How to Create a Firepit

Creating a fire pit is a great way to enjoy summer evenings under the stars, cool autumn nights and just about any outdoor relaxation experience you can imagine. Fire pits keep mosquitos at bay, add an inviting ambience to an outdoor party and make it easy to cook hot dogs or melt marshmallows for s'mores. Metal fire pits are sold at almost every home and garden store, but it is just as easy to create one of your own. Read on to learn easy steps to create your own firepit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large rocks
• A small open area of land
• A shovel
• Wood

1. Gather large rocks. You will need enough rocks to be able to lay them in circle approximately 4' to 5' around, stacking them two to three layers high. You can purchase rocks at a number of garden centers or rock quarries. Depending on where you live, you may be able to gather them from your yard or its natural surroundings.

2. Choose the best spot for the fire pit. You want a relatively open area of land with plenty of room for chairs. Don't build your fire pit too close to the house.

3. Grab a shovel and dig a hole in the ground, approximately 2' to 3' deep and 4' to 5' around.

4. Place rocks around the edge of the hole. The rocks create a protective safety barrier within which to contain the fire.

5. Gather wood to start a fire. Place the wood in the center of the hole within the parameters of the rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your fire department to determine local regulations for backyard fire-pit use.
• Build the fire pit in a spot where it can remain over time.
• Use common sense when making a fire.
• Keep children away from edge of fire pit.