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How To

How to Build Outdoor Firepits

Contributor
By Joyce Starr
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Whether you are camping or at home, using a fire pit is always advised when building a campfire. The last thing you want is a fire getting out of control and burning down the forest or your home. A fire pit will keep the fire contained and keep the woods and yourself safe from getting burned. It doesn't matter whether you are in the forest camping or in your backyard, building a fire pit is relatively basic and you probably already have all the supplies you need.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Large rocks
  • Bricks or blocks
  • Shovel
  • Old base to a charcoal grill
  • Rake
  • Concrete

    Tips on Building Fire Pits

  1. Step 1

    Choose an area to build your fire pit where there is no chance of anything catching on fire. Be sure to avoid an area with low-hanging branches or where plants or structures are nearby. You don't want the sparks igniting something not meant to be burned.

  2. Step 2

    Rake the area free of leaves or other debris that can catch on fire. You will want to clear an area that is approximately 6 feet in diameter.

  3. Step 3

    Dig out an indention in the center of where the fire pit will be located. This will allow air to flow underneath the wood and keep it burning. If you have an old charcoal grill base, you can use that too to place your burning wood inside.

  4. Step 4

    Gather some large rocks, bricks or concrete blocks for the outside of your fire pit. They will make the barrier that will encase your fire and won't catch on fire by the embers or flames touching them. Stack your rocks/bricks in a 3-foot circle to form the outside area where the fire will be contained. Make sure the rocks/bricks are approximately 6 to 8 inches in height as you form the barrier wall. This will keep the burning wood inside of the fire pit and you won't run the chance of it falling out and catching something else on fire.

  5. Step 5

    Use concrete to hold the rocks/bricks together if you are at home and want a fancier fire pit. Mix the concrete per the directions and place it between the rocks/bricks to hold them together. This will create a more permanent fire pit. Allow the concrete to completely dry before using the fire pit.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always stack your wood away from the fire pit so it doesn't accidentally catch on fire.
  • Don't leave children unsupervised around an open campfire.
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