What's a safe and easy way to make a fire pit?

Question

I'm interested in making a firepit in my yard so as to have some bonfires, etc. and I was wondering if anyone knew a way to create one that is safe and easy. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Dig out a large circle of dirt 4 to 6 feet wide and one foot deep, make it like a bowl, lower in the middle, . I like a bit of sand raked over the exposed dirt to make it pretty. Ring the top with rocks or pavers or whatever you want.

Answer 2

Jeanie D gave you the idea that I used in my back yard at my last house. I went about 1.5 feet down so I could build a big fire and keep most of my wood under or level with the top. I used some large rocks at the top and thruogh some dirt up against the outside to help stabalize them. Keep in mind that thier will be times you will need to clean out your pit...... I dig hole not far away from the pit and burry old ashes. This is better than putting it in the garbage or leaving it above ground.

Answer 3

Dig a two foot deep hole and line The walls with brick or stone. Have the walls come up about a foot out of the ground. Or you could bury a metal barrel 3/4 of the way into the ground, and start rosting, lol.

Answer 4

I used a spokeless 20" truck tire rim. They can be found at some auto/truck junk yards. If you level the ground before setting it, you can put a grate over it for cooking outside. I don't like digging because rain will settle there when not in use. You can also set it up on 4 bricks/stones for air flow.

Answer 5

I'm sorry, but when did we step into the "Farenheit 451" universe? Why not just try donating them to a library or good will.You might feel no use for them, but somebody else might.However if you feel the need to burn them, then just get a fire pit form a target or Ace Hardware and toss them in there.They build a big fire and its a tad safer. But please, do not burn the books...its not their fault people take them to the extreme.

Answer 6

I'd make a good solid cement platform and buy one of the enclosed fire pits. They are much safer since it is all enclosed with those screens and a roof on the unit. meaning, no sparks, no burns, and no external fires.
I'm sure you can even bolt it to a cement platform to prevent it from being " Blown Over' if strong winds occur in your region.
Not to mention the obvious - it is mobile and not stationary.

Answer 7

for safety if you go with bricks or stones you should consider fire bricks. specially fired bricks with lower moisture content. regular stones or bricks can spall(crack/explode if super heated but hopefully you wont get it that hot)

the truck rim or metal is probably the better idea only you'll have to deal with rust but you could use a good BBQ or auto exhaust spray paint for looks

Answer 8

Can't improve on Jeannie D's answer.

She "Hit the nail on the head"