How to Build a Fire Pit With Rocks

Building a fire pit will keep a bonfire controlled and safe.

When you're at the beach, camping or just hanging out in your backyard, there's nothing quite like a bonfire to set the mood. Siting around a bonfire gives people a place to socialize, keep warm and make melty s'mores. To be both safe and efficient, though, a bonfire should be enclosed and controlled. Build your own fire pit using stones to enjoy a bonfire without worrying about it getting out of control.

Things You'll Need

• Flour/chalk
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Sand
• Rocks/stones

Instructions

1. Mark the area you want to use for your fire pit. Use flour or chalk to outline a circular area. Don't make the area too large, as that could lead to a large, aggressive fire. Shoot for an area that's 2 to 3 feet across.

2. Dig out your fire pit. Keeping the sides vertical, dig into the area to create a pit that's 6 to 8 inches deep.

3. Use the shovel to scrape the bottom of the fire pit until it's level. Pour a layer of gravel into the bottom of the fire pit. This layer should be at least 3 inches thick, to allow for drainage.

4. Pour play sand over the gravel. This layer should also be 3 inches thick. Even out the sand to form a seal over the ground. This will prevent sparks from getting into any of the roots in the ground.

5. Line the outside edges of your fire pit with stones and rocks from the surrounding area. Stones will effectively put out any sparks that fly off the fire and keep them from setting fire to surrounding brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Using stones that have moisture in them will cause popping and snapping as the moisture evaporates.

• Always supervise campfires for safety, even if they're built in a fire pit.

• Do not attempt to stand in or jump over the fire pit while a fire is burning, as you might be injured.

References

• Home Envy: The Magic of a Good Fire Pit