Creating a Backyard Fire Pit

There is something about a cozy fire that adds ambiance to a space and warmth too. It's easy to do this in your outdoor space as long as you take some precautions and educate yourself before you get started. Below are some tips for enhancing your outdoor area with a fire pit.

Step 1: Check for codes regarding open flames – Make sure you are allowed to have open flames on your property!

Step 2: Find the spot! Check utility lines! – Choose the location for your fire pit. Make sure to have your utility lines marked in order to avoid hitting them. If you don't know where they are, call before you dig! Also make sure that you are at least 25 feet from your home, trees and anything else that shouldn't be near the flames.

Step 3: Choose your stone – Choose from a wide variety of stones available through landscaping companies or home improvement stores.

Step 4: Lay one layer of stones in a circular pattern and mark the location – Remember, you aren't digging yet! Lay out the stones to make sure to get the exact size and shape you are wanting.

Step 5: Dig a hole for stability (12 inches deep) – Dig a trench using the marked pattern you chose. Twelve inches should do the trick!

Step 6: Lay the stones in the trench to see if they fit in the circular pattern – Lay the blocks to make sure they fit; make adjustments as necessary.

Step 7: Fill with 6 inches of gravel – Fill the trench with gravel, as you can use it to manipulate the height of each stone.

Step 8: Lay and level – Lay the stones in the gravel. Add or subtract gravel in order to make sure the stones are level.

Step 9: Build the wall using masonry adhesive – Continue to stack layers of stones using adhesive between each layer. While the weight of the bricks should hold them in place, the adhesive will help in preventing them from shifting. You will want to lay the stone in a brick pattern (not directly on top of of one another).

Step 10: Continue to the desired height – Continue adding layers until you reach the desired height. Normally 4 layers is a good height depending on the size of your stones.

Enjoy your new fire pit!