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How do I Choose the Best Fire Pit Design?

Klaus Strasser
Klaus Strasser

The ancient impulse of creating fire redefines itself in contemporary society with the concept of the fire pit. Choosing the best fire pit design usually depends on your own individual desires. You may want to think about the use of the fire pit and its general aesthetic look. Whether the fire pit is to be a temporary or permanent fixture also may be something to consider. Fire pits usually can be made with either a do-it-yourself method or by purchasing an already-made fire pit.

Basic campfire design can be a good choice if you are looking for a simple way to make a fire pit. This is a very simple design that consists of digging a hole in the ground, which is then filled with firewood. This elegant and simple fire pit design requires only a shovel for digging and firewood.

A fire pit.
A fire pit.

A basic fire pit design also can be supplemented by using stones to encircle the firewood. This helps contain the firewood in the pit. In some cases, a stone fire pit design will not require that you dig a hole beforehand. Cinder blocks or bricks also can be used to frame your fire pit. These materials can provide a more durable fire pit, while also offering the advantage of being easily disassembled when the fire goes out.

Fire pits may contain real or ceramic logs.
Fire pits may contain real or ceramic logs.

If the do-it-yourself approach is not for you, and you want something fancier, you could consider purchasing any number of fire pit kits. Going to your local home and garden outlet could give you an idea about the different types of fire pit designs available. These can include portable fire pits such as a copper fire pit, which could be ideal for traveling.

Cinder blocks can be used to frame a fire pit.
Cinder blocks can be used to frame a fire pit.

Numerous websites are dedicated to the different types of fire pit designs. They typically feature explanations of how to make fire pits, what materials are needed, and if these fire pit designs are also recommended for cooking. This can be a good way to familiarize yourself with the different options available.

Some fire pits may use natural gas rather than firewood. This usually means that they will have to be connected to your natural gas line, or to a portable natural gas tank. This could be a great choice if you are considering a permanent fire pit for your home. It also can make your life easier, as you will not have to concern yourself with finding firewood or with cleaning up ash after use.

Discussion Comments

anon72434

We belong to a 4X4 club in Australia. The Club has a property in the bush and in the "shed" ( big barn really) there is a wood-burning fire pit (campfire with block surrounds) in the middle. It has a large hood over the entire area of the fire pit. However, we are having trouble with smoke and believe it is because this is not flued properly. The diameter of the flue is approximately 18".

Can anyone suggest how this problem could be solved.

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    • A fire pit.
      By: Harris Shiffman
      A fire pit.
    • Fire pits may contain real or ceramic logs.
      By: GummyBear
      Fire pits may contain real or ceramic logs.
    • Cinder blocks can be used to frame a fire pit.
      By: zimmytws
      Cinder blocks can be used to frame a fire pit.