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A good rule of thumb is to make an above-ground fire pit 12-14 inches tall. This is a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height. If you want to be able to sit on the edge of the pit itself go a bit higher, 18-20 inches will be comfortable.
How deep should a fire pit be?
For in-ground fire pits, it’s generally recommended that you dig down 6 to 12 inches. Make sure the ground is as level as possible before adding in your layer of lava rocks or fire pit glass. If you decide to dig a deeper fire pit, make sure you have some kind of ventilation so your fire gets enough air to burn.
What is the average size of an outdoor fire pit?
The average fire pit is 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. The dimensions of a small fire pit are 3 feet by 3 feet, while a larger group-friendly fire pit can be 6 feet wide. These figures include the wall thickness, so do not believe that the total width of the fire pit is also 6 feet wide.
How big should fire pit patio be?
A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides. Seat walls are a great way to both visually define the space and allow for lots of seating.
How far does a fire pit need to be from a house?
How far does a fire pit need to be away from the house? At least 10 feet (or 3 meters) away from any structure is recommended. The distance varies depending on your county or municipality, so be sure to check out the specifics where you live.
Does a fire pit need drainage?
In-ground and metal fire pits need a drainage hole for water to drain out. If you have an open and in-ground fire pit in your backyard, you must have drainage for your fire pit. Otherwise, water will pool inside your fire pit causing it to rust. It can severely damage your fire pit burner making it difficult to light.
How much area do you need around a fire pit?
When you are planning your outdoor living space, you will want to carefully plan your fire pit to make sure there is enough room around it for everyone to be comfortable. A good guideline is to have about 7 feet of space around the fire pit.
How high should a fire pit bench be?
If you plan to use the fire pit wall as seating, aim for a height of 15 to 20 inches (18 inches is just about ideal). The width of the fire pit wall should be a minimum of eight inches for seating, but 12 to 18 inches is better.
Are pavers safe for fire pit?
These bricks are typically fired to 1800ºF and easily withstand the heat of flames. Landscaping brick that’s been kiln-fired is safe to use. Brick paver stones should also be safe to use. A three-foot-wide diameter works well for a temporary brick fire pit.
How do you build a seating area around a fire pit?
Step 1. Call 811 Before You Dig Call 811 Before You Dig. Determine Your Fire Pit Location. Plan Your First Row of Fire Pit Bricks. Mark Your Fire Pit Seating Area and Path. Measure the Seating Area. Dig Out the Fire Pit and Seating Area. Add Paver Sand, Tamper and Check the Level. Glue the Bricks for the Fire Pit.
How far should a fire pit be from a tree?
Fire Pit Clearance Before striking the match, never place a pit closer than 10 feet from anything flammable, including your house and overhead tree branches.
What should a fire pit sit on?
Concrete pavers or patio slabs are a good idea for setting your fire pit on. Concrete won’t catch fire, plus they are heavy and sturdy enough to provide stability. Make sure the fire pit isn’t wobbly – check the level and dig them in if necessary. Fire-resistant pit mats are a great solution out on grass.
Can you put a fire pit on grass?
Fire pits can be placed directly on top of grass. However, without proper precaution, there can be major damage to the grass. It is recommended to place a mat or other material underneath to avoid damage.
How do I keep water out of my fire pit?
You can protect your fire pit from rain by covering it with a tarp. You can use a special tarp designed for fire pits, or you can use one designed for grills. Either way, a heavy-duty tarp made of a strong synthetic material should protect your fire pit from the elements.
What should be at the bottom of a fire pit?
What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You’ll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.
