Building an Outdoor Fire Pit

Overview: Sitting in your backyard on a late summer night or during the cool evenings of autumn around an outdoor fire pit is a great way to relax in the company of friends.

Although many different designs and styles of fire pits can be purchased, the best are the is one that you build yourself as a permanent structure in your backyard. Building an outdoor fire pit is an easy DIY task for most homeowners. As far a design goes, you make your own design that fits your backyard.

An ideal backyard fire pit is a wood burning fire pit that is built out of stone or brick. Stone is probably a better choice because the brick will break down from the high heat generated by the fire. Temporary fire pits can be built out of cinderblocks or large stones such as fire pits used for camping or on the beach.

For a temporary fire pit all you have to do is dig a small hole in the ground, place some stones or bricks around it and then build a fire. For a permanent fire pit in your backyard you want something that is a little fancier so you can enjoy it for years. Before beginning check with your local fire department to ensure that you can actually burn wood in a backyard fire pit. Many communities have restrictions on fire pit burning. If you are restricted from burning wood consider a gas fire pit.

For a stone fire pit I recommend using a granite design as it is attractive and will not easily break down from the heat. Granite stone can be purchased from most home supply stores or garden centers. Plan the size of your fire pit carefully. Leave enough room around it for people to place lawn chairs. If you plan to use your fire pit for cooking, make sure you can find a circular grill grate that is large enough to span the inner diameter and will sit securely on the top. The location should be at least 20 feet away from any other structure, trees or power lines.

Building a fire pit:

Your fire pit should be approximately four feet in diameter and two feet above ground level.
Draw a circle on the ground approximately four feet in diameter.
Dig a shallow hole approximately two feet deep.
Fill the hole half full on pee stone and pack it down firmly. You can purchase a ton of stone for less than $25.
Arrange the first course of stone around the interior of the circle leaving a half inch between the stones for water drainage.
Stagger each course half the distance of the length of the stone. Use mortar cement to cement the additional courses (rows) of stone on top of the first course, stagger each course half the length of the stone. Leave a half inch space between the stone of the first course above ground level for an air supply for the fire.
For the final course place the stone in the opposite direction of the circular courses for a finished top course.

Field stone from an old stone wall are an excellent choice for building a fire pit. The problem with using field stone is the irregular shapes, most of which do not have a flat surface. If you have an ample supply you can pick and choose stone that will work.

Building an outdoor fire pit makes a great addition to your backyard and family enjoyment. Always practice sound and safe practice when using your fire pit.

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