Imagine you are sitting in your backyard on a cool evening, cozying up to a warm fire, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the company of friends and family. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, if you don’t have a fire pit in your backyard, the dream is one of the best reasons to get one. But, no one likes taking over a home improvement project.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, you are not alone. Many people face this challenge.
Fortunately, you can easily do it with a little guidance. To help you out, here are some essential tips that will help you get started.
1. Choose the Right Location
Before you start the project, you need to find the perfect spot in your backyard for the fire pit.
Safety is the key here. That is why you need to pick a location that is at least 10-20 feet away from any structures like your house, shed, or garage. You should also steer clear of overhanging branches, dry leaves, and any other flammable materials. If you can find a spot that is covered from strong winds, then that would be great as well.
But, you should also think about convenience. You don’t want the fire pit to be too far from your house, but also not in a place where your kids play.
2. Pick the Right Type of Fire Pit
You need to pick the right fire pit for your home. Each comes with its own set of benefits. To give you an idea, here is a little insight in to the popular options:
– Wood-burning fire pits: These give a classic campfire experience with the crackle of burning wood and the smell of smoke. However, they require regular maintenance and cleanup.
– Gas fire pits: These are convenient and easy to light with just a switch or a match. They don’t produce smoke, which can be a huge plus if you have close neighbors.
– Fire rings: These are simple and affordable. The fire rings are usually made of metal and can be a great starting point if you want to test out having a fire pit without making a big investment.
3. DIY or Hire Pros?
Once you know where you want it, and what type of a fire pit you want, you need to start preparing the ground and building the actual fire pit.
If you are going at it yourself, you should use a shovel to remove any grass or debris in that area. Then, dig down about 6-12 inches to create a stable base.
Next, add a layer of gravel or sand to the dug-out area to help with drainage and prevent the fire from spreading underground. You can pour concrete at the base if you are building a permanent fire pit.
Next, you need to look up the instructions for building a fire pit depending on the type of pit you have picked. For a wood-burning fire pit or a fire ring, you should start by laying the first layer of stones or bricks around the edge of your prepared area. Make sure they are tightly packed together with no gaps and about 1-2 feet high.
If you are using a gas fire pit kit, you are probably going to need expert help to meet the local regulations and safety codes.