Fire Pit popularity has grown in the past few years.  More and more people want to turn their back yards into outdoor living spaces.  One of the best ways to create a relaxing environment in your back yard is through the use of a fire pit.  Most fire pits have required set backs from houses or structures, so check with your local fire department before you build one.  Once you determine your set backs, now let the fun begin.  What could possibly be more relaxing than sitting by an open fire in your back yard chatting with friend and roasting marsh mellows?  The peace and tranquility that a fire pit creates will definitely want to make you spend more time outdoors.  There are three basic types of fire pits to choose from.  The first type of fire pit is a free-standing pit.  This type of fire pit is basically a free-standing, movable fire containment area.  You see these types of fire pits where built-in fire pits are not practical.  The second type of fire pit is a free-standing, built-in.  These are most commonly built of concrete block in a circle form, with a metal insert in the center.  These fire pits can be constructed over soil or concrete areas.  The third type of fire pit is a in ground, built-in.  These types of fire pits usually consist of a metal ring inserted into the ground to contain a fire.

Fire Pit

How to build a fire pit.

If you want to create a built-in free-standing fire pit, there are a few things that you should consider.  First, do you want a hard surface area around your fire pit for seating or an area just large enough to stack fire wood?  If the room allows, most people opt for a patio around the fire pit.  This makes the area useable even when the ground is wet and soft.  Start your project by choosing your base.  You can go the simple route by just using crushed limestone as a base to your fire pit and sitting area.  You can opt for a long-term fix by installing poured cement, pavers or natural stone.  Once your surface is chosen, then you can start building your fire pit.  It is best to center your fire pit on the hard-surfaced area, that way you have plenty of room to sit.  It also comes in handy if you need to rotate the direction of your seating because a shift in the wind direction.  Once you have marked out your pit area, you can now begin construction.  Most fire pits with an insert require building the cement wall around the insert.  Start by setting your insert in place.  Start laying your stone around the perimeter of your fire pit.  Alternate the stone seams as you grow the height of your fire pit.  I would not recommend using block adhesive to secure your blocks, because some of the products are not fire resistant.  Continue stacking until your wall is finished.  Most small projects can be done in a few hours with the help of a few people.

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