Nothing is more relaxing after a hard week of work than to be able to unwind in your backyard with a cozy fire pit. No matter the climate you live in, a fire pit is a great addition to your home and can be the perfect spot for friends and family to come together.
What options do I have to make a fire pit?
Depending on the size of your backyard and your comfort level with fire, you have at least these two options to choose from.
- Using a metal structure. In some cases, homeowners leverage a grill style semi-circular structure that they place in the ground. Or, as a real DIY fire pit, you can simply take a traditional metal grill, remove the top and use that. You may choose to dig a hole to place the metal grill into to keep it stable.
- Building a brick outlay. The traditional fire pit is usually a circle that is hollowed out and dug 4-6 feet deep with bricks placed around the hole’s circumference. You can also have the firepit above ground, by building almost like a brick-encased well type structure.
You can add seating around the fire pit, but be sure to keep all outdoor furniture at least 10-12 feet away from the fire pit. Depending on the existing decor of your home, you can paint the bricks to match your home’s exterior or you can purchase more custom stones to use to match any patio walkways you may have.
Good to Know
Fire pits are a great addition to your backyard that can add value to your home and be the perfect place to host guests.
How can I make my fire pit more cozy?
Seating is definitely a plus, though you’d want to opt for all weather, outdoor furniture that can withstand the ups and downs of the seasons. In addition, placing lights around your yard can also accentuate the fire pit, giving it a welcoming and relaxing ambiance.
Adding ornate decorations to the fire pit can also give it a unique flair that will make it a natural conversation piece too!
If your fire pit is small or you live in a place with particularly cold winter temperatures, adding a few heated lamps around your yard can make it more comfortable.
Fire pits are a great addition to your backyard that can add value to your home and be the perfect place to host guests. The key will be in determining the right size for your yard and whether it makes the most sense to do an above ground fire pit or a below ground fire pit. Adding outdoor seating and other accessories can make your fire pit the ideal place to relax all year round.