A fire pit is a fantastic garden feature to make your outdoor space liveable through the cooler months of the year. Whether you install a permanent fire pit or a portable fire pit, you'll need to ensure that it will effectively contain a fire while still burning well.
The material that you place in the bottom of the fire pit, underneath the fuel for the fire, is key to ensuring that the fire pit is both safe and effective at warming your yard.
At All Green, you can find a range of fire pits and accessories. Visit in-store to see our fire pits on display for inspiration to create outdoor warmth in your garden.
Here's what to use in your fire pit
Both permanent and portable fire pits can burn brighter with the right lining materials.
Permanent fire pits can contain heavy material as it won't need moving regularly. You can combine large rocks, gravel and sand to ensure a fire-proof base that won't inhibit the flame.
Pro tip: Install a steel ring to line the inner wall of the fire pit. The steel contains the heat produced by the fire and will prolong the life of your fire pit.
A portable fire pit needs materials that can be lifted out and moved. Smaller rocks, glass or gravel are easily removable when you want to clean the fire or move it to another location.
Here are some materials that can withstand high temperatures and help a fire to burn as well:
Sand
A thin layer of sand can help to contain any fire. You might use sand a filler for any cracks in the floor of a dug fire pit.
An inch of sand at the bottom of a metal fire pit can help to protect the bowl from the intense heat of the fire. Whether your fire pit is portable or permanent, having sand at the bottom is a handy precaution. If you ever need to smother the fire in a hurry, you can grab a nearby shovel to use the sand.
Gravel
Gravel provides drainage, particularly for permanent fire pits dug into the ground. It tends to compact better than sand, allowing for stability over time.
Crushed rocks provide a stable base for a wood fire, and is suitable for permanent or portable fire pits. Choose a hard rock that is fire resistant, such as granite, marble or slate.
Glass
Firepit glass rocks are decorative and add a bit of sparkle to any gas or ethanol fuelled fire pit. Glass rocks may not be suitable for wood fire pits as the smoke and soot will fade the glass.
Bricks
Fire-rated bricks or half bricks at the base of a fire pit will allow oxygen to fan the flames. Bricks can also withstand high temperatures, making them a suitable material for your fire pit.
Concrete
Concrete makes a sensible bottom layer for a permanent fire pit. If the aesthetics are important or you want concrete for a portable fire pit, you can find painted or coloured concrete shapes that you can use.
Rocks
Not all rocks are suitable for use in a fire pit, so make sure you check the type of stone before using it. Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures.
Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits. Lava rocks are another popular option.
Choosing the right fuel for your fire pit
Once you've lined the fire pit with the material of your choice, you can load it with firewood. Firewood needs to be dry to burn effectively, so make sure it's stored undercover. Kindling — small sticks and twigs — and tinder, such as pine needles or bark shavings, can help get the fire going.
Ethanol or gas are suitable for decorative fire pits that add ambience to your yard. An advantage of ethanol or gas fire pits is the constant temperature they put out, and the reduced amount of smoke and soot.
Now that you know how to fill your fire pit, it's time to browse for fire pits for your yard!
Don't overload the fire pit with too much wood or burn garbage, treated wood, or other materials that can produce toxic fumes. Don't wear loose-fitting clothing that may more easily catch fire. Don't position the fire pit too close to structures, overhanging trees, or low-hanging branches.
Don't overload the fire pit with too much wood or burn garbage, treated wood, or other materials that can produce toxic fumes. Don't wear loose-fitting clothing that may more easily catch fire. Don't position the fire pit too close to structures, overhanging trees, or low-hanging branches.
Putting concrete pavers under your fire pit will protect your grass. If you're using a fire pit on grass, it's important to use a fire pit mat. This will help protect grass from the extreme heat of the fire pit.
Ideally, a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structures — 20 feet is even better. This includes your house, shed, fence and neighboring yards. Check the area around and above your fire pit. You don't want any plants within 10 feet of the fire pit area.
Fire pits should not be placed too close to a house or other backyard structures; and they should also not be placed too close to trees, shrubs, or other plants.
An inch of sand at the bottom of a metal fire pit can help to protect the bowl from the intense heat of the fire. Whether your fire pit is portable or permanent, having sand at the bottom is a handy precaution. If you ever need to smother the fire in a hurry, you can grab a nearby shovel to use the sand.
Pea gravel is great to add to a fire pit area because you don't have to be precise, it's comfortable to walk on, and it doesn't cost much per bag. Cover the entire weed block fabric with the pea gravel. Be sure that there is enough to cover the fabric without it showing through.
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.
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.
If you're wondering why you should put sand in the bottom of your fire pit, you'll be glad to know that the answer is straightforward to grasp. This is to protect the metal of the fire pit from the heat of the fire.
A firepit liner also protects the surrounding area from heat damage. Without a liner, the intense heat from the fire can cause damage to the ground or any nearby objects. A firepit liner is heat resistant and prevents heat from spreading, ensuring that the surrounding area is safe from damage.
These are protective heat shields that you place between your pavers and the fire pit. Since they are created with carbon fibers, they can withstand volcanic lava. These mats cost under $150 and depending on the size of your pit and patio you can get them customized.
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.
In addition to not burning wood with any leaves, vines, or unknown flowers, we recommend you stay away from wood varieties known to be toxic or cause allergic reactions, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or oleander. Burning these woods releases harmful substances into the air that can be dangerous when inhaled.
Yes, covering your fire pit when not in use is essential. A cover helps protect it from the elements, such as rain and debris, which can gather in your fire pit and cause potential damage. This simple step not only ensures your fire pit remains in top shape but also saves you time and money on maintenance.
If you're wondering why you should put sand in the bottom of your fire pit, you'll be glad to know that the answer is straightforward to grasp. This is to protect the metal of the fire pit from the heat of the fire.
Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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