Building an outdoor fire pit is a great option if you are willing to put in some time and effort. As easy as it might seem, building an outdoor fire pit involves multiple steps and you need to be familiar with the basic concept to kickstart the process the right way. Unfortunately, excitement gets the most of people and they ruin the entire project from the start. To prevent that from happening, we have compiled a list of some of the top tips for building an outdoor fire pit. Moreover, you can also take help from patio contractors for building a fire pit. So, the next time you want to have a relaxing place to unwind or spend some time with friends and family members, you know just where to go.

Get A Permit

The very first thing, which happens to be the most important as well, is seeking permission from the local authorities. You cannot just pick a shovel and start digging a hole in your backyard just because you think it’s your property. Even if it is, some states have strict regulations on building fire pits and all and require homeowners to inform them.

That said, you will either need to look over the internet or visit the local authorities personally and gather as much information about the process. It might be that you need to apply for a permit. If you end up ignoring such things, you can easily end up in a legal battle with the state.

The reason is that communities have underground networks installed by the local authorities which can be damaged while you work in your backyard. This is why the state needs to know what you are about to do to ensure you do not disrupt the networks causing inconvenience to neighbors and all.

And, since you are building a fire pit, the state will have to make sure you have safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher and other protocols in place should anything go wrong and the surrounding properties are at risk of catching fire as well.

Consider Accessibility

When building a fire pit, you need to consider accessibility as it determines how convenient it is for people to access the area with little to no risks at all. At the same time, they should also be able to relax without hesitation. In most cases, people tend to be a bit hesitant to relax around fire pits assuming they can catch fire.

Safety is always better but it is your job to think about it when building a fire pit. You should also keep in mind that people have varying relaxing styles. For instance, some people tend to warm up their feet while others, their hands. Such minor factors go a long way in building a fire pit everyone loves.

Don’t Position Fire Pits In Unfavorable Winds

When building a fire pit, the reason you need to be considerate about the location is because high winds and other factors can cause the fire to travel and come in contact with hazardous materials. Even though you should move items that could catch fire away from the surrounding area, but you never know when it will happen.

So, you have to be mindful about where your fire pit will go without winds or other external factors affecting it. If there are trees or shrubs in the surrounding area, you should either trim them or choose another location. This is because the dead shrubs and leaves can easily end up inside the fire pit and cause even bigger fires.

Explore Different Build Options

You should know which type of fire pit you want. So, get know about various types of fire pits. Believe it or not, this is not going to be an easy step as there is a sea of options out there. You should put in a lot of time and effort to opt for the best design.

The first thing you are going to do is decide if you want the fire pit for cooking or simply warming up your hands and feet. If you something for cooking, then you should consider an outdoor kitchen.

Your needs and preferences should match the type of fire pit you want and this is the easiest way to narrow down the options. It is not necessary that every fire pit style out there is suitable for you. There is a reason fire pits come in different shapes and sizes. It all depends on the purpose and the requirements of the homeowner.

Do Not Use The Wrong Materials

A common mistake people tend to make while building fire pits is not considering flammable or water-retaining building materials. In most cases, people tend to go through videos on the internet thinking fire pits can easily be built using any type of material.

The fact is that you cannot tell much about the materials from the video. Because fire pits need to retain the fire as long as you and your friends and family members are relaxing, you should not opt for something that does not allow the fire to go down at the end of the day.

The last thing you would want is to use a material that either catches fire once you leave or retains water during extreme weather conditions. Both situations are bad and you will need to opt for something that helps the moisture evaporate and prevent flames from engulfing while you are sleeping inside the house. Get recommendations from outdoor fire pit and patio builders Long Island.

Consider Fuel Supply Equipment And Emissions

Considering fuel supply equipment and emissions is key to building a safe and secure fire pit. Fire pits usually run on ethanol, propane, and natural gas as they emit no smoke, sparks, or any ash that needs to be cleaned up if you can afford it. Ethanol happens to be the purest of all fuel types and will need a proper connection to the fire pit.

However, you must have come across the majority of fire pits running on wood, which does create a cozy natural setting but kicks up a high volume of sparks, smoke, and ash. At the same time, wood-burning fire pits are also a huge fire hazard, which is many states have strict regulations regarding them.

Should I Build A Fire Pit Myself?

Although building a fire pit seems like an interesting task and you can do it on your own, you need to consider several factors. Plus, you will need to invest in tools and materials having put in your homework to avoid wasting money.

If you are not willing to do that, you might just hire a contractor who will charge you for their services and build you a fire pit that is of better quality, with appropriate materials, and utilizing the right tools. In fact, a contractor will build a fire pit relatively faster than you can on your own.

Furthermore, they will also take care of the permits required from the local authorities. Once you have observed the process of building a fire pit, you can maintain and build future fire pits should you decide to change your residence.

Conclusion

Always do your research and consult an outdoor fireplace builder Long Island when planning for a fire pit. Maintenance is key to ensuring a safe and smooth-running fire pit. And, do not shy away from choosing materials that are quality-approved and won’t pose a risk every time you light up your fire pit.