How To Choose The Right Materials For Your DIY Fire Pit
Select materials that are resistant to heat and fire. Fire bricks are essential for the interior of your fire pit. They are made to withstand direct heat and are fire resistant. The outside of the ring does not need to be resistant to fire, but must be resistant to heat. You can use regular retaining wall block. Avoid using pea gravel, river rocks or other materials that can ignite under high temperatures.
Fuel Sources
- Wood has been used in fire pits for centuries. The wood produces a lot of heat and creates an attractive crackling sound, similar to a campfire.
- Fire Logs can be a great option for those who want the wood-fired experience but prefer a less smokey option.
- Charcoal burns slower and lasts longer than firewood. Charcoal can also produce more heat. This is useful if you want to use your outdoor firepit for entertaining during the colder months.
- Gel fuel canisters are made of an alcohol gel which ignites quickly, produces no smoke and has no smell. This type of fuel is usually only good for a couple hours. It’s a great option if your firepit will only be used for sporadic sessions.
Custom Fire Pits: What To Consider?
You can build your fire pit on a patio or cement. Whether you’re looking for Custom Fire Pits in Australia or building one yourself, the rectangular blocks allow you to easily adjust the size of your fire pit to suit your design. You can change the appearance of your fire pit by using blocks in a different design.
What Is The Ideal Size For A Fire Pit?
A fire pit with an interior diameter between 3 and 4-1/2 feet is large enough to accommodate a strong fire, but small enough for everyone to be able talk. This size is ideal for two to four persons. You can increase the size of your fire pit if you are planning to host larger groups. Check local ordinances, homeowners associations guidelines and other restrictions on the size of fire pits. Keep the fire pit at least 10 feet away from trees and structures.
How Deep Should A Fire Pit Be?
If you choose a fire pit with a depth of 1 foot, everyone can see the fire as well as each other. Local ordinances can also dictate fire pit depth. Be sure to check your local fire pit guidelines.
Select A Location
Choose a location that is away from low-hanging branches, your home, or anything else which could catch on fire. If your lawn is too small, you can place the firepit at least 10 feet from trees and buildings.
The fire pit should be surrounded by enough space for you to place outdoor furniture. Keep the furniture’s back legs at least 6 to 7 feet from the fire pit.
You may choose to place your fire pit close to your woodpile for convenience. Plan your fire pit to be within easy reach of your water hose, and have a fire extinguisher near it.
How To Build A DIY Fire Pit
- You’ll want to line the firepit’s bottom to protect it from the polymeric sand that’s in the joints of paver patios.
- Fire-rated bricks can be cut to fit inside the pit.
- Use a circular saber fitted with a concrete blade, or a rock chisel along with a hammer to cut the bricks.
Choose the location and DIY fire pit shape
Start your project by following these general guidelines.
Instructions
Step 1: Mark the fire pit site and prepare it.
Place the fire pit in the desired location.
Step 2: Build the Fire Pit Bastion.
Start by tracing the outline of the fire pit using blocks. The easiest way to create a layout is with full-size bricks.
Step 3: Layout the fire pit and test it for Square.
Adjust the layout if necessary.
Step 4: Remove the blocks.
Mark the outline of the fire pit with a shovel. Remove the blocks from the fire pit and place them aside.
How To Install The Paver Base
You’ll need to install a paver foundation if you want to build a fire pit. This will create a solid foundation for your blocks. Installing a base is not necessary for a concrete or stone patio. However, it will protect your patio’s surface.
What can you put at the bottom of your fire pit?
Gravel pavers are used to create a solid, safe foundation for fire pits. Sand, lava stone, dirt, concrete slabs, and fire glass are also common materials for the bottoms of fire pits. Lining the bottom of the pit will create a stable, level surface, protect it from dampness and cold, and prevent fire from escaping.
Step 1: Remove Sod.
Remove the dirt and sod using a sod lifter.
Step 2: Tamp down the soil.
Keep the area as flat as possible by tamping down the soil. If necessary, add or remove soil and tamp again.
Step 3: Add Gravel.
Spread the gravel evenly using a garden rake. Add approximately 2 inches.
Step 4: Tamp down the Paver Base.
Then wet the base of the paver and tamp down. Add another 1/2 inch and tamp it again.
Step 5: Check for the Paver Base.
Check that the base of the paver is level. If necessary, adjust the paver base.
How To Set Stones
Start placing the blocks after you have placed the base.
Step 1: Layout the first row.
Place the first row on top of your paver base. Make sure that the stones are in contact. As you work, ensure that the row is square and level.
Step 2: Layout the second row.
Lay the second row of blocks, staggering the joints with the first row.
Step 3: Mark blocks.
As you work, you’ll probably need to cut some blocks to fit. To cut a block, hold it in place and mark around it.
Step 4: Cut blocks.
Cut the block using a circular saw with a concrete blade. If your saw blade won’t cut all the way through, use a hammer and chisel to split the block.
Step 5: Apply construction adhesive.
When the second row of blocks is in place, level and square, remove two blocks at a time, apply construction adhesive and then reposition the blocks.
Step 6: Layout the third row.
Set the third row of blocks, using the same technique used for the second row checking for staggered joints and locking the blocks in place with construction adhesive. Allow the adhesive to cure.
Installing Fire Bricks
Once the blocks are in place, it is time to start constructing the interior of your fire pit.
Step 1: Line inside.
Clay fire bricks can be used to line the interior of the fire pit. Add more paver base or gravel to the bottom of your fire pit in order to align the bricks.
Step 2: Add lava rocks.
Add a few inches lava rock to keep the bricks in position.
Step 3: Enjoy your fire pit.
Add logs, kindling and you are ready to enjoy a relaxing evening in front of the fire.
DIY Fire Pit Ideas
Consider how often you will use the fire pit. This will help you choose the best design and layout. Consider an in-ground paver fire pit if you host many outdoor parties and have lots of guests.
A modern firepit made of retaining wall block or a fire pit kit that saves time may be the best option if your fire pit is primarily for you and your family.