How to Build a Fire Pit & What to Look For in a Fire Pit?

When you learn how to build a fire pit, the procedure can be broken down into just five steps:

Step 1: Dig a 45 by 45 inch round hole that is 6 inches deep. The first course (layer) should be buried to provide greater stability in the foundation.

Note: Before you begin any digging or excavation, you should check for underground utilities and lines.

Step 2: Once you’ve finished digging the hole is dug and its leveled, you need to pour in paver base about 3 inches deep, and tamp it until its compacted well.

Step 3: Now it’s time to lay the first course (layer), making sure to level them as each stone is placed. Then use the remaining base to level and fill in the first course (layer).

Step 4: Remember to rotate the pattern for each layer so that the stones are staggered on the layer underneath. Use landscape adhesive on each layer if you wish. (Note: You will need 2 or more adhesive tubes to complete this project. Make sure to check that each layer is leveled.

Step 5: Once the fourth layer (course) has been set in place, lay the fire pit insert on the top. It’s not necessary to glue or anchor the fire pit to the stones.

Now if, after watching the video, you decide to simplify your life and avoid any digging mishaps by purchasing a fire pit, you will need to know what to look for.

Just like the last sofa, oven range or car that you selected, there are an almost overwhelming number of choices and selections out there.

The four main components that you’ll need to decide on for your fire pit are:

1. The Vessel

   This is your foundation and will house your fire. The three most popular options are concrete, metal or build your own. Design is one thing but so is durability and functionality. You need to answer these questions:

   • How will you or your guests interact with the fire pit?
   • Is it simply to provide heat or is it to contribute to the overall design and aesthetics of your environment?
   • How long will it last? Will you need to throw it out in one or two seasons?
   • Will it rust and will the rust drip onto your deck surface? Will it shale?
   • Do you need it to serve some other purpose when it is not in use?

2. The Ignition System

   – once the vessel is selected (our bias for concrete shines through) then one must consider the ignition system of your fire pit.

   • For most residences manual lit burners are absolutely fine. They are easy to operate and very simple to take the key away from kids who might want to monkey with the fire pit when you are not around.
   • Electronic ignition with either a timer or wall switch might work better for commercial locations where the fire pit is unattended and you wish to ensure it is controlled. Consider what the burner is made of – Solus fire pits have a brass burner and come with a 5 year warranty. (Electronic components only a 1 year). Most burners are steel or anodized metal and come with a 1 year warranty.

3. The Fuel

   – the next step in knowing how to build a gas fire pit is to decide between natural gas, propane (liquid propane) or bio fuel (ethanol) and figure out what it is that suits your location and environment best.

4. The Budget

   – “you get what you pay for” as the saying goes. Fire pits from the big box stores can be as little as $400. Fire pits of substance, design and durability generally range from $2,200 – $6,500 and then there are custom firepits, which can be as much as $10,000 to $12,000.

So what do you think? Will you be building your own backyard fire pit or will you purchase one?

We’re here to help if you run into problems or get discouraged and choose to purchase a professionally built fire pit instead of learning how to build a firepit yourself.

Contact us for More Fire Pit Information or to Get Your Questions Answered

Have a look at our selection of fire pits or connect with us on social media. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our fire pit professionals please call us.