What to Consider Before Building a Fire Pit

Nothing makes an outdoor space cozier than a high-quality fire pit. These features are eye-catching, practical and perfect for social gatherings. While incorporating a fire pit is an excellent way to spruce up a backyard, you’ll need to consider a number of important factors before you build one of your own.

Types of Fire Pits

Before purchasing a fire pit, you should know the different types to choose from. Consider one of these standard options for your backyard space:

Gas: Propane fire pits are great for setting fires quickly and easily. They burn cleanly to create a smoke-free environment, and they can even be controlled via smartphone.
Wood: Wood-burning fire pits are delightfully traditional. They’ll fill your yard with a rustic, woodsy smell and burn brightly for that classic outdoor ambiance. With this option, you can wind down to the relaxing sound of a crackling fire.

You’ll also want to decide whether you want a portable or permanent fire pit for your backyard.

The Purpose of Building a Fire Pit

Factor in what types of gatherings you’re planning to hold around your fire pit. Will you be hosting adult parties or family-friendly events with children? Are you planning on inviting lots of people to your gatherings, or just a few close friends?

Ask yourself these questions for sizing purposes. Knowing the answers will also help you determine whether you can be lenient about working on slanted land, or if building on level ground is necessary for your audience.

Location

It’s time to decide whether you want to place your fire pit conveniently close to your home or further away for a more secluded and intimate feel. Before you can make this decision, consider the pros and cons of your terrain.

It’s critical to avoid placing your fire pit in spots that are too wet or too dry for a fire. Choose a location that won’t get washed away by the rain but also isn’t too close to your house or other buildings. If your yard is particularly dry and flammable, line the base of your pit, build thick stone walls or use stone tiling.

If your location isn’t conducive to fire pit safety, it may be a reason why not to build a fire pit.

Safety

People often wonder if fire pits are safe. The reality of the situation is that fire pits can be dangerous — but you can take safety precautions to eliminate the risks. Be sure to follow these fire safety tips:

Keep a fire extinguisher or water supply nearby.
Consider wind direction.
Avoid wearing flammable or loose-fitting clothing.
Abstain from using flammable fluids like gasoline or lighter fluid.
Avoid using softwoods like pine and cedar, which can pop and send sparks flying.
Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fire.

City Requirements and Laws for Building a Fire Pit

Make sure you know your city’s codes when it comes to fire pits. Some laws require a 10-foot distance from the house and adjacent yards. Others require permits or inspections, and some even place restrictions on wood burning.

Build Your Fire Pit With Ricci’s Landscape Management

At Ricci’s Landscape Management, we’re experts in lawn fertilization, lawn care, landscape installation and irrigation system installation and maintenance. We’re the only certified dealer of MistAway systems, and we offer our services year-round.