

Build your fire pit 15-20 feet away from your house and any outbuildings-dog house, barn, detached garage, shed, pool house-on your property. You’ll, of course, want to position your fire pit well away from anything that is flammable.

DON’T construct your fire pit near potential fire hazards As a non-combustible material, the steel will ward off heat and keep the wall itself from prematurely dehydrating and crumbling this will preserve the looks and structural integrity of your fire pit longer. When building a fire pit, lining the innermost wall with a steel fire ring ( available on Amazon from brands like Sunnydaze Decor) will prevent the wall material from drying out from regular exposure to the heat of the fire.
#Stone oolite fire pit install#
Photo: DO install a steel ring in the fire pit. RELATED: How To: Build a Basic Backyard Fire Pit No part of the fire pit should be made with flammable materials (e.g., plywood shipping pallets) or non-porous materials that hold water, such as pea gravel, river rocks, or compressed concrete blocks these materials can trap steam and eventually explode. Flagstone is an ideal material for the fire pit cap. The inner wall must be made of fireproof building materials, optimally fire brick the outer walls should still be heat-resistant but can be made of traditional brick, stone, masonry blocks (consisting of brick, concrete, granite, etc.), concrete pavers, or even heat-resistant outdoor stucco or tile. DON’T use flammable or non-porous, water-retaining building materials.įire pits commonly consist of an inner wall, an outer wall, a “cap” (i.e., a flat tabletop-like surface around the opening at the top of the pit), and decorative stones, pavers or glassas the base of the pit. Would a square or rectangular fire pit fit your “style” better than a traditional round shape? Do you want an in-ground, above-ground, or tabletop DIY fire pit? Do you want to use found, recycled, or purchased materials? Concrete, bricks, pavers, stones from the yard - you’ll want to explore all your options before choosing your ultimate design. Think about how big you want your DIY fire pit to be, and what shape you’re looking for. Will you want to cook over the pit or will it be primarily for warmth and gazing? Consider where in the yard/garden you’ll place it, keeping in mind that you’ll want it well away from structure. You’ll want to spend time considering all the types and designs. Once you start researching the type of fire pit you want to build, you might be surprised at the large number of options you’ll find. Photo: DO explore different build options In addition, use the National Water and Climate Center’s Wind Rose tool to identify the prevailing wind direction in your location you want to ensure that you won’t have smoke blowing into your home through open doors or windows.
#Stone oolite fire pit Patch#
Plan to install your fire pit on a patch of level ground in an open area of the yard that’s at least 15 feet from other residences and at least 10 feet from property lines, flammable structures such as wooden sheds, bushes, and trees. DON’T position fire pits in hazard-prone zones with unfavorable winds. Increase the pit height to 18 to 20 inches tall if you want to be able to comfortably sit directly on the edge of the pit. Aim for a fire pit height of 12 to 14 inches from the base of the walls to the top of the walls if you want guests to be able to prop their feet on it while seated around it on standard 18-inch-tall, dining-height patio chairs. Local ordinances permitting, your fire pit should ideally measure between 36 and 44 inches wide (including the width of the walls) to accommodate multiple people around it while maintaining an intimate setting. DO consider accessibility when choosing a fire pit size.īuilding a fire pit yourself offers room for customization of every detail, size included. Contact your municipality’s planning office and homeowner’s association, and review the deed for your house to ensure that you comply with all restrictions and obtain any permits required for fire pit installation. If your fire pit flouts these rules, you may be fined. Your local government, homeowners’ association, and house deed may impose restrictions on the size, location, material, and fuel type of home fire pits-or forbid them altogether-due to the potential for fire-related property damages.

DON’T build a fire pit without approval from local authorities.
#Stone oolite fire pit how to#
You’ll learn how to legally and safely create a solidly built memory-building garden feature that you’ll treasure for years. Construct the most attractive, functional and safe fire pit possible by carefully considering the following 12 dos and don’ts of fire pit building.
