To create a unique atmosphere outdoors, you can build and construct a cozy fire pit in the garden yourself. Because ready-made fire pits are hard to come by, not to mention expensive, it makes sense to design and make your own. You can adjust the size, shape and appearance to suit your garden area. With such a cheap project and some creative ideas, you can easily improve your garden patio or courtyard. So start the summer season in style by enjoying convivial evenings with family and friends in front of the flickering flames.
Before you build a fire pit in the garden yourself
From theUpcycling old materialsto building a simple pit out of bricks and blocks, there are many clever ways to create a stylish and safely contained fire in your garden. In addition, wood fires with their smoky aroma and atmospheric crackling are definitely the thing for a pleasant evening outdoors. However, there are other options for heating outdoor areas. Both bioethanol and gas burners can be integrated into breathtaking environments. This means you can easily build a low-maintenance and easy-care fireplace yourself in the garden. Create comfortable seating nearby where you can lounge and enjoy the view. Find out how to store logs in the most stylish and accessible way. By implementing such a project, you can create an attractive and functional outdoor meeting place.
The secret to low cost is the basic building materials you can use to form a fire pit. These could include bricks, paving stones, concrete and retaining wall blocks. However, you can also make fire pits out of repurposed materials like planters, flower pots, steel containers, and even fireproof glass. Building materials for fireplaces or pressed logs canFuel for the firedeliver in most smaller fire pits. In the larger pits you can use real wood logs or charcoal. Be sure to check local air quality restrictions for burning wood outdoors. The materials used in this example, which you can easily find at your local hardware store, can be assembled in just a few hours. Get inspired and find helpful project tips in the following steps.
Required materials and tools
Check building codes and ordinances first to make sure fire pits are allowed and if any restrictions apply. Choose a relatively flat location that is at least 8 meters from flammable structures and at least 3 to 6 meters from trees or bushes. Before choosing the final location, consider the movement of the wind at different times of the day. You should avoid smoke coming into the apartment through windows or doors. It is also advisable to have a tap near the fireplace. The materials required for the exemplary construction are listed below:
- 9 × 27 × 18 cm concrete garden wall blocks (36 pieces)
- 18 × 9 × 5 cm concrete paving (26 pieces)
- 9 × 9 × 5 cm square concrete paving stones (6 pieces)
- Gravel depending on the size of the fire pit
- Volcanic rock for the border
- Adhesive
- Tool:Tape measure, stakes, string, marking paint, garden shovel, garden rake, earth tamper, spirit level, rubber mallet
This is how you can build a fire pit in your garden yourself
To build a simple and round version of your own DIY fire pit, you can follow the steps below. First define the size of the building. The recommended size is between 90 and 115 cm in diameter - in this case it is 115 cm. To define dimensions, drive a stake into the center of the area where the fire pit will sit. It's best to make a circle to make sure the blocks will fit in the excavated area. First, measure a string that is half the planned diameter. Then tie the string to the post and use marking paint, walking in circles around the post with the string stretched out to paint the perimeter. Do a test run by laying out a ring of blocks and pavers on your patio or driveway to determine the exact diameter you want the fire pit to be.
Step 1 – Prepare the garden area
Dig out approximately 8 cm of turf and soil. If the garden is sloped, you may need to dig deeper at one end to ensure your installation is level. Some DIY fire pit instructions tell you to dig deeper than 8cm, as you would for a path or for aTerrace in the gardenwould do. However, since this is a relatively small area and a non-load-bearing structure, the depth given here would be fine. A garden shovel with a sharp edge makes it easier to remove the sod. If you don't want to invest in a hand tamper, you can often rent one through local hardware stores. Also, if you don't have a long spirit level, you can use a longer wooden batten to span the width of your circle.
Step 2 – Compact the soil
First, manually compact the soil under the future fire pit with the earth tamper. Check the area with a level and adjust if necessary, adding or removing soil as necessary and tamping down again. Make sure the excavated area is level. As you do this, check several positions within the circle to ensure your final project is level at the top row of blocks. Hold the tamper a few inches above the surface, drop it straight down, and repeat.
Step 3 – Lay out the gravel
Next, pour a layer of gravel about 2 inches thick into the excavated area and level it with a garden rake. Wet the base and press the surface firmly. This is the time to double check how level your chosen area is. A rubber mallet is really your best friend at this point because it allows you to make adjustments smoothly.
Step 4 – Lay out the pavers
Place the first row of blocks and small stones tightly and alternately around the edge of the excavation pit. If slight adjustments are needed to align blocks and pavers, tap them with the rubber mallet. Leave four paving stones in the four cardinal directions only partially removed. They help hold the blocks in place and are easy to remove later.
Step 5 – Build your own fire pit in the garden and provide airflow
Once you've finished laying out the base, you can partially slide in every third block. These will ultimately be removed in this first course. Additionally, this method allows more airflow into the pit and reduces smoke. Also, make sure you use an all-weather formula adhesive. Then apply the second layer, staggering the joints with the first layer. You may need to move the second layer slightly to properly offset the blocks and pavers. After everything is properly attached, attach the two panels with the glue. Once you have attached the second layer, you can remove the four laying bricks from the base layer.
Step 6 – Lay the final layer and add lava rock
Place and attach the third and final row using the same technique as for row two, except alternating small and square pavers. The square paving stones are raised to accommodate an approx. 90 cm grill grate at the top. If you prefer a flush surface, use smaller pavers instead. First fix the layer again with the glue.
The grill grate also adds functionality to the fire pit. It also helps keep pets away when you are not using the fire pit. Furthermore, a grill grate can lie stably on the square paving stones and provide enough space to insert narrow logs of wood. The porous lava rock drains quickly and keeps the base of the fire pit dry between rains. Add about 5 cm of volcanic rock into the cavity. Allow the glue to dry for about two days before enjoying your first fire. TheLawn in the gardenshould eventually fill around the base of the fire pit, but you can also line the edge with decorative slate chips.
Enjoy your free time after building your own fire pit in the garden
Once your fire pit has burned for a few days, you can spend cozy evenings with your guests in front of the fire and even grill. Such an improvement to the garden area allows you to enjoy delicious dinner with your children and friends outdoors. However, you can also unwind yourself in front of the soothing flames with a glass of wine after the work week.
Nothing says spring, summer or fall like a cozy fire pit in the backyard or garden. For this reason, DIY fire pits are always current and very popular. They are attractive, functional and provide an instant outdoor gathering spot. Relax and have fun knowing that you spent very little on your own building project and backyard fire pit because you made it with inexpensive or reused materials.
How to light and clean your DIY fire pit
Firelighters are the easiest way to get a fire going, but you don't have to rely on ones soaked in toxic kerosene. There are many natural and more eco-friendly options to try. For example, dry pine cones can help you with this. Place this in the center of your fire pit and add kindling and small logs. Light everything with a match or a long-handled lighter. Other free options found in nature include dry grass, straw, pine needles, and leaves. However, these must be completely dry or they will produce smoke. Spilled or long, narrow newspaper makes the perfect fire starter. The tighter you roll the paper and then “twist” or “knot” it around itself, the longer it will burn. However, avoid using magazine pages as they leach chemicals from the ink and don't burn particularly well.
Always allow the fire pit to cool completely before cleaning. When cleaning a Corten steel fire pit, remove the ashes and clean the surface with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth. Gas fire pits require very little maintenance. For consistent combustion, keep burners clean and check supply hoses regularly to ensure there are no leaks or restrictions. To keep cast iron fire pits looking their best, scrub them clean with steel wool.Distilled white vinegarand a soft cloth will also help remove rust, and you can always repaint and reseal to prevent corrosion.
