Fire pits in parks are becoming more and more popular. They extend the time to enjoy the outdoors by providing us with a comfortable place to stay on cool evenings and off-season. People have always been fascinated by the safety, warmth, atmosphere and cooking ability of a forest fire. Using fire extinguishers in parks is a modern and convenient version of the forest fires of yesteryear.
Today, people use backyard fire pits for social gatherings, outdoor grilling, and even as an attractive landscape focal point. They sometimes position fireplaces for ease of movement between important outdoor areas. It’s great when our guests can go from the outdoor dining table, pool or spa to the fireplace and back again.
Tips for building a backyard fire pit.
If you are building a backyard fire pit, consider the size and location of the fireplace. A typical family-sized garden fire pit is about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter, although you can build a larger one. This includes the outer structural edge of the fire pit and the burning area.
The most comfortable height for placing your feet on the outer edge of the firebox is 10 to 12 inches (24-30 cm). If the fireplace is flowing from the ground, people have to crawl around it to feel its heat. If you want an integrated seating wall as part of the fireplace design, build it 18 to 20 inches (45-50 centimeters) high. Note that if the fireplace is too tall, it may be uncomfortable to put your feet on the edge, and it may not radiate enough heat to the seating area.
Other tips on building a backyard fire pit cover physical space and weather. How big is your assigned area? Some fire experts suggest that a seating area 7 feet (2.5 m) beyond the outer edge of the fireplace is ideal, so that people can move their chairs back in case of overheating. In this context (with a 3ft/1m fireplace) you would need an area 17ft (5m) in diameter.
Consider prevailing winds when using garden fire extinguishers. You don’t want to locate the fireplace in a very windy area. Then it will be very difficult to extinguish the fire and your guests will have to constantly escape from the smoke. If you’re going to build a built-in seating area around the fireplace, consider spacing carefully. Do not cross the seat. Position the fireplace so you can take advantage of any beautiful view.
Check your local ordinances on outdoor wood burning fires. Some cities do not allow outdoor wood burning due to fire risk or air pollution concerns. You may need to get approval from the fire department. They may want to ensure that you don’t place your firebox directly on a wooden floor or near burning branches or leaves. Fire pits and other structures must be restricted to the property line.
Fire Pit Garden Ideas
There are many types of backyard fire pits. Your simplest and cheapest option is to buy a pre-made fire pit at your local hardware store. These are usually made of light metal and have a grill and spark cover. They are portable and can be carried around the garden.
If you install a custom fire pit the sky is the limit. If you’re not sure which style you want, look at pictures online. You can use brick, concrete, stone, metal or a combination of materials.
Fire bowls are another option. They are contemporary in style and made of smooth concrete. You can install a fireplace table. These tables have a burning area in the center of the center and a wide rim around the edge for dinner plates, cutlery and drinking glasses. Fireboxes and tables do not have to be round. They can be square, rectangular or L-shaped. You don’t have to have a wood burning fire pit. Good quality and easy to use gas and propane options are available.
