Different Ideas for Building Fire Pits

Fire Pit Safety

• Before beginning construction of a fire pit, find the right location. The pit should be placed no closer than 50 feet from any buildings. Avoid placing the pit under any overhanging trees to minimize the danger of errant embers sparking other fires where you don't want them.
  
  

Start at the Junkyard

• For a fire pit, it's easy to dig a hole and put stones around it, but for a new take on an old classic, use a metal object as the walls of the fire pit. To find such an object, take a trip to your local junkyard and look around for something that is the right size for your application. Firepit-and-grilling-guru.com recommends using a tractor-tire rim or even a washing machine drum, but nearly any concave metal object will do. try an old Hibachi grill or cast-iron cook-pot, if large enough.
  
  

Build Out From the Center

• Dig a shallow hole and bury your object so that it is seated and cannot tip or spill. Place medium sized (6 inches to 12 inches in diameter) rocks against your object on all sides to further brace it and to add some traditional decor to your fire pit. Fill in any gaps the large rocks might create with smaller rocks. As an added measure, dig a 1 inch deep trench around the base of your pit that extends about 1 foot to 2 feet from where the supporting rocks meet the ground. Fill this trench with sand---this will not only add a unique stylistic touch to your fire pit, but will also add another measure of safety, as it will prevent any embers from igniting the grass. It can also be used as a place to dry any damp firewood.
  
  

Portable Fire Pits

• For a more mobile approach, you can buy ready-made fire pits at most sporting goods stores. These usually cost more than constructing your own and often have at least some assembly required, but they work just as well as a permanent fire pit and come with the added bonus of portability. Many also come with mesh covers to keep ash and embers out of the air, so these will allow you to build small fires on your deck or patio. Even with these self-contained fire pits, it is always important to have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby in case of emergency.