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How do you build an Outside Fire Pit?

Answer:
Constructing a permanent outside fire pit may

require more advanced masonry skills, homeowners should be able to build a seasonal or temporary outside fire pit with readily available masonry blocks or stones. Some may want to add a metal grate for outdoor grilling purposes, or create additional heat by angling the fire pit near a patio or other outdoor entertainment area.

The first step in building an outside fire pit is determining a safe location. You'll want to build your fire pit at least 20 feet away from any structure, and not under tree branches or power lines. Although it might sound prudent to build a fire pit on a concrete patio space, drainage during the downtime can be problematic. Instead, select a location on relatively flat ground with no flammable materials stored nearby.

Once a proper location has been found, you'll need to dig a small hole into the ground, approximately two feet deep. A post hole digger or auger should make this step much easier. Once filled with gravel or stones, this hole should provide drainage when the fire pit is not in use. Without proper drainage, an enclosed fire pit could become nothing more than a bird feeder after a rain event.

Any number of masonry blocks or stones can be used to create an outside fire pit, but many experts suggest using materials that are easily stacked without mortar or cement. The heat of a fire can seriously damage average mortars and glues, so the idea is to build up a three or four walled structure using the staggered row method, but allowing the weight of the blocks or stones themselves to support the structure.

Cinder or cement blocks can be used to construct temporary outside fire pits, but they can become brittle after multiple exposures to the heat of a fire. The idea is to build up the structure to at least a height of three feet in order to discourage animals and small children from running directly into the fire.

A four-wall fire pit would be ideal for a bonfire or grill, but a three-wall pit would provide a source of heat for guests seated near the open end. A three-wall outside fire pit would also be easier to access when adding more wood. Either way, a metal grate can be placed on top of the fire pit in order to grill food.

Building a more permanent outside fire pit would entail purchasing special fire-resistant bricks for an inner wall and additional masonry blocks and mortar to create a thick outer wall. Plans for such outside fire pits can be found online or in home improvement reference books.