DIY: How to Build Your Own Backyard Fire Pit – As someone who likes to have some outdoor moments in his or her backyard, you can consider having a backyard fire pit in your backyard.
As you read the first paragraph and feel convinced, you might consider hiring someone to do it for you. Well, what if I told you that you can actually build your own backyard fire pit in a few steps?
To know how to build your own unique fire pit, continue reading this article as all the juicy details will be shared here. Don’t also forget to share your experiences with us when you successfully build your own backyard fire pit.
Table of Contents
Can you use normal bricks for a fire pit?
You can definitely use normal bricks to build a fire pit, I gathered through my research that using regular bricks for a fire pit is not recommended. The reason why it is not recommended is due to their inability to withstand high temperatures.
This might lead to potential cracking and it can cause deterioration over time. Additionally, it was also noted that regular bricks can absorb moisture, and when heated, the trapped water can turn to steam. This causes the bricks to explode due to pressure buildup.
With this in mind, fire bricks are specifically designed for high-heat environments, and this makes them suitable to build fire pits. They are made from special clay that can endure extreme temperatures without cracking and have a porous structure that allows moisture to escape, reducing the risk of explosions.
What should I put in the bottom of my fire pit?
There are several materials that people tend to put at the bottom of their fire pits. In order to create a safe and sturdy foundation for a fire pit, a gravel paver base is commonly used.
This is because gravel is widely known to provide excellent drainage and stability. Sand is another popular choice, and it offers a level and heat-resistant surface.
Some people also prefer lava stones and they prefer lava stone due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and enhance aesthetic appeal.
In order to make things quite simple and cost-effective, you can use dirt as a natural base.
How many bricks are required for a fire pit?
One thing you have to know is that the number of bricks that are needed to build a fire pit varies and this is due to the fact that it is dependent on the size of the pit that you want to build.
For a simple backyard fire pit, you’ll need about 50–100 bricks. Additionally, one thing that you must know is that, when building a square fire pit, using rectangular bricks is highly recommended.
However, if you prefer a circular fire pit, using trapezoidal bricks is recommended. These bricks fit together more neatly and additionally create a stylish appearance with fewer gaps. As earlier indicated, the exact number will vary based on the dimensions of your fire pit as well as the size of the bricks you choose.
How deep should a homemade fire pit be?
When making a homemade fire pit, you must consider the depth at which you must go. When gathering information for this article, I discovered that in-ground fire pits are a permanent addition that can add rustic charm to any outdoor space.
When designing these fire pits, depth and diameter are crucial factors. For depth, it should be in the range of six (6) to twelve (12) inches. The reason behind this is that such depth ensures the fire pit is deep enough to contain the fire safely while allowing for proper airflow. You must also know that the chosen depth contributes to both the functionality and safety of the fire pit.
How to Build Your Own Backyard Fire Pit
It’s now time to ‘dirty’ our hands as we are about to build our own backyard fire pit. First things first, and to build a backyard fire pit, some materials that you will need include a shovel, level, retaining wall blocks, a metal fire pit ring, 7-inch square concrete pavers or fire bricks, pea gravel, and a bag of all-purpose sand.
You can start the building process by selecting a location at least 15 feet from any structure and near a water source. You must also ensure that the ground is level for easier construction and comfort.
The next thing that you must do is to determine the size by placing the metal fire ring and retaining wall blocks on the ground, then mark the circle’s edge with a shovel.
Proceed to dig a hole at least 7 inches deep within the marked area and line it with a 1-inch layer of all-purpose sand.
You are then required to use a level to ensure evenness. Position the bottom row of blocks inside the hole. After doing this, place the outer edge of each block on the sand’s edge, and place the metal ring on the sand inside this base row.
Expertly lay the concrete pavers or fire bricks in the bottom of the pit, and you must make sure that it covers as much area as possible.
Then fill the gaps between the blocks and pavers with pea gravel. The final step is to stack the remaining rows of blocks to your desired height.
Source: www.ghgossip.com
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