Are you planning to build a fire pit and do you have a beautiful backyard that mostly has grass? You’ve come to the right place because in this article we will guide you about how to build a fire pit on grass.
Are fire pits safe on grass? This is something you should be aware of if you are planning to build one. You may set up a firepit right there on the grass of your lawn. But, if you do not take the necessary precautions, this may destroy the grass. To avoid this damage, it’s better to keep a mat or some other material underneath the firepit.
An elevated or raised fire pit with a spark screen would be a good option. Moreover, rotating the firepit routinely is also important.
Let’s go through some simple and quick ways to securely build a fire pit in your backyard. After all, a backyard fire pit is a terrific spot for family gatherings or chilling out with friends.
Let’s get started!
Building a firepit using beautiful metal rings, stones or pebbles, and bricks is a simple and inexpensive construction. Let’s discuss how to build a fire pit with rocks on grass.
Steps to Build a Fire Pit with Stones/Rocks on Grass
A firepit can be constructed on the grass of your backyard using a variety of different types of rocks. Some of these types include recycled concrete, mountain rocks, crushed granite, river rocks, pea gravel, and lava rocks. Any of these rock types would be great for building a beautiful fire pit.
In this article, we have selected river rocks to teach you how to build a fire pit with rocks. Let’s begin with the first step.
- Step 1 – Choosing the Right Spot
The first thing is to get permission from the local laws to build a fire pit in your yard. Once you are allowed to build one, look for a suitable location. It should always be built away from the direct wind, a safe distance from your house and fence, and never under a tree. Mark a spot for the firepit where you would love to gather with your friends and family.
- Step 2 – Taking Measurements
Keep it circular and about 4-5 ft. in diameter. Mark the middle of the fire pit with an “X.” Nail a piece of the stick right into the center of the “X”. Tie a piece of string to the stick loosely, the string should be allowed to move freely around the stick. Around the center axis, mark a circle on the grass.
- Step 3 – Digging A Hole on The Grass
Now, it’s time to dig a hole for the fire pit that’s 10 inches deep. It should look like a flat-bottomed bowl. All the grass present near the perimeter of the pit should be removed.
- Step 4 – Lining the Inside of The Firepit
Use bricks for the lining of the inside perimeter of the fire pit. To completely cover the interior circumference of the fire pit with bricks, you would need approximately 30 bricks placed vertically.
- Step 5 – Arranging the Rocks
Now, it’s time to arrange the rocks around the perimeter of the ring. Make sure that no gaps exist between the rocks by fitting each rock into the following one.
- Step 6 – Placing Bricks Around the Pit
To make a hearth, lay the remaining bricks flat on the dirt circle surrounding the fire pit, one row facing outward, that is, away from the center point.
- Step 7 – Putting Sand Inside the Fire Pit
Inside the center of the pit, pour and spread the sand. Due to the sand, the water doesn’t stay at the bottom of the fire pit. The level of the sand should be at least 2 inches.
- Step 8 – Lighting the Fire
Prepare the fire pit by collecting dry firewood and placing it in the center. Build the fire by pouring some fire pit lighter fluid on the wood. To avoid smoke, use dry wood.
Similarly, you can make a fire pit with bricks instead of using rocks.
How to Build a Fire Pit with Bricks on Grass
The procedure to build a fire pit with bricks is almost the same as the procedure to build it with rocks on the grass. You have to take permission from the local laws and then choose a suitable location for the firepit. A firepit doesn’t always have to be circular, you can build a square one too.
Let’s go through further steps to build a fire pit with bricks on grass.
- Step 1-Outlining the shape
Using the brick blocks, outline the shape of the fire pit. you can make a square layout by using full-sized bricks. With the help of a shovel, mark the outline of the fire pit, now remove the blocks and set them aside.
- Step 2-Building a Paver base
To create a stable foundation for the bricks, you have to install a paver base. Dig the soil around 2 inches deep, adjust the level of the soil by tamping it. Spread the gravel base evenly into it. Make the paver base damp, and finally adjust it by tamping it down.
- Step 3-Placing the Blocks
Now you are ready to place the blocks. Place the first row of the bricks on the top of the paver base and then on the top of the first row, place the second row. To make the blocks fit with each other, you may need to cut some of them.
Once you make a perfect boundary with the blocks properly staggered together, remove each block, put some construction adhesive on the block under it, and then place the block back.
- Step 4-Installing the Fire Bricks
Place the clay fire bricks vertically along the inside wall of the firepit. To hold these bricks in place, you may add a few inches of lava rocks inside the fire pit. You may add firewood and logs.
Final Thoughts!
No doubt it is possible to build a fire pit on grass, but it is only recommended if you take safety measures. Extreme heat from the fire pits is more than enough to destroy the grass beneath them, so it is better not to build a fire pit directly on to the grass. Nowadays, different materials are available which are meant to protect grass and to provide a stable foundation to your fire pit. These materials include fire resistant mats, brick pavers, and patio slabs. Using any of these methods can keep your lawn from becoming damaged.
So follow the safety instructions and build your fire pit, and have a wonderful time with your friends and family even when it is chilling cold out there.
Stay safe and have a good time.
