How to Make Your Own Fire Pit in 7 Steps

Creating a DIY fire pit may sound tough to do, but it's actually easier than many people believe. Aside from some digging and lifting heavy object, you can create your own outdoor fireplace within a day. All you have to do is grab a shovel, Quick-Sand, cement stones, and follow these 9 steps to create a place to relax and stay warm for years to come.

1. Check Your Local Laws and Ordinances

Some places have certain requirements for DIY fire pits (diameter, depth, location, etc.) that you'll have to use as guidelines before building one. In some states or municipalities, certain fire pits are considered illegal and carry a hefty fine if you choose to ignore them.

2. Be Nice to Your Neighbors

It's best to notify or ask your friends next door if they'll mind the smoke you'll be producing when burning large amounts of wood (or anything at all).

3. Choosing the Right Location

It's best to pick an open area that not only is far enough away from anything flammable, but also a spot that give you and your family enough room to walk around a DIY fire pit. The best distance is 6 ft from the edge, but you may have to judge according to the size of the pit you wish to make.

4. Start Digging

Once you've determined where and how big you want it, dig a circular hole, at least 6" deep for the wood to sit in while it burns. Some use the rim of a tire tractor for measuring the depth, but it's up to you if wish to use one.

5. Create a Shelf

After you've dug to hole, take some of the left over dirt and make a shelf. You should pack it down tightly so that it's sturdy enough for the Quick-Sand that you'll be using later. This is to create a solid base at the bottom for the wood to sit on when burning.

6. Build a Wall

Using the cement stones of your choice, place them around the edge of your DIY fire pit to create a barrier around the fire inside. It should at least be 1' tall and with 2" between each stone.

7. Cover the Bottom

Mix and pour the Quick-Sand (the kind that dries fast) into the bottom of the pit and smooth it out until it's flat. If you want, create a dip in the middle so you can lay some newspaper down to start fires with.

That's all it takes to make a DIY fire pit. Once the concrete has dried in the bottom, you can use it to make as many fires as you wish. This is also easy to clean up after use. Just grab the garden hose and wash it off after you're done or when it needs to be cleaned out. You can also choose to create outdoor fireplaces in different shapes if you want something that others don't have.

Researching outdoor fireplace kits? Check out http://www.myoutdoorfireplacekits.com for more great information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Burns

How to Build Your Own Brick Fire Pit

It's exciting to cook outdoors now and then. Also, not only is it a pleasant change of pace to standard kitchen food preparation, there is something about cooking outdoors whjich makes the food taste even better.

Sure there is the easy way to do this with a simple store bought BBQ or hibachi, but to truly get a unique experience, a great taste and make the best culinary experience possible you should really consider trying to build a brick fire pit. This really is the best option for outdoor cooking.

And it's easy to build our own brick fire pit. So set an apt day to do some simple masonry work with the family and follow these seven easy steps.

1. First, we choose a site in our backyard for our brick fire pit. It should be a safe distance from the walls of the house, from the roof, from windows, and from trees. The site should be easy to drain.

2. Dig the pad. It should be 2 to 4 inches deep. As to its size, we decide according to our preferred dimension. Level the pad base of our brick fire pit.

3. We make the forms using 2 by 4 feet woods and screw them together. Screwing makes them easy to disassemble. Then we prepare quick-set cement according to specified mix proportions as indicated on the bag and pour into the pad foundation of our brick fire pit. Then set steel bars in a latus pattern into the concrete before it sets, put a key mark in the concrete and ready the brick fire pit wall plan.

4. Prepare the cement mortar. The usual proportion is 3:1, or 3 parts of sand to 1 part of cement. A stronger ratio is 2:1. The idea is to have a consistency easy to work with-like soft ice cream. Take care not to have it too watery. Mortar for our brick fire pit should be mixed well to attain a balance of components.

5. Build the brick fire pit wall. To lay the bricks, put enough mortar on our key mark including the underside and ends of the bricks. The bricks should steadily rest on the mortar. Adjust until they are standing upright and sturdily on the mortar. Do this level by level with the aid of a string for alignment.

6. The string should be perfectly horizontal and the top edge of the bricks parallel to it. We may also use a Leveler for this purpose. A brick should be on top another in an overlapping (not directly over) manner. Overlap should be half the brick size. This strengthens our brick fire pit.

7. For metal grills, insert them within the brick fire pit walls at a desired height. The top of the wall may be capped with special bricks or stones.

So there we have it. A day after the brick fire pit is constructed it's ready for use. We can start enjoying outdoor grills with the family and friends.

John Grant is a the author for a how to site where he is writing articles about how to build a brick fire pit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Grant

Patio Fire Pits

The long summer evenings mean we have even more time to enjoy our outdoor spaces, and if you have your own veranda to relax on then you will find it easy to spend more and more time outside in the fresh air.

Of course this kind of area is just the beginning of how to enjoy your garden. It takes a few finishing touches to really make it desirable and more stunning to the eye. One great example of how to make the most of your patio area or veranda is by adding a fire pit to your overall design.

Fire pits are exactly what they sound like – a manmade pit in which you can build a roaring fire to keep you warm during the late summer evenings. But instead of being built on the ground they are now designed in a modern way, using materials such as stainless steel and cast iron to create a free standing structure that can be placed wherever you wish.

Styles vary considerably, ranging from ultra modern designs to more basic fire pits are more traditional in appearance. Some of them also have built in grills which allow you to use them as a simple kind of barbecue – and there is nothing quite like tasting a burger cooked over a flaming fire pit!

A fire pit will make your outdoor patio even more user friendly than it is at the moment. They give off a lot of heat, enabling you to stay outdoors far longer into the evening than you may be able to do otherwise. You might also want to light it during the day if it is a bit chilly and you still want to sit outside for a while.

Many fire pits have mesh covers that sit over the top, but even those that do still get very hot while in use (and for some time after the flames are put out). This means you need to be particularly careful if there are any children playing nearby. It can be a good idea to situate the fire pit well away from any play area, or anywhere too close to a doorway or step where an accident is more likely to occur.

Fire pits are very safe provided they are located in the right place and used properly, but it is always advisable to follow a few simple rules to ensure that nothing untoward occurs. For example make sure you don’t place it too close to any other structure, otherwise there is a risk of scorching and burning. Another point to bear in mind is that while the wood inside the pit is burning, none of it should be hanging over the edge of the pit itself. It should all be sitting safely inside it.

One final point is to make sure your plants are safe. It’s easy to forget the presence of hanging baskets containing flowers that trail down outside of them. Even if they don’t actually burn, many flowers don’t enjoy extreme heat like this and you may end up losing some of them if the fire pit is too close by.

Install-a-Veranda is Australia's leading supplier and installer of verandas, patios, pergolas and carports. For a free consultation please visit Patios.

Fire Pit Ideas For Your Back Yard Design

On a cold fall afternoon or on a cool evening summer evening, sitting around on your back yard with a fire pit is definitely full of fun. You can do what you want their with your family or with your love ones. Indeed, you can grill some food their to enjoy the life of doing a picnic while inside your territory. This way your fire pit will no longer just be just an ordinary furniture in your back yard, but will really become part of the scenery in your place, just like having an attractive fire pits, whether it is a gas, wood generated, patio fire pit, etc. Hence, your design will become fully part of your living area.

There are a lot of models or styles, if you may, that you may explore using when you are designing your back yard or your outdoor area. For you to only spend less cost for your fire pit, you may, of course, take advantage of the patio furniture that you already have in your back yard, and all you have to do is to place it around the fire pit, which you think and see that will be a good layout.

To give you some ideas of a good layout in your back yard, you may try considering placing garden benches around the fire pit because their presence will look attractive. You have to choose, of course, benches that would match up the color or design of your fire pit. Stone benches or iron benches will actually suffice. It will definitely suit in with the fire pit you have in your back yard. Having these things in your back yard will surely make your territory look great.

Director chairs, swings, sling chairs, etc, are all some attractive seating alternatives you may place around your fire pit. If you feel like seating there as a director, you may place a director chair there, and for sure it will invite you more to keep coming back there during your free time. Benches that are made for a family setting are also good to place there especially when your family love to stay outdoor during your free time. Of course, aside from chairs, you also need side tables where you could place your food or other things that you may bring in while you are outdoor.

For many more fire pit ideas, please visit http://onlyfirepits.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessie_James_Marcellones

Patio Fire Pits - Choosing Which Type to Have in Your Landscape

Patio fire pits are a popular outdoor feature in recent years. If you think you might enjoy the atmosphere of sitting outside with a cozy fire glowing, you might consider adding a fire pit to your landscape design. The enjoyment is enhanced if nice seating is located near it to enjoy the view, warmth and general ambiance.

Fire pits can be built in or portable. They can be wood burning for a true rustic experience, or they can be operated by gas.

The gas method can be either natural gas or propane. If natural gas is used, a gas line must be installed. Using a propane tank is more simple, as a flexible connection is supplied between the tank and the fire pit.

Built in fire pits are typically wood burning. Walls are built around it which have a few purposes. The walls are often stone or brick. Both the wall itself and stone or brick help with heat retention. Walls also can help to prevent sparks from escaping. Lastly, walls can serve as seat walls, where you can sit close to the fire. For seating, the walls should be between eighteen and twenty four inches high. They should be between twelve and eighteen inches deep.

Portable fire pits (if using wood or a propane gas tank) can be moved, which is a nice feature. It can be used in another location. For example, perhaps it is usually kept on your patio and you are having a pool party and want to use it there for the evening? It can also be removed from the patio in the heat of the summer, when it will not often be used, so that more useable patio space is available. If it is very hot, you won't be using it. The option of taking it away is a nice one. You won't have to have something there that does not function.

Fire pits can be purchased in various materials, although copper and steel are common. Copper ones will develop their own natural patina over time and are quite beautiful. You will find many that are raised with metal legs. Some are so attractive that they can become a focal point in your landscape. There are some that are enclosed with glass for safety. Wood burning portable fire pits often have screens to contain any sparks.

Fire pits can be used on patios, pool decking, lawn areas and even decks. When using one on a deck, special kinds must be purchased, approved for safety due to the wood decking in the area. I came across one that is enclosed with glass panels.

When locating a fire pit, place it in an area that can become a separate place for conversation or just quiet seclusion. The most common place to locate one is a patio, since this is usually the sitting area on your property. Add some furniture near it. Attractive benches, chaise lounges, outdoor sofas and the like work well. If it is visual from a dining table, even better!

Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. You can read more about Patio Fire Pits at her website.

You might also be interested in learning about Outdoor Living Rooms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Schlenger

How To Choose an Outdoor Fire Pit

It always pleasurable for all the family to assemble together and chill out al fresco on balmy summer evenings but what do you do in the fall or spring when evenings are chilly but you still want to be outdoors? You could put up a backyard fireplace but this can be quite a considerable job and you can’t take it with you if you move. One solution could be to use an outdoor fire pit. Fire pits produce the look and warmth of a campfire to your deck or garden but in a very controlled and protected way. Additionally a lot of fire pits are transportable, so you can take them on trips or if you move address, or move them around on your terrace or backyard to a more suitable point.

Fire Pit Styles & Designs

Fire pits can be purchased in a diversity of distinct styles including a fire bowl design, camping rings, chimney style or tabletop fire pits. Also they come in a range of sizes from about 25 inches in diameter, medium up to 35 inches, and extremely large up to 50 inches which are just about as big as a patio table! Of course your finances and the area where you are going to position your fire pit will determine which size you should buy. Low-cost fire pits for approximately $99 are obtainable but they may not survive for any length of time, two or three seasons at the most. Metal in these economical models tends to be thin and prone to rusting and often screens are not very well-made and can disintegrate. At the other extreme there are fire pits powered by gas from roughly $500 to more than $2500 which will keep going for many years.

Fire Pit Accessories

In addition to your outdoor fire pit you may also want to acquire a number of accessories. As a rule fire pits are supplied with a screen to prevent sparks from being a danger but they often become twisted and broken down through use. An added accessory that is functional is a grill so you can cook on your fire pit! If you are going to leave it outside then you certainly must have a fire pit cover to shield it from the elements. Some also come with tables.

Fire Pit Safety

At all times study the manufacturers directions before you make use of your fire pit. It is not a good proposal to use an outside fire pit on a wood deck, a cement or tile floor or outside on the ground is much safer. You ought to also make certain you don’t use it near to anything that is inflammable such as fences, trees or other wooden items. Piled up dry grass or other dried plant material is also flammable so be cautious if you have just mowed the lawn!

Fire Pit Portability

When you choose the type of outdoor fire pit to buy consider if you want it to be portable. Some of the outdoor gas fire pits are weighty and not really effortless to move. Smaller, lighter fire pits can be transported around or taken with you on trips or to the beach

For more information and some good deals on fire pits visit Outdoor Fire Pits or Outdoor Gas Fire Pits.

Furnish Your Backyard With Modern Outdoor Furniture

As you want to spend leisure time outside your home with your family and friends, there will be no other place that can give you a comforting ambiance than having a well furnish backyard. Balconies, backyards and deck can be the focal point of your house extension. Having a good and appealing indoor furniture, it will not be hard on your part to think of the furniture that you can have as your outdoor furniture.
An outdoor wicker deep seat sets are the latest trend in complementing your backyard. The wicker is made of poly resin which is very durable under the different weather elements. Wicker sectional has been very popular as modular pieces can meet the customer’s needs. Many people are choosing intimate wicker deep seating to set in entertaining with style and comfort.

Cast aluminum is rust free and can be left outdoor for all year round. This material is far from that plastic furniture that bleached with the sunlight. Cast aluminum is clearly the choice of most people because of its durability with the test of weather and proven to be long lasting.

Sunbrella fabrics are the most sought after outdoor fabric perfect for any cushion. These fabrics are mildew resistant and can protect you from UV rays. . The fabrics of your sunbrella come in different color without worrying to fade quickly. Cushions are can be left outdoor and can withstand to any elements. Sunbrella has hundreds of designed fabrics to choose from, it will depend on you which you want you want as your outdoor furniture.

Now there is newly introduce reticulated cushion foam. This foam provides drain ability while maintaining its form and comfort. It can avoid the traditional problem with moisture being stuck in the foam after the rainfall. It is manufactured with virtually emission free VPF technology that is proven to be environmentally friendly way to produce polyurethane foams worldwide. With this environmentally friendly and durable, it gives the outdoor furniture cushion a longer life span.

Most people stay with the indoor fireplace every chilling night, what if you want to stay outside your home? Now there are outdoor fireplace that are available in electric, natural gas and ethanol. This has the ability to provide warm to the grand areas and are greatly fit the area as you do the furnishing of the space.

As you list all the needed outdoor furniture you will come up with endless listing. Having outdoor furniture that is durable to any type of weather is the best thing to consider in furnishing your backyard. And with the latest design trends and durability you will end up having a well organized patio where you can spend your leisure time.

Types of Backyard Fire Pits

Having a backyard fire pit is an idea that has been around for years. Backyard fire pits have definitely evolved from the original hole in the ground type. They are now decorative accessories that create an outdoor living area that you can share with family and friends. There are many options available for you to choose from and produce the ultimate warming glow of firelight in your backyard.

Metal Fire Pits

The basic model for a metal fire pit is a large steel ring with decorative cutouts for ventilation and flame viewing. The steel rings can be purchased at most home and garden centers for less than $100. The ring is placed on the ground or in an area that has either sand or stone and the fire is built in the center of the ring. The ring is designed to contain the fire. You could also choose a metal bowl that sets on legs. The bowls are approximately 2 to 3 feet in diameter and are made from copper, steel or aluminum. A metal bowl backyard fire pit ranges from $100 to $500 and can be set anywhere on the patio or lawn. Be aware that the metal bowls will get extremely hot and models with shorter legs could pose a fire hazard if set on a surface that is flammable, such as a wood deck or dry grass. Some of the metal bowl models will come with grills for cooking or wire mesh screens to keep the burning embers from flying around and inside the bowl.

Masonry and Stone

If you want a more permanent, formal backyard fire pit than you might want to consider going with a stone or masonry pit. These fire pits can be as small or as large as you desire or what your backyard area can comfortably support. The fires that you have in these fire pits should never be more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. You'll want to check and see if there are any specific building or fire codes that you need to conform to prior to building a permanent fire pit. Because brick, concrete block, slate or sandstone is a porous material they can get hot enough for moisture inside the material to cause them to crack or even in extreme cases, explode. You can prevent this from happening by using granite or other nonporous rock to construct stone backyard fire pits or make an inner ring of firebrick that is several feet inside the brick or masonry outer ring.

Gas Fire Pits

You should consider a gas fire pit, which is like a gas barbeque or grill, and runs on either propane or natural gas. Most gas backyard fire pit kits will come with faux logs, lava rocks and sometimes even decorative colored glass. You should avoid inexpensive backyard fire pit gas models that have nothing more than metal tubes with holes for the flames. Typically these types of gas fire pits are not UL-approved and could cause you problems. The nice thing about gas fire pits is that they don't need as much clearance from flammable surfaces as the open flame fire pits and they can usually be used in suburban or urban areas where wood fire are restricted. Backyard fire pits that are gas can be turn on and off instantly. Clean up is also minimal because gas fire pits don't produce ash or embers. There are so many different styles to choose from that you surely can find one model that fits into the backyard fire pit design you have in mind. The disadvantages of a gas fire pit is that you can't cook on them, you typically have to have quite a bit of gas to get the same affect as a wood fire and they are generally more expensive. A gas backyard fire pit can cost between several hundred to several thousand dollars and doesn't quite have the same effect or smell as a wood fire.

Regardless of which style of backyard fire pit you decide to go with, there is no denying the effect of a crackling fire in the great outdoors. It is not only beautiful but there is no way to wind down from a long day than to gaze into a glowing ember, cozy within the warmth of a backyard fire pit.

Jayme Hanson operates an information site about Best Landscaping Ideas. Articles include information on Container Plant Ideas, Small Backyard Designs and Patio Deck Ideas.