Stone Fire Pit Ideas

Fire pits add an elegance and yet a primal charm to an outdoor landscape. These pits should be located well away from outdoor structures and homes. Some fire pits may be dug into the ground, others are stones laid on top of the earth. Many accessories are available for the fire pit. These include large cast iron pots and metal stands for cooking. Consideration should be made as to the full usage of the pit before construction takes place.

Dig a Pit

• Placing the fire pit into the ground can have both an advantage and a disadvantage. Heavy rains or wet soils can cause ground water to seep up and into the pit. This can literally dampen the fire. Areas of strong prevailing winds can benefit from a dug-in type of pit. The fire can be sheltered from the wind and accessories can be placed lower to the ground. This can allow for greater access in outdoor cooking.

Metal Rings

• The addition of a metal ring helps to contain the fire. Rings of various thickness, heights and widths are available to define the fire pit. Stones or rocks are then randomly placed around the metal ring. The stones do not contain the fire but add the rustic look and appeal of a natural fire pit. Some metal rings may have added features or connections for accessories to be directly attached to the metal sides. This allows cooking grates to be installed over the fire along with special potholders. Ovens are even available to suspend over hot coals for baking breads and pies.

Stone Laying

• Stones can be randomly laid to form the fire pit or cemented into place. Cemented stones should have a proper foundation placed under the stonework. Designs of the pit can be the imagination of the builder. Round fire pits are the most typical as everyone gathered around can have equal access. Square pits are useful for suspending grates or spit rods for cooking foods over the open flames. Rectangular open-ended fire pits can be constructed for burning large logs. The logs are placed through the pit, where they can lay flat and be moved into the burning fire. A tall tripod can be constructed over the pit for suspending large cooking pots. More fuel is easily added from either end of the rectangular pit. The open ends of the pit are generally orientated for prevailing wind flow.