your particular use of materials may result in a fire pit that is larger/smaller or taller/shorter. Additionally, the stone is dry-stacked which will allow you to easily deconstruct the fire pit if you choose. Always seek help or advice if you are unsure of the materials you have selected or the methods you are using.

Build a Fire Pit Using Landscaping Stones

Tools and Materials

Shovel
Level
Tamper
Wedge shaped landscaping stones (these create a circle when placed next to one another), 12 inches in length and 2 inches thick- approximately 70.
Gravel
Decorative pebble (optional)
Sand
Stake and string

Once you have selected the location for your fire pit, drive a stake into the ground and attach a sting 3 1/2 feet in length. Pull the sting taught and mark the outline for your fire pit. The result will be a circle with a 7 foot diameter.
Use a shovel to clear the outlined area.
Measure 32" from the post, mark it, and dig 6 inches deep.
Tamp the area well. Add 3 inches of gravel, tamp, add 3 inches of sand, and tamp.
Lay your first course of blocks around the 32" circle. Use a level to make sure it's level in all directions.
Continue laying two more courses of stone overlapping the seams and leaving occasional gaps between every fourth stone to allow for air circulation. Remember to check that your stacks are perpendicular to the ground, too.
Add an additional 2" of gravel into the pit.
Lay your last two courses of stone.
Cover the remaining area outside of the pit itself with 2 inches of gravel or decorative pebble. This will add stability to the fire pit's base and provide a fire resistant buffer.

Note: Do not use rock or stone that is wet or that has been submerged in water. The water inside the rock will expand as it is heated by the fire, sometimes causing the rock to explode.

Resources
Don't have the time or patience to build your own fire pit? There are kits, preassembled firebowls, and many other alternatives available. The following retailers have a large selection of fire pits, fire bowls, outdoor fireplaces, chimneas, and accessories available on their easy to shop websites.

Firepits.com

Firepits Inc.

NorthlineExpress.com

Woodlanddirect

Yardiac

How to Build a Fire

To build a fire you will need tinder (dry leaves, dry grass, paper, or homemade fire starters*), kindling (small pieces of dry wood), logs of varying sizes, and a match or lighter.

Place a fair amount of tinder at the bottom of the pile in your fire pit and cover it with a small amount of tinder. This works best if you arrange the kindling to form a teepee over the tinder. Don’t make it so high that the sparks won’t reach the kindling, however.
Use a lighter or match to light the tinder. You may need to blow on the tinder so that it starts more effectively. Keep watch and add more tinder as needed until the kindling is lit and burning well.
Add more kindling and small log or two, continuing the teepee shape.
Keep adding logs of greater size to build the fire to the desired size. Use a large stick or poker to spread the coals often and move the logs as they burn to ensure good air circulation.

Do Not:
Use lighter fluid to start a fire.
Burn treated wood.
Add plastics or other synthetic materials to the fire.
Use wet wood unless you want a lot of smoke.

Make Homemade Firestarters

If you were ever in scouts, you can probably remember making these. You probably have the supplies on hand and they actually work quite well.

Take a length of waxed paper, fill with dryer lint (cotton works best), roll up, and twist the ends to seal- done.

Safety

Whenever you build a fire always have buckets of water, a hose, or fire extiguisher close by in case the fire gets out of hand or ignites something nearby.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Completely extinguish your fire before retiring for the night.