The How to Build a Quick Outdoor Fire Pit

Building a fire pit in your own backyard can be a simple, fast, and fun activity for the whole family. It can be used no matter what the season, whether you're having a springtime barbecue, s'mores in the summer, or even a Halloween camp out in the fall. One that is built outdoors isn't just functional, but can be an attractive accent to your home as well, when trimmed with decorative stones or when it's built-in to your patio.

You should start the building process by choosing where you want your pit to be located. Pick a clear, empty spot that's fairly far away from flammable materials such as grass, leaves, trees, bushes, and building structures. You than need to start digging a hole about one foot deep- the diameter of hole is completely up to you, but the average size is probably about five feet across.

After your hole is completed, carefully inspect it to ensure that it's evenly dug with a level surface. You can leave the hole as-is and skip this next step if you don't mind burning up the ground and dirt, but if you wish your pit to be a little more aesthetically pleasing, continue on. Next, you need to pour about three to four inches of finely ground pea gravel into your pit and smooth it out, for an even burning surface.

For added safety, line the outside of your circular pit with large rocks. If you want a more attractive look, use your imagination and build a miniature brick wall, add some decorative cement garden stones, or you may lay down a flat, decorative tile border. Just keep in mind that your border must be fireproof and non-flammable.

Your last and final step is too build a fire inside of your newly constructed fire pit, using kindling, logs, and a heat source such as matches or a lighter. Once this is done, all you need to do is sit back around your pit and enjoy the fruits of your labors!

Once your fire pit is fully constructed, you'll find yourself making excuses to throw an outdoor party. You won't need to worry any longer about your campfires spreading, or small children getting too close to your bonfire. Safe, attractive, and fun, anyone's home can do with the addition of an outdoors fire pit.