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Instructions OUTLINE YOUR FIRE PIT. Lay out the bottom ring of your stones in the grass where you want the fire pit to be. DIG YOUR FIRE PIT. Use a shovel, mattock, or whatever other digging tool you need to dig out your circle 6” deep. FILL YOUR FIRE PIT. BUILD YOUR FIRE PIT.
How do you build a backyard fire pit?
What do you put 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.
Is it OK to have a fire pit in my backyard?
The answer is generally yes. However, some municipalities may define open burning differently due to the fact that while fire pits expel smoke directly into the air, many are off the ground and less likely to come in contact with combustible materials that could start a larger fire.
Where should I put a fire pit in my backyard?
Fire pits should be placed on a level surface, no less than ten feet away from any structure, 20-25 feet or more is best, in a wide-open space, away from trees with low hanging limbs, woodpiles, bushes, and other materials that could ignite if contact with a flame is made.
Can I just dig a hole for a fire pit?
Answer: Fire-pit depth really depends on what you want and how into your project you’re going to get. For instance, if you just want a basic fire pit, dig about 6 to 8 inches down and call it good. You can go deeper if you want, but keep in mind that you don’t want the hole so deep you can’t enjoy watching the fire.
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.
Should you put rocks in the bottom of a fire pit?
Place a thin layer of sand on the bottom of the fire pit and add the recommended 2-6 inches of filler on top of it. Sandstone, river rocks, natural rocks, and gravel are not ideal fill for fire pits because they are more likely to crack or explode under high heat.
Do you put sand in a fire pit?
Some metal fire pits recommend you to use an inch or 2 thick layer of sand at the bottom of the pit. Sand is also great for protecting the actual metal bowl from the intense heat the fire can put out. At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting sand in the base of a metal pit.
What do you do with ashes from fire pit?
Here are 8 ways you can use fireplace ashes around your home and garden. Amending Soil and Boosting Your Lawn. Add Ash to Your Home Compost. Wood Ashes for Cleaning. Make Soap at Home. Keep Harmful Bugs Away. Add Traction to Slippery Walkways. Soak Up Driveway Spills. Fire Control.
How far should a fire pit be from your 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.
Can you burn tree branches in a fire pit?
Be sure that your fire is placed away from long grasses, tree branches, or any other material that might easily catch fire if a stray spark were to land on it. You shouldn’t have any logs or pieces of wood hanging over the sides of any fire pit.
How close can a fire pit be to a fence?
A fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from your wood fence and any overhanging trees, porch, or structure. Sparks and burning ash can travel 13 feet or more. If you have a vinyl fence, move the fire pit an extra 2 to 5 feet away for safety because vinyl melts at a lower temperature than fires burn.
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.
Do you need a fire pit insert?
Using a fire pit insert is optional and whether or not you need one is dependent what materials you are making your fire pit out of, how and the look you are going for. If using other materials, a fire pit insert will protect your fire pit from heat damage, extend the life of the fire pit, and make for a safer pit.
How tall should a fire pit be?
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.
