Insight To Help You Install A Safe And Proper Backyard Fire Pit
Having a backyard gives you an outdoor area for gatherings with friends and family, and installing a fire pit will give this space a focal point. A backyard fire pit provides a place to roast food, warm yourself, or just relax and enjoy the outdoors. But building a proper fire pit requires certain standards to be met for the location to be safe and long-lasting. Here are some tips to help you install a proper fire pit.
Safety Clearance
First you will need to select a location in your backyard for a fire pit. Take into consideration nearby structures, such as a garage, shed, your home or a neighbor's home, and overhanging trees to make sure the fire will not be at risk of spreading.
The best way to determine the best clearance and position for your fire pit is to talk to your local city building office to find out what their requirements are. They will tell you how far away from structures or your fence line your fire pit needs to be.
Fire Ring
Whether you have your fire pit set mostly within the soil or upon the surface of the soil, it is best if you use a steel fire pit ring. This ring will provide structure to your fire pit's interior and will also prevent the heat from scorching any surrounding surfaces.
You may be already familiar with steel fire rings, as they are most commonly used in fire pits found in state parks across the country. And you can find a metal fire pit ring with the dimensions you need for your backyard fire pit at most home improvement stores.
Fire-Rated Masonry Concrete
When building up the sides of your fire pit around the central fire ring, you can use a variety of materials to give your fire pit an attractive appearance. This can include heat-resistant rock, stone, brick, or tiles. The resistant qualities will prevent the materials from cracking from the fire's heat.
It is important you also use a concrete to stabilize the sides of the fire pit, as you and your guests may rest upon the edge of the fire pit. You don't want to risk someone falling due to a fire pit perimeter that has not been secured with concrete. And because your fire pit will become extremely hot from the flames, it is essential the concrete you use to secure the materials around the pit (along with the other building materials) be made of a fire-rated material. This will prevent the masonry concrete from cracking and breaking apart from the heat of the flames.
To learn more about installing outdoor fireplaces or pits, contact a concrete contractor in your area.
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