As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I’ve always dreamed of having a cozy DIY firepit in my backyard. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build one myself. Not only did it save me money, but it was also a fun and rewarding project adding a lot of value to my outdoor space. If you’re interested in building your own firepit, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and several accessories that can be added to it. These accessories enhance the experience and make it more functional.
Step 1: Choose the right location
Before you start building your DIY firepit, it’s important to choose the right location. Make sure it’s far enough away from any structures or trees that could catch fire. Consider the wind direction as well. I chose a spot in my backyard that was far away from my house and had a nice view of the garden.
Step 2: Gather materials
To build your firepit, you’ll need the following materials:
- Retaining wall blocks
- Fire bricks
- Sand or gravel
- Landscape fabric
- Metal ring (optional)
- Shovel
- Level
- Rubber mallet
Most of these materials can be found at your local home improvement store. The retaining wall blocks and fire bricks come in different sizes, so choose the ones that are right for your project.
Step 3: Prepare the site
Once you have your materials, it’s time to prepare the site. Start by clearing away any debris and leveling the ground. Then, mark the perimeter of your firepit with a hose or some string make sure you have the right size and shape.
Step 4: Build the base
Next, it’s time to build the base. Start by digging a shallow hole about 6-8 inches deep and twice the diameter of your firepit. Line the hole with landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing through. Then, fill the hole with sand or gravel and use a level to make sure it’s even.
If you want to add an extra layer of protection, place a metal ring around the outside of the base. This will help prevent any embers from escaping and starting a fire.
Step 5: Build the walls
Now it’s time to build the walls of your firepit. Start by laying the first layer of retaining wall blocks around the perimeter of the base. Use a rubber mallet to make sure they’re level and tightly packed together. Then, add another layer of blocks on top, making sure to stagger the seams.
Continue adding layers until your firepit is the desired height. I went with three layers, but you can adjust it to your liking. Make sure to leave a small gap between the last layer of blocks and the ground, so that air can circulate keeping the fire going.
Step 6: Add the fire bricks
The last step is to add the fire bricks to the inside of the firepit. Stack them up to create a wall that’s about 2-3 bricks high, depending on the size of your firepit. This will help contain the fire and prevent any hot coals from escaping.
Accessories that can be added to a DIY backyard firepit
- Fire Pit Screen: A fire pit screen is a mesh cover that is placed over the fire pit to prevent sparks and causing accidents. This is a must-have accessory for safety reasons, especially if children or pets will be around the fire pit.
- Fire Pit Cover: It helps to keep the fire pit dry and free from debris, which can prolong its lifespan.
- Fire Pit Grate: It allows air to circulate around the logs, which helps the fire to burn more efficiently and produce more heat.
- Fire Pit Poker: You can use this to move the logs around, break them apart, or even put out the fire.
- Fire Pit Cooking Grate: A fire pit cooking grate is a metal rack that is placed over the fire pit to hold pots, or skewers.
- Fire Pit Seating: Seating is an important accessory for any fire pit, as it provides a comfortable place for people to sit and enjoy the fire. This can include chairs, benches, or even built-in seating around the fire pit.
- Fire Pit Lighting: Adding lighting around the fire pit can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Also include string lights, lanterns, or even solar-powered lights that are embedded in the fire pit itself.
There are many accessories that can be added to make it more functional, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone who uses it.
And that’s it! With these simple steps and added accessories, you can transform your backyard into a relaxing retreat with a DIY firepit. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends and family, roast marshmallows, or just enjoy a quiet evening under the stars.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to DIY Indoor Gardening for City Dwellers
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