From Concept to Cozy: Tips for Building Your Own Backyard Fire Pit

There are a lot of reasons to consider adding a backyard fire pit to your landscaping. They can extend the amount of time your family enjoys outside, provide extra space for entertaining friends, and add to the value of your home. Plus, when properly designed, they add beauty to your yard that you will enjoy even when they aren't fired up.

Prefabricated models found at most home improvement and big box stores may only last a few seasons and hiring a contractor to build one can be very costly. Luckily, there are plenty of DIY plans and information available to help you build your own. Following these steps will help make sure your new fire pit turns out how you envisioned and that it lasts you well into the future.

Check Regulations and Get the Proper Permits

Don't make the mistake of assuming that, just because your neighbor has one installed on his back deck, there are no restrictions about fire pits and their placement where you live. From neighborhood homeowners associations to local government, there may be restrictions that govern what type of fire pit you can install, or even if you can install one at all.

Start with the most local group, which may be an HOA or your city/town zoning department. Then, work your way up to the county level. Chances are you don't need to check in with state zoning officials, but it can't hurt to take a peek at their website to be sure. Have the questions you want to ask ready and make sure you cover any relevant concerns. Some examples include:

• Are open fire pits allowed?
• How far away do they need to be placed in relation to other structures or the property line?
• Are there restrictions on the type of fuel I can use?
• What permits or inspections are required, and where can I get them?

Restrictions are in place because there are fire dangers inherent in having open flames in your yard. Most will focus on safety concerns. Although it can be a tedious process, it is less so than having to tear out your new backyard fire pit if you don't follow proper procedures.

Select and Prepare Your Building Site

Once you are cleared and ready to go, select the best location for installing your fire pit. Refer to the National Weather and Climate Center's wind rose graphics to determine the prevailing winds where you live. It can help ensure you don't end up with smoke billowing into open windows while you are outside relaxing around the fire.

You will want to lay your paving slabs in a circle to determine how much ground will need to be dug out. Lay them in a circle until you get a shape and size that looks good for what you want to achieve. Take the time to put a few chairs or benches around the space to make sure there will be enough seating.

Make a note of how many bricks you used, then use a shovel to mark a line around their perimeter. Now you can remove the pavers and start digging. Make sure the bottom of your pit is flat and the sides have enough room for you to maneuver materials into the desired pattern.

Start Building

Once your site is excavated, you are set to start building. A layer of gravel at the base will help any water drain properly so you don't end up with a pond instead of a fire pit.

Look for bricks, pavers, and stones that are specifically rated for high temperatures. Be careful to choose materials that will not hold water. The heat from a fire can cause steam to build up in certain types of stones or gravel, which could cause them to rupture violently.

If you are using a gas fuel instead of wood, make sure your connections and lines are all installed according to local building codes.

As your structure gets taller, be sure that sides are plumb and each layer is level. Leaving space between stones can help increase airflow to the fire, which will result in a better draft and more heat.

Once it is complete, backfill the area around the stones or bricks and tamp it down. This will help you avoid a swampy moat from forming around it and will give you a stable surface for seating. Go ahead and rinse the whole area off by hosing it down and gather your favorite chairs around. You are ready to enjoy your new fire pit.

While building a DIY firepit isn't a project for a beginner, it is one that many homeowners can tackle. Take your time and do some research about materials, best placement choices, and what permits are required. If you follow these tips, you'll have a beautiful firepit you can show off to family and friends.