Make a DIY fire pit
Warmer weather is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to plan on making your outdoor space even more inviting. One way to instantly create a focal point? Set up an inviting firepit area! Whether your family wants to roast hot dogs or marshmallows, or enjoy pre-dinner
cocktails with friends, firepits offer the perfect gathering place –
even during the winter months. You can buy a portable kits at any big box store, but where’s the family fun in that? Here are a few affordable ways to make your own firepit.
Do some prep work
Be sure to contact your local municipality or fire department to check if you can install a firepit on your property. Most fire codes indicate that your pit must be at least 10 feet from any homes, trees,
fences or garden sheds. Choose a spot with plenty of room for the pit itself and at least four to six chairs or benches comfortably. Clear a spot on the lawn with your
Garden Weasel Edger-Chopper, removing enough sod for your firepit project.
Calculate the shape and size
Decide whether you would like a round, square or rectangular firepit. If your firepit is too small, it won’t give off much heat, plus no more than two people can enjoy it at once. Too large, and that makes your fire harder to control, plus your guests will be too spread out. Generally, a more intimate firepit should be about three feet wide, and if you plan on hosting larger groups, six feet wide works well. You can make an above-ground or inground firepit, depending on whether you want to rest your feet or drinks on the edge or not. Above-ground firepits should be between 12 and 14 inches tall.
Pick out your materials
Fire pits can be made from many different materials, so see what you kinds of leftovers you have in your garage from previous projects. You can use concrete
cinderblocks, bricks, pavers or other kinds of stones.
Follow an online tutorial
Once your site is prepared, making the actual firepit is pretty easy, plus there are lots of videos and online instruction guides that outline every step. This simple
circular firepit is made of four tiers of curved retaining wall blocks, some adhesive and a four-inch layer of crushed granite. This
concrete block firepit requires just four steps and a metal firepit ring.
Concrete tree rings are inexpensive and perfect for a firepit project; just stack two or three on top of each other, use a couple of smaller ones on the inside and fill it with crushed stone. If you prefer a square or rectangular look, use some cinder block caps to create
this sleek firepit. Did your washing machine recently break down for good?
Repurpose the drum inside, which makes a great firepit in under an hour.
Share your fabulous firepit projects with us!
PHOTO CREDIT INFORMATION:
Round Firepit With Grill: Courtesy ScatteredThoughtsOfACraftyMom.com
Concrete Block Firepit: Courtesy ABeautifulMess.com
