It is becoming more and more popular to have bonfire pits in the backyard. This allows you to enjoy some of nature’s finest things without having to go all the way into a forest or park. The fire pit will look great during your next party or barbecue season, and it also helps fight against mosquitoes which often carry harmful diseases like West Nile Virus.
The “how to build a fire pit” is an easy guide that will teach you how to make a bonfire pit in your backyard. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun with friends, family, or even just yourself.
A fire with everyone gathered around it, enjoying the evening, screams summer. Fortunately, depending on the size and complexity of the design, it’s a simple DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to build a campfire pit in your own garden.
Before you begin, we’ll go over certain things you should do. We’ll also look at several styles of bonfire pits dependent on what you want to do with it. You’ll discover how to be safe while still getting the most out of your project.
Let’s get this party started!
Contents
First and foremost, do your homework.
We’d be negligent if we didn’t address the elephant in the room: whether or not you may legally light a fire in your garden. Make sure to check with your city and fire department to see if there are any restrictions on recreational bonfires in your backyard.
Some regions may outright prohibit them. Other locations may need a permission or have restrictions on when and where fires may be lit. Also, get in touch with your homeowners’ association. Even for a little job like a fire pit, you should contact 811 to find out where the utility lines are since you’ll be digging a hole.
It is, by the way, a completely free service.
Step 2: Locate a Place to Build Your Bonfire Pit
Obviously, the pit should not be built too near to your home. However, everything combustible on the property, such as fences, sheds, and playsets, should be considered. Remember to keep an eye out for low-hanging branches or electricity wires above you. Consider how it will blend in with the rest of your landscape.
Given that you’ll be constructing something permanent, think about where you want it to go. After all, there’s a reason why the most popular landscaping piece is an outdoor fire pit.
Step 3: Choose a Design
If money is a concern, a basic rectangular or circular campfire pit may be made for around $100. You may either create it from scratch or use a kit. Take into account the surrounding environment as well.
Would you want a patio built around the property to make it a more prominent feature?
How often will you make use of it?
Will you put it to other uses, such as cooking?
Consider the size as well. A 3-foot-diameter pit will give you and your family plenty of room to move around it.
Step 4: Gather your materials and tools
To finish the project, you’ll need certain garden equipment, which you probably already have. They are as follows:
- Shovel
- Measurement tape
- Level
- Mallet
- Gloves for the workplace
- Using a trowel (optional)
You’ll also need a tamper, construction glue, paver’s sand or pea gravel, bricks for the structure, and, if you’re using one, a ready-to-use fire pit kit. The latter has the benefit of being able to be used on an existing patio or other fireproof surface.
You may select trapezoid-shaped pavers that will fit tightly together for a spherical campfire pit. For a square pit, rectangular ones are a great option. Three to four layers are recommended, depending on the height of the bricks. This will keep the fire confined inside this area and provide a platform for toasting marshmallows or s’mores.
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Step 5: Prepare the Website
Before you start excavating, we recommend estimating the size of your campfire pit. You’ll lose roughly 4–5 inches in height.
If you’re making a circular one, a stake in the middle with a length of thread the diameter is a simple method to create a flawless circle. From this point on, mark the region. Keep in mind that the form of your bricks will take up some inside space. If you’re using a kit or a bowl insert, measure the diameter.
Step 6: Lay the Foundation
You have a few choices here, which will impact the supplies you’ll need to purchase. The goal is to create a fire-resistant foundation. You may fill the hole with pea gravel, dampen it with a hose, and compact it. You may alternatively place pavers straight on the ground and use paver sand to fill in the gaps.
Either approach should give a level foundation for the bricks to be placed on.
Step 7: Lay the Groundwork for the First Level
Place your initial layer of bricks in the appropriate form. We recommend inspecting it on a regular basis to ensure that it is level. Correct the height of any that are sticking up too high using your mallet. Make sure they’re all the same size.
Small gaps are OK because they enable air to flow inside the campfire pit, allowing it to continue to burn.
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- Rubberized end caps absorb stress, and comfort grips make handling easier.
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Step 8: Keep on with the number of layers you’ve decided on.
Before moving on to the next level, double-check that the prior one is level. To make the pit more visually beautiful and to ensure the structure’s endurance, consider staggered beginning points for the next one.
Make sure everything is still level by checking it many times. This will also help prevent the fire pit from tipping over.
Lift up each brick and dab a dab of construction glue on the top of the block on the first level after the second layer is in place. Continue until all of them are in place. Then, if you’re utilizing them, continue on to the third and fourth rows. Continue putting the bricks in the same manner, checking for levelness as you go.
You might also use mortar to reinforce the building. Mix according to the package directions, then level each brick with a trowel.
Step 9: Install the Bowl Insert (Optional)
If you’re going to use an insert, now is the moment to double-check that it fits properly. With the weight evenly distributed throughout the borders of the campfire pit, it should feel stable.
Sunnydaze Fire Pit Ring Insert – Heavy-Duty 2mm Thick Steel Outdoor Fire Ring – DIY Above or In-Ground Liner – 45-Inch Outside x 39-Inch Inside – Portable Round Fire Pit Liner – for Backyard Use Sunnydaze Fire Pit Ring Insert – Heavy-Duty 2mm Thick Steel Outdoor Fire Ring – DIY Above or In-Ground Liner – 45-Inch Outside x 39-Inch Inside – Portable
- With a 39-inch internal diameter x 45-inch outer diameter, this steel fire pit ring can comfortably accommodate a large group. It is 10 inches tall and weighs 32 pounds, making it simple to maneuver about your yard.
- Long-lasting quality and functionality: This heavy-duty fire pit ring is composed of solid 2 mm thick steel metal and treated with a high-temperature paint to provide long-term quality and performance in all weather conditions.
- Easy to put together: This huge 4-piece metal fire pit ring insert kit is simple to construct and takes just minutes to complete, giving you more time to enjoy a lovely fire in your garden (NOTE: there is no bottom to this diy fire pit ring).
- Can be used as an in-ground or above-ground fire pit ring liner to add a personal touch. You may also get creative and surround the steel fire pit ring insert with beautiful landscaping blocks or bricks (NOTE: Bricks not included).
- Purchase with confidence: Sunnydaze Decor offers a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee on all of its items.
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Step ten is to fill it up (Optional)
If you’re putting a ready-to-use fire pit on an existing patio, you’ll need to fill it with about 4 inches of sand. This will offer a fireproof foundation and make dousing the fire easy after you’re done for the night.
Step 11: Take a Break
To allow the glue or mortar time to cure, we recommend waiting a day before starting your first fire. Your campfire pit is now ready to use!
Last Thoughts
Having a fire in your yard is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Who can resist the allure of the flickering flames? Fortunately, learning how to build a backyard campfire pit is a simple and inexpensive project that is appropriate for even the most inexperienced DIYer. It just takes a little forethought and care to level it.
A bonfire pit is a great way to spend time with friends and family. It’s easy to build, even if you don’t have much experience in construction. Our guide will help you learn how to make one that looks good and works well. Reference: how to build a stone fire pit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you build a simple fire pit in your backyard?
A: One of the best ways to build a fire pit is by digging in your backyard and stacking rocks around it. Another option would be buying some stones or wood from Lowes, Home Depot, etc., using glue to attach them together, then pouring concrete on top of them.
How do I build a fire in my backyard?
A: In order to build a fire, you will need three things. tinder for kindling, fuel for the fire (for example wood or paper), and then finally a source of oxygen like a fan or bellows that would blow air upwards into the flame. You can also use flint if available but it is not recommended as it causes sparks in dry conditions which increases your risk of starting wildfires when using tools such as this one.
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