Is there anything cozier than flames crackling in a fire pit on breezy summer nights? Fire pits stand out not only for rising the heat but also as a thrilling decorative element in the yard. Checking out the examples in this gallery, it is possible to see that crackling flames have the potential to reshape the atmosphere in outdoor living spaces.
It is funny to think that the origin of the use of fire pits dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period, which means 200,000 – 400,000 years ago. However, it never became old-fashioned, since people did not give up on the idea to gather with family members and friends around fires for ages. Apart from family or friends gatherings, having a fire pit is perfect for romantic dinners and wine sessions for lovers. The good news is that: Building one does not take as much effort and cost as you think. Ideas that we share cost around $50. Keep reading to learn how to create your own fire pit design in 4 simple steps and add a cozy-looking and functional element to the yard.
Build Your Own Fire Pit
Building a fire pit design up to your taste is just another thrilling DIY project. The simple step to begin could be making the choice of the main material. Indeed the materials that can be used in this DIY project are a very wide spectrum from metal planters to flower pots, steel receptacles, and even glass. However, the most common materials to use are concrete tree rings, cement wall blocks, and bricks, or pavers. These are all quite easy to find on construction sites. Apart from collected concrete rings, bricks, and paves, pouring the concrete and creating the shape of the pit is an option yet it is a little bit of effort.
1) Install the base of the fire pit
The main process is supposed to start with installing a fireproof base. The material for the base could be gravel. However, it is possible to say that: the alternative choices are endless. A cement patio or stones create a stable foundation for the blocks. They will all help you a lot to create a stable foundation for the blocks.
2) Form the main materials for your fire pit
Forming the chosen material is supposed to form a circle or a square. 80-90 cm diameter (or one side for the square) will be enough. If you like to choose to form a circle, consider that: Paring down some parts of the main material by using a hammer, or a masonry chisel, is a little bit challenging part.
When it is time to place the blocks, let us remind you that: It is possible to cut the bricks by using a circular saw with a concrete blade or a stone chisel and hammer. This could provide your fire pit with a more personalized design. Playing with the sizes of bricks or concrete rings will help you have a more unique outcome work in the end. Another point is making sure that the blocks are touching each other, which is important to prevent the fire from spreading around. In case there is a gap between the blocks, fill the gaps with whatever material you like. (It has to be fireproof.)
The blocks are meant to present made up of rows one after the other from the top to the bottom. 3-6 rows are fine, depending on the size of the material. Place some masonry adhesive on the bottom of each piece before installing the second row, and stagger the placement of the second row (the middle of each piece should sit on the end seams of the row beneath it). Even out and tighten the stone placement with the rubber mallet. Carry on with the third row in the same manner. It is necessary to be generous with the glue. Other than gluing the blocks with each other, a quick sweep of sand across them also helps lock in place and prevent the blocks from shifting over time.
3) Work on the interior of the fire pit
After checking if the blocks seem to be fine in place, it could be time to start working on the interior of the fire pit. The best is to line the inside of the fire pit walls by using clay fire bricks. It will help you align the bricks with the top of the fire pit. Add more paver base, gravel, or more fire bricks to the bottom of the pit. Rather than arranging the clay fire bricks, the simpler way is to find a fire ring and place it in the center. Some DIY lovers chose to install a weber inside the pit which is another practical way to mention.
4) Pour in some decorative rocks and pebbles to fill the fire pit
Pouring the materials and filling the pit is the last step. This helps create a well-drained surface for the fires and covers the main foundation layer. The step is as simple as filling the pit with decorative river pebbles, or rocks, gravel, or a few buckets of lava rocks.
Whatever material you choose, in the end, you will see that. Fire pits are elements powerful enough to transform the atmosphere of the space. If all the steps are completed, it is time to enjoy crackling fires with the ones you love.
