Today, sitting around a backyard fire pit on a chilly evening with family and friends provides a lovely communal experience. Before building a fire pit in your backyard, learn about fire-pit safety tips and how to follow local codes. Here’s what you need to know about how to build a backyard fire pit.
Local Laws, Permits, and Regulations
Before building a backyard fire pit, check your town’s laws regarding fire pits, including whether a permit is necessary. Please do not rely on information from neighbors or friends, but obtain it directly from the municipal government.
Choosing the Right Fuel and Fire Pit Type
Backyard fire pits can be fueled by wood or natural gas. If you plan to cook on it, choose wood; for convenience, gas is ideal. Just flip a switch to start the fire. Wood fire pits are less expensive, generate more heat, and are better for colder climates, but require more maintenance. Gas fire pits are low-maintenance but tend to be pricier.
Portable fire pits provide more flexibility. A permanent fire pit made of stone, brick, or concrete is a larger investment but offers greater aesthetic appeal.
Location, Placement, and Siting for Safety
Local law will dictate fire-pit placement to a certain extent. Even if your placement meets all code requirements, including setbacks, your property’s features also come into play. Keep your fire pit away from trees, fences, or power lines.
When placing a fire pit, consider the prevailing wind direction for overall safety.
Safety Features and Best Practices
Here are some backyard fire-pit safety tips for homeowners:
- Use spark screens to contain embers.
- Always have a fire extinguisher and buckets of water handy.
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. That involves ensuring embers are no longer glowing. Throw a bucket of water on the site after stirring the ashes to look for embers.
Design, Maintenance, and Longevity
When building a backyard fire pit, design it to blend aesthetically with your backyard landscape. The aesthetic also includes matching materials and appropriate lighting.
Build your fire pit with drainage in mind. Water damage can erode metal and corrode masonry over time.
With a permanent fire pit, inspect the structure regularly for any damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance extend the useful life of your fire pit.
Insurance, Liability, and Cost Considerations
Even if your municipality permits the type of fire pit you want, do not forget to contact your homeowner’s insurance company first to find out if fire pits and possible injuries or property damage are covered under your policy. Understand your liability if someone is hurt or the fire spreads beyond your property. You may have to purchase additional coverage.
When planning your fire-pit budget, don’t forget to add fuel and maintenance costs to the expense of construction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using a fire pit, always keep it a safe distance from your house and any combustible materials. Be sure to have all necessary safety tools within easy reach, so you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Additionally, never let ash or debris accumulate. Regular maintenance is key to preventing hazards.
Checklist Before You Light It Up
Before lighting your fire pit, always check the weather for wind conditions and air quality, and make sure there are no burn bans in place for the day. Always inspect the fire pit to ensure it’s in good condition and remove any materials stored too close to it.
FAQs
How far should a fire pit be from my house?
The fire-pit distance from your house is a critical safety issue. Your fire pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away, not only from your home, but also from any other structures. Your local codes should specify the exact distance required.
What materials can explode in a fire pit and should be avoided?
Avoid placing pressure-treated wood, plastics, or trash in the fire pit. If you have a fuel source for your fire, such as natural gas or propane, never throw anything into the fire pit.
Can you put a fire pit on grass or a deck, and is it safe?
If permitted by local zoning and with proper backyard fire-pit safety precautions taken, it is possible to install a fire pit on a large deck. However, it is not safe to put a fire pit on grass, as grass could catch fire and spread.
Do I need a permit or to check local codes before building a fire pit?
Absolutely. Check with your municipality regarding fire-pit building requirements. You may find the information on its website.
