How to build a fire pit
Nothing says summer more than BBQs and late evenings by an open fire. A key feature such as a fire pit can transform your garden, but shop bought ones can be very expensive. Luckily you can easily build one yourself for a fraction of the cost – here’s our guide:
- Select a Location
Try and find an area away from any trees, bushes or buildings to minimise the risk of the fire spreading or of smoke damage.
- Dig!
Dig a circular hole, for the fire pit. A 4 foot diameter, 12 inches deep should give you enough space for a controllable, impressive fire.
- Build!
Using fire safe bricks, construct a 12 inch high wall around the pit. Leave 2 inches in between bricks to allow for air circulation. Place a layer of quick setting concrete to cover the base of the pit, leaving a gradual dip in the middle of the pit for placing newspaper and kindling to start the fire.
- Safety
If you have young children or animals, you can buy a mesh fire cover to place over the pit to keep sparks under control.
- Starting a Fire
Place some light kindling, such as old newspaper into the sunken part of the fire pit (you could also use firelighters!). Build a pyramid around the paper with heavier kindling like twigs and small sticks – then light it up! Once it’s going, feed the fire by placing bigger pieces of wood around the shelf in a tepee shape.
Top Tips for Fire Safety:
- Make sure you check local regulations for whether an open fire is allowed where you live.
- Let your neighbours know to avoid smoke damage to their property.
- Burning rubbish or garden waste will produce excessive smoke and may be hard to control.
- Keep some water/sand nearby in case you need to put out the fire quickly.
- When putting out the fire, shuffle the coal around the pit and cover with water until all smoke stops.