The Beginner's Guide to Lighting a Fire Pit (2024)

FAQs

The Beginner's Guide to Lighting a Fire Pit? ›

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit? To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit? To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

First, lay your thickest logs in a row in your firepit. Add another row of thick logs to build the heart of the fire, then a row or two of thinner logs. Add a kindling stack built in the same way, then top with firelighters and light with a match.

If you cover the flame with too much firewood too quickly, you can snuff it out because it won't get enough oxygen. You also need to stack the logs in such a way that enables them to breathe. If the logs are stacked too tightly together, oxygen won't flow between them and it will slow the burning process significantly.

Regularly add more kindling or tinder to help keep your flames burning longer and hotter. Leaning logs against each other in a criss-cross pattern can help keep them upright while creating an efficient airflow through which oxygen can reach deeper into the pile and create a larger flame.

Designated pits and rings are key to keeping your campfire contained. Make sure to clear the area around the campfire of any flammable materials, including kindling and wood meant for the fire. This way, if any embers escape, chances are low a wildfire will result.

Use Sand to Protect the Bottom from Heat

To prevent this, add a thin layer of sand to the pit before adding wood. The sand will act as insulation and protect the metal from the worst of the heat without taking away from the beauty or aroma of the fire.

Putting gravel on the ground around your fire pit creates a nice, level base for seating. Plus, it protects the ground and surrounding area with a non-flammable material in case any embers make their way out of the fire pit.

How to light a fire for dummies? ›

Instructions: Without tearing, carefully pull on seam of wrapper to separate it from the log. Always start with two logs. Place the two logs on grate or fire pit in an X configuration, with the top log angling up.

While they can certainly make starting a fire easier and more convenient, they're not absolutely necessary. With some patience, practice, and the right kind of wood, you can start a fire using only kindling and matches.