Remember—safety first! A brick paver fire pit can be a perfect addition to your patio, but there are some safety risks, so it’s always important to plan ahead and know what to expect.
There are many factors to consider when planning, installing, and using a brick paver fire pit, including selecting the right type of pavers. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most essential factors you need to know when planning for and using a fire pit on your property.
Location of the Fire Pit
The location of your fire pit is a critical consideration. First, it should be located at least 10 feet from your house or other structures, but if you can place it more than 10 feet away from your property, that will be better. Do not place your fire pit near fencing, playsets, swimming pools, or your neighbor’s property line.
Additionally, you don’t want patio umbrellas, tree limbs, or other combustible materials near the fire pit. Consider surrounding the entire fire pit with noncombustible materials that can withstand heat or a stray ember, like kiln-fired brick, sand, or crushed stone.
Check Local Codes
Call your city or county zoning representative and inquire about specific rules that pertain to burning fires in a pit on residential properties. Some localities require a permit for brick fire pits, while others send out a fire inspector to ensure your pit is safe for use.
Still, other localities do not allow the burning of real wood and only allow you to use a gas fire pit with lava rocks or something similar. Whatever the case, you’ll want to fully understand what is and is not permitted in your municipality.
Using Your Fire Pit
Follow these general tips when using your brick paver fire pit to ensure you keep yourself, your family, and others safe:
- Only use seasoned, very dry firewood
- Clean debris off your fire pit before lighting a fire
- If you’re burning real wood, put up a pop or smoke screen
- Avoid synthetic clothing, like nylon, that can catch fire or melt easily
- Check your local weather to ensure there are no burn bans in effect
- Always keep a fire extinguisher or a garden hose nearby and ready for use
- If you’re using a gas fireplace, know where the gas supply shut-off is
And please, always remember that fire and excessive drinking definitely do not mix. Limit your alcohol consumption whenever you’re near and enjoying your fire pit.
Contact All Brick for More Information
All Brick is a family-owned company providing superior brick and masonry services to homeowners in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, MI. We specialize in constructing safe brick paver fire pits for patios and other outdoor living spaces. Visit our blog for more tips and information about fire pit construction, or contact us today to schedule a project consultation.
FAQs
Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.
What are the safety precautions for a fire pit? ›
Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.
How to protect pavers from fire pits? ›
One way to protect your concrete patio from damage is to use a heat-resistant pad to build your fire pit on. This will help distribute the heat evenly, which will help prevent the concrete from cracking or flaking.
Are paver bricks fire proof? ›
Brick pavers are renowned for their exceptional fire resistance among the various hardscaping materials available. They are inherently non-combustible due to its composition, making it an ideal choice for outdoor areas where fire safety is a concern.
Does a paver fire pit need a liner? ›
Selecting Materials for Fire Pit Construction
If not suited to high temperatures, these stones can crack and splinter. This is why a fire pit design should include a stainless steel interior liner that is installed with the proper amount of air space between the liner and the fire pit material.
What is the safest type of fire pit? ›
Propane fire pits are generally considered one of the safest options. Let's take a look at some of the features that make them a good choice.
What is the safe distance around a fire pit? ›
Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.
Can you put a fire pit on brick pavers? ›
Pavers of brick, stone, or concrete will not catch fire. However, they will suffer discoloration from the heat of the fire. To avoid this, consider the use of a firepit pad. These are large mats of various sizes you can place under the firepit.
Can you build a fire pit on top of brick pavers? ›
The pavers help form a perfect circle and gravel at the bottom helps level the pit and contain the fire. What's more, you can easily adjust the size of the firepit—whether it's in the middle of your yard or sunken into the center of a patio, Follow our step-by-step instructions to build a firepit in just one weekend.
Can I use patio pavers for a fire pit? ›
They're large and some have a helpful bevel to them, but they're not made for high heat. They will crack and spall over time. If you make a somewhat larger fire pit with the pavers, but then make a lining of one layer of fire bricks on the inside of the pavers, the pavers will last a lot longer.
If you're building the fire pit in your yard, you'll need a paver base to create a stable foundation for the blocks.
Do fire pits affect homeowners insurance? ›
How home insurance coverage is affected depends on the type of fire pit you have. Those detached from the house may need higher other structures coverage limits. A fire pit that's moveable may be considered a personal belonging. In that case you may want to increase your personal property limits.
Do brick fire pits need a metal ring? ›
Fire bricks, known for their ability to withstand high temperatures, may not require liners for protection. However, for materials less resistant to heat, liners within a fire pit ring can prevent damage and ensure durability.
How big should a paver fire pit be? ›
In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.
Are concrete pavers ok for fire pits? ›
Using concrete to construct the fire pit is okay, but it's crucial to line the pit with fire bricks. When building a concrete fire pit, make sure to incorporate heat-resistant ready-mix mortar.
How to protect concrete from fire pits? ›
Use a fire pit pad or mat: Placing a fire-resistant pad or mat underneath your fire pit can provide insulation and protect the concrete from direct heat exposure. These pads are typically made from fire-resistant materials, such as volcanic rock or metal, and can help to prevent heat damage to the concrete surface.
What to put under a fire pit on a patio? ›
You can use fireproof materials like stone, brick, or high-temperature resistant tiles to create a safe barrier between your fire pit and the patio surface. They're excellent for outdoor heating safety measures.
