How to Build a Fire Pit on The Grass with Bricks, Stones & Rocks

A fire pit is designed to prevent fire from spreading. It makes your backyard more attractive and keeps you warm in the evening. You can sit around the fire pit with family and friends to make a nice moment. Without a fire pit, it could be dangerous.

If you don’t have a steel fire pit, we are going to share the easiest ways to build a fire pit on the grass with bricks, stones, and rocks. All the required items we will use are available at your nearest hardware or garden stores.

Before we start, please take permission from the local authorities. It may be illegal in your area because of underground utilities. If you are using rent property, talk to the homeowner.

Choose a location for the fire pit

Once you get permission from the authority, now you have to choose the perfect location for the fire pit. You have to consider the below things while choosing a spot for the fire pit.

Safety– Keep a little distance from your house, and fence. Also, avoid direct wind.

Sit Position– Keep your sitting position 5-7 feet away from the pit. If the pit is very small, you can keep a short distance.

Place– Choose a place where it looks attractive and you love to gather with others.

Preparing the spot

Building a fire pit on the grass with bricks, stones & rocks is almost the same. You can make the fire pit in a circle or square shape. The square fire pit is easy to make. Now, we will see how to prepare the spot before installing bricks, stones, and rocks.

Things we need

Backyard
Shovel
Measuring tape
Bricks/ Stones/ Rocks
Construction adhesive or Cement mortar
Level tool
Circular saw
Garden dump
Gloves
Boot

Outline & preparing the area

Make the shape of the fire pit using the bricks block. Now, mark with the shovel or measure the shape with a measuring tape. Marking with the shovel is very easy to mark the spot.

Installing the Paver Base

Paver base helps to make a stable foundation for the bricks. We can do this in a few steps.

Remove grass with the shovel and dig into the soil 2 inches deep.

Tamp down the soil to just the level soil level. Add or remove soil if needed. Now add 2 inches of gravel base to level the soil.

Installing the Paver Base — image: lowes.com

Now, temp again and check the level. Adjust them if necessary.

Building a fire pit on the grass with bricks

After temping the spot, it is ready to install bricks. Place the bricks on the paver base.

Then use construction adhesive on the bricks. You can also use cement mortar to bind the bricks.

After that, place the second row of the bricks on the first row. You may need to cut the bricks to adjust the size.

lava rocks on the fire pit — image: lowes.com

Finally, add a few inches of lava rocks to hold the stones in place.

Building a fire pit with stones

If you are using stone for making a fire pit, you should consider a square-shaped fire pit. It is easy than circle shaped. If you want to make it circular, keep the diameter 4-5 feet. Make a circle on the grass.

Now, place the first row of stones on top of the paver base. Make sure the level and outline are ok.

Now, place the second row of the stone blocks on the first row. If you need to resize the stone, use a circular saw.

If the second row of blocks is placed perfectly, remove the second row and use construction adhesive to bind the stones. Now reposition the second row of the stone blocks.

Now, install the third row of stones by following the same technique. Use the construction adhesive to bind the stones. Finally, add a few inches of lava rocks to hold the stones in place.

Building a fire pit with rocks

Making a fire pit with rocks is the same as the stone. A rock is comparatively larger and immovable. You have to resize and polish the rocks to build a fire pit. The other procedure is the same as stone.

Lighting the Fire Pit

Add dry logs and kindling to prepare the fire pit for enjoying the evening. If you want a smoke-free fire, use dry wood. Use lighter fluid or newspaper on the wood to fire easily.

Fire Pit Safety Tips

Keep children and pets away from the fire pit.
Dispose of the old ashes regularly.
Don’t use garbage in the fire.

Dos and Don’ts

If possible install a steel ring in the fire pit. It will prevent them from drying from the heat of the fire. It will increase the lifetime of your fire pit.

Invest in fire safety gear to reduce accidents. Try to keep a fire-resistant blanket that helps to escape from fire.

Explore to find the best options that are suitable for your fire pit. A lot of options are available to make a fire pit. Choose the best options.

Don’t build a fire pit without the permission of your local authorities and homeowners. Your govt may have restricted the area for the fire pit. To avoid fines and harassment contact them first.

Don’t position fire pits in unfavorable wind areas. Also, try at least 15 feet from your neighbor’s home and 10 feet from the property lines.

Don’t overuse the lighter fluid. They release toxic fumes that can cause explosions.

Final Thoughts

It is very enjoyable to spend the evening with the family members beside a fire pit. When building a fire pit on the grass with bricks, stones or rocks always wear safety gear. Follow our guidelines properly or contract a professional worker.

Common Questions Answered (CQA)

Are fire pits safe on grass?

If you are unaware, accidents can happen anytime. Take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

What is the best base for a fire pit?

The Paver base makes the fire pit more attractive.

How far away from the house should the fire pit be?

10-15 feet from your & neighbor’s house.

Resources used:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/building-a-fire-pit