How deep should a fire pit be?

The hole should be 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Fill this hole with large gravel. If the soil doesn't drain well or there is heavy precipitation, dig a trench from the center out. If you're adding a drainpipe, dig about 10 feet from the fire pit.

How deep should I make my fire pit?

Excavate to a depth of six to 12 inches, depending on how deep you want your fire base. Be sure to create a level base in your fire pit. Afterwards, excavate a smaller, three- to four-inch-deep circle inside the fire pit. This area should equal roughly one-third the fire pit diameter.

How deep should a inground fire pit be?

Fire-pit depth really depends on what you want and how into your project you're going to get. For instance, if you just want a basic fire pit, dig about 6 to 8 inches down and call it good. You can go deeper if you want, but keep in mind that you don't want the hole so deep you can't enjoy watching the fire.

Is a deeper fire pit better?

Depth. Fire pits are generally either shallow or deep. Although some people may prefer the look of a shallow bowl, Jackson says a deeper bowl is safer, will hold the fire better, and will protect your fire from the wind.

What is the best size for a fire pit?

The best size for a firepit is one that allows you to have a strong enough fire while allowing everyone to be close enough for conversation. A good rule of thumb is to have an inside diameter of 30 inches.

From Trash Pit to Fire Pit Timelapse

What should I put in the bottom of my fire pit?

Some materials like hard rock, gravel, or sand weren't meant to reach high temperatures and can spark and explode if your fire gets too hot. Instead, use lava rocks for your fire pit or lava glass beads as a filler for your fire pit. They are a safe way to create drainage and make your fire pit look nice.

How far should a sitting wall be from a fire pit?

Some people like to place seat walls four feet away from the fire pit, which allows for walking room. Others prefer a three-foot distance, which can allow you to prop your feet on the ledge of the pit. If using seat walls, consider leaving one or two sides open.

Does height of fire pit matter?

In general, a good height for the outside edge is between 6 and 12 inches tall. This is enough of a safety buffer to keep logs from rolling out but it's not too deep that there is a need to “lean in” to get close to the fire.

Does a fire pit need a liner?

If you're envisioning your fire pit as a permanent part of your backyard or patio, you'll definitely want to use a fire pit liner. Doing so can prevent you from spending time and money fixing cracked or damaged materials.

Does a fire pit need a vent?

The fire pit should meet clearance and ventilation requirements to not only sustain combustion, but to remove combustion byproducts and heat. Likewise, fire pits running on propane gas are required to have a vent installed lower on the enclosure, as well as an air mixer that works in conjunction to the vent.

Should I put sand in the bottom of my fire pit?

The main benefits of using sand are that it helps to soak up the heat and evenly distribute the heat throughout the fire pit. Sand is also great for protecting the actual metal bowl from the intense heat the fire can put out. At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting sand in the base of a metal pit.

How much gravel is needed for a fire pit?

Aim for a minimum of 2 inches of pea gravel.

Why do fire pits explode?

Concrete blocks, pea gravel, river rocks and other materials that are often used in DIY fire pits can trap water inside. When they are heated up, this can cause an explosion. Here's a demonstration of what can happen when the building materials hold a little too much water and pressure builds up inside.

Are cinder blocks good for fire pits?

Yes! Cinder block is an inexpensive building material great for fire pits. You can quickly build permanent or temporary cinder block fire pits and in any style you prefer.

Can you put a fire pit on pavers?

Concrete pavers or patio slabs are a good idea for setting your fire pit on. Concrete won't catch fire, plus they are heavy and sturdy enough to provide stability. Make sure the fire pit isn't wobbly – check the level and dig them in if necessary. Fire-resistant pit mats are a great solution out on grass.

Should I put rocks in my fire pit?

A big advantage of stones is that you can use them as an additional layer of protection for the ground beneath the fire pit. For example, if you place stones above dirt or sand, this can act as an additional protective layer. Stones can also look very beautiful at the bottom of a fire pit.

Can I use lava rocks in a wood burning fire pit?

If burning wood, place a layer of lava rock at least 4-5 inches deep. Then place your firewood on the lava rock. For gas fires, fill the fire pit with enough lava rock to at least cover the fire ring. Do not use rock or gravel of any kind in place of lava rock; it can potentially explode when heated.

What is the best shape for a fire pit?

A long rectangular fire pit does, however, provide the perfect complement to a long seating wall or retaining wall. A rectangular or square fire pit also pairs beautifully with privacy walls or square or rectangular water gardens.

What is a good size for a rectangular fire pit?

Experts recommend a fire pit with an inside diameter of 36 to 44 inches to provide sufficient space for the fire while maintaining a close and safe distance between people around the fire. However, homeowners who want a fire pit for entertaining many guests can expand the dimension to a maximum of five feet.

Where should you put a fire pit in your yard?

Fire pits should be placed on a level surface, no less than ten feet away from any structure, 20-25 feet or more is best, in a wide-open space, away from trees with low hanging limbs, woodpiles, bushes, and other materials that could ignite if contact with a flame is made.

Can fire pit sit on grass?

Are you wondering if fire pits go on grass, and if so, how can you do it safely? Fire pits can be placed directly on top of grass. However, without proper precaution, there can be major damage to the grass. It is recommended to place a mat or other material underneath to avoid damage.

What rocks are best for a fire pit?

Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures. Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits. Lava rocks are another popular option.

How much room do you need around a fire pit?

When you are planning your outdoor living space, you will want to carefully plan your fire pit to make sure there is enough room around it for everyone to be comfortable. A good guideline is to have about 7 feet of space around the fire pit. But that number may change depending on the type of seating you have.