There is definitely nothing better than having an outdoor barbecue over an open flame while enjoying a mid summer evening as the warmth of the fire caresses your face. The trick to making this a reality is to build a long lasting outside fire pit that will serve several functions as well as offering a cozy feeling to your patio or backyard.
The first thing you need to do is to pick a spot for the pit. The pit should be within reach for tending, out of the way of lawn games and running children, and far enough from the house so as to never cause a threat to anyone or anything. A great strategy is to place the pit near the outer corner of a porch or patio so that it wards bugs away from food and guests without burning down the house. Also be aware of the location of lawn equipment or furniture as well as trees and shrubs. The outside fire pit should be easily visible from most any distance at any time of the day.
Now that you have chosen a spot for your outside fire pit, you need to prepare to build the pit itself. Start by considering the size of the pit. Take into consideration the entire size of the pit including the fire pit itself as well as the materials that serve as a safety perimeter. Remove any grass or flammable materials in that area.
The perimeter of the outside fire pit will consist of four sides: three sides will be walled in with cinder bricks, and the fourth side will be open. Stack cinder bricks of a reasonable size and thickness along the three sides of the pit. The open side should face the guest seating area so that it'll be easy to tend and will provide them comfort. The height of the walls should be no less than three feet. This will keep animals and small children safe as well as providing a means by which to keep the fire under better control. Fill the empty space of the pit with bark chips. This will become the basics of the kindling for the first fire.
The next thing to do is acquire all of the necessary equipment for use with your outside fire pit. This includes fire tongs with which to tend the logs and rubbish, a means by which to start the fire, some charcoal or lighter fluid, and a bucket for pouring water over the fire. A fire extinguisher could also come in handy in case of emergencies. If the fire is to be used as a cooking pit, the type of bricks you use as well as the size of the pit will determine the size of the grill and how it should be laid across the pit. The trick here is to be creative. Just make sure that the grill is secure when in use.
An outside fire pit will make a wonderful addition to your patio or yard. Simply be aware of its placement, safety precautions, and fire laws in your area. Whether it's for barbecue or roasting marshmallows, a fire pit provides years of enjoyment for the whole family.
