How can I make a good fire pit for bonfires?

Question

How can I make a good fire pit for bonfires?

Answer 1

Depending on how big you want it to be, use cinder blocks and mortor to make a square. Two cinder blocks high should be high enough that no one will fall in and that sparks won't fly out too much. Then in the center of your square, dig around a half a foot deep and fill it with gravel until it is level with the bottom of  the first cinder block row. Then add 4 inches of sand. this will ensure good drainage and will act as a good base. You could paint the outer part of the cinder block square but it has to be heat resistant paint. Enjoy the songs by the fire.

Answer 2

I have two ways of doing this as I like a bonfire at every chance.

My preference it to dig a large hole and use the dirt to build a berm around the hole.  This way alot of the heat is directed upwards.

The other way I normally use when it is very cold is to find large chunk of concrete or brick or bolders and make my border.  This way I get more of the heat at knee level.

Good luck

Answer 3

Not sure what your idea of a bonfire is in terms of size.  If you really want to go on the cheap, simply locate an old tractor tire rim and plop it on the ground.  If you have the capability, you can have a welder cut a couple of four inch holes across from each other in the middle of the rim.  That gives a better draft.  We use tractor rims on our vacation property.  They can be moved from place to place, protect the immediate area since they are about 20" high, and can be put out of sight should you want to have a nicer looking site.