An outdoor firepit is a wonderful addition to any backyard. Sitting around a crackling fire under the stars is a relaxing way to spend an evening with family and friends. Building your own firepit allows you to customize the design to perfectly suit your space and needs. With some basic masonry skills and landscape materials, you can create a beautiful and functional firepit in just a weekend.
Choosing a Location
When deciding where to put your firepit, there are several factors to consider:
Safety
The firepit needs to be located a safe distance from your home, trees, fences or other structures. Check your local building codes, but a minimum of 10 feet clearance is recommended. Avoid placing it under low-hanging tree branches.
Convenience
Consider proximity to the house for easy access, as well as views from patio seating areas. Ensure there is a clear path for bringing firewood and supplies.
Wind Direction
Choose a spot protected from prevailing winds that may blow smoke towards your house. Monitor wind direction in your yard.
Yard Space
Pick a location with enough room for the firepit itself, seating around it, and clearances. An area about 12-15 feet across is ideal. Ensure it doesn’t obstruct frequently used paths.
Local Regulations
Many municipalities prohibit open fires unless contained in an approved firepit structure, so check local ordinances before building.
Once you’ve selected the perfect site, it’s time to choose your firepit design.
Selecting a Firepit Shape and Size
Firepits come in many shapes and sizes to complement different yard designs. Consider who will be using it and how much space is needed.
Round
A classic circular pit is versatile and efficient. Good for larger groups. Diameters typically range from 3-6 feet.
Square
The right angle edges of a square pit allow for modular patio block construction. They take up less overall space than round.
Rectangle
An elongated rectangular shape can accommodate multiple seating areas on the long sides. Size from 4×6 feet up to 4×10 feet.
Custom Shapes
For a unique look, craft freeform kidney bean or pie shapes. Just ensure inner dimensions are at least 3 feet across to contain the fire.
In terms of depth, 10-20 inches is sufficient for safety and airflow. You can always add more fuel for a bigger fire without needing a pit that’s overly deep.
Choosing Materials
Firepits can be constructed from many types of non-combustible materials. Consider style, budget and skill level when selecting materials.
Manufactured Fire Pit Kits
For easy installation, purchase a pre-fabricated steel or copper fire bowl or ring kit. Just set in place and build seating around it. Costs range from $100-500.
Brick
Red clay bricks stacked and mortared together create a classic, durable firepit. Herringbone patterns look great. Expect to pay $300-600 in materials.
Concrete Block
Standard cement cinder blocks are an affordable option. Stack creatively for unique shapes. About $100-300 in block costs.
Natural Stone
For a rustic aesthetic, use locally sourced boulders or flagstone. Irregular shapes fit together like a puzzle. Prices vary widely based on type of stone.
Retaining Wall Blocks
The thick, interlocking blocks meant for garden beds and terraces make sturdy firepit surrounds. $300-800 typically.
Poured Concrete
Creating a custom pit with reinforced poured concrete requires advanced skill but allows for any shape. $500+ for materials and labor.
Metal Insert
For a quick and portable setup, install a heavy steel bowl or ring into the center of an existing patio space. Around $200.
Once you have the fire bowl or surrounding structure constructed, you can add the rest of the features.
Designing Seating and Accents
Comfortable seating and decorative details will make your pit an inviting backyard oasis.
Benches
Masonry units like patio blocks, bricks or retaining wall stones are an easy way to build sturdy benches around part of the circle. Leave gaps for pathways.
Chairs
Place portable camping chairs, Adirondacks or outdoor furniture around the pit for casual seating. Just be sure they are far enough from the flames.
Logs or Stumps
For rustic seating, position cut logs or tree stumps around the edges. You can anchor them by digging them partially into the ground.
Built-In Masonry Seat
For a more polished look, construct an integrated masonry seat around all or part of the firepit. Make at least 18 inches wide for comfort.
Stone or Brick Pavers
Use pavers, bricks or flagstone as a floor around the pit, extending from an existing paved area if available. Leave at least 12 inches bare ground exposed next to the fire ring.
Gravel
Gravel, pea stone or crushed rock offer a nice natural surface for standing around the fire. Leave the interior only earthen or use sand.
Fireplace Tools
Keep shovels, pokers and other fireplace tools in a nearby holder for convenient stoking and cleanup.
Decorative Stones
Adorn the space with rocks, pebbles or boulders as accents. Stack them around the pit or use to edge a gravel area.
Once your pit design is assembled, it’s time for the final safety touches.
Adding Safety Elements
Proper ventilation and fire control will keep your firepit safe and legal.
Fire Screen
A mesh screen covers the pit opening to contain sparks and embers when not in use. Look for heavy duty steel screens.
Lid or Cover
A snug fitting metal lid can extinguish the fire by cutting off oxygen supply. Also prevents ash from blowing away.
Sand or Gravel Base
Fill the pit bottom with sand or gravel. This allows for drainage and air flow through the fuel.
Fire Extinguisher
Have at least one ABC fire extinguisher on hand nearby whenever the firepit is in use. Teach everyone present how to use it.
Buckets of Water
Keep buckets full of water close by to douse the flames if the fire grows too big. Shovel dirt onto runaway flames.
Fire Poker and Shovel
Use these tools to stoke and spread the blaze as needed while it’s burning. Always have them at hand.
Emergency Numbers
Post your local fire department and emergency contact numbers visibly by the firepit for quick reference if help is needed.
With proper clearance, ventilation and fire safety tools, your new firepit will provide years of warmth and memories. Just follow safe fire building techniques.
Starting and Maintaining a Fire
Follow these tips for starting and tending a firepit safely every time.
Clear Surroundings
Confirm at least 10 feet clearance in all directions around the pit before lighting. Have a water source available.
Good Air Flow
Avoid lighting a fire in extremely windy conditions. Moderate breeze helps oxygenate the flames.
Quality Fuel
Use only seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple for long burning fires. Softer woods create more smoke and debris. Never burn pressure-treated lumber which contains toxic arsenic.
Teepee Arrangement
Stack 2-3 logs in a teepee shape over some balled up paper or kindling before lighting. Allow airflow between logs.
Top-Down Fire
Once lit, gradually add larger logs on top to maintain a compact fire. Push partially burned pieces into the center.
Flame Control
Manage the blaze by spreading or containing as needed. Move coals closer together to concentrate heat.
Sparks and Embers
Do not leave until flames and glowing embers are completely extinguished. Dunk logs in water if needed.
Ash Removal
Let ash fully cool, then clear out periodically with a shovel. Prevent buildup of hot ash inside the pit.
After Each Use
Inspect for safety. Confirm fire is out cold. Clean tools and replace covers. Refill water buckets.
With safety and maintenance in mind, you’re ready to enjoy backyard firepit gatherings for years to come.
Ideas for Enjoying Your Firepit
A firepit becomes the hub and heart of outdoor living spaces. Make the most of yours with these fun ideas.
Evening Ambiance
Flickering firelight sets a beautiful, relaxing mood for evening conversations, star gazing or reading.
Cookouts
Use grills or skewers over the fire to cook hotdogs, steaks, vegetables and more.
S’mores
Roasted marshmallows and gooey s’mores are classic campfire treats kids and adults enjoy.
Seasonal Warmth
Stay toasty while tailgating for sports in fall and winter or during brisk spring evenings.
Pizza Oven
With the right attachments, transform your pit into a wood-fired pizza oven.
Fire Side Hangs
Toss bean bag games, play guitar, do shadow puppets or just rock in a hammock near the fire.
Solo Retreats
Spend some alone time with your thoughts fireside after a stressful day.
Romantic Evenings
Cuddle up with your sweetheart by the fire and enjoy each other’s company.
Storytelling
Folktales, scary stories and family lore are more vivid told fireside.
The possibilities are endless. Just avoid burning treated lumber or leaves which release toxins. Also skip paper trash like magazines which can float away. Follow safety rules and get creative with your firepit fun.
FAQs About Building Firepits
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about constructing and using firepits:
How deep should a firepit be?
Aim for around 10-20 inches deep. This allows enough room for ash collection and airflow without being a hazard if someone were to step or fall in.
What is the best wood to burn in a firepit?
Seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple and birch give long-lasting, hot fires with minimal smoke and sparks. Avoid soft, sappy woods like pine which pop more.
Can you put a firepit on grass or dirt?
No, the heat will damage and kill grass underneath. Install your firepit on a non-combustible base like concrete, stone, gravel or sand.
How far should seating be from the fire?
Chairs and benches should be at least 6 feet away on all sides to prevent catching sparks. Leave a walking path gap opposite the main seating area.
How do I put out a firepit safely?
Allow the wood to fully burn down to embers, then douse thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again until cold.
Can firepits be on wooden decks?
Usually not – fire codes prohibit this. However, some manufacturers make steel fire bowls designed specifically to be safe on wood, composite and plastic decks. Always check your local ordinances.
What tools do I need for a firepit?
Have fireplace gloves, a shovel, metal poker, water bucket and fire extinguisher nearby whenever burning a fire, to manage it safely.
How do I prevent smoke from blowing toward my house?
Take wind direction into consideration when placing your pit. Install upwind from seating areas. Also let fires burn hot and use dry, seasoned wood.
Conclusion
Installing your own backyard firepit creates a lovely focal point for outdoor leisure and entertainment. With some planning, reasonable materials investment and basic masonry skills, you can build a beautiful and relaxing firepit customized to your space. Just be sure to follow fire safety protocol and legal requirements. Then enjoy cozying up to the crackling flames. Let your firepit become a source of lasting memories with family and friends.