I want to put a fire pit in my yard.?

Question

I am looking for pictures of backyards with a fire pit and seating.

Answer 1

I don't have any pictures I can upload to this to show you mine, but I can describe the three that I have.  One is a simple one, made of rounded stones found in my yard and on the lower 40 near the creek.  Its basically the old campground, Indian fire pit, with large rounded stones in a large circle.  We drag our lawn chairs down there or grab the metal ones from the pad.  I have one large rock that can be sat on about 5 feet from the pit.  I fill this pit with all the tree debris from the yard and once or twice a year, we have a "little" bonfire.  I put felled trees, large limbs, twigs and general, burnable yard trimmings in that pit.  Then I have a cast iron chiminia about halfway between the back of the house and the creek, in which I put small limbs from felled trees, or ones I can snag from the side of the road that will fit in the large, but limited space of the chiminea.  That pit has metal seating and tables with weather proof cushions for comfort.  We use that one to have little cozy fires with family, friends and children, so that we can roast marshmallows, make s'mores and roast hot dogs.  The kids can be easily helped and watched, and it is all set on a huge concrete pad that used to have a building on it 60 years ago.  We discovered that when burning off brush and overgrown weed trees that had covered the site.  Then we have one closer to the house that is made from those concrete retaining wall bricks and done in a large circle, which we just fill with limbs, twigs and an occasional log or two.  This one is nice, as it sits a little higher than the rest, and contains the fire nicely.  The other ones will probably outlast this one, as I don't think these concrete retaining wall brick are meant to withstand heat that much, but honestly, you can't really tell there is ANY damage.  We just have to watch that others don't try and sit on it, especially the kids, as it seems that would work, but because of heat and the potential to FALL IN, I don't let any one do that.  For some reason that IS NOT an issue with the other pits, probably because it so inconvenient to sit nearer or right by the fire and because the additional seating is MUCH more comfortable.  In building a simple fire pit, keep in mind the proximity to a water hose, seems minor, but I assure you, it won't should something go awry, always a possiblility when fire is involved.  Having a hose NEARBY is always a good idea, especially when the fun is over.  I can tell you of nights I would look out my window after a nice party to see that the fire was actually burning better than we were all down there, a little disconcerting and worrisome.  I took to dragging 200 feet of hose down to the back firepit just to be sure it was completely out and not a hazard or an attractive nuisance to others in the neighborhood.  Just good common sense.  Also, some tips when burning, watch guests, especially elderly ones or ones who may drink a little or be on medications.  My pits being in the yard, surrounded by grass, with people having a good time and walking around the yard like it were daylight, tripping on their own feet, or whatever.  Watch all guests closely, especially the children.  Nothing ruins a nice time like someone getting hurt.  I always go down and check the pits again in the am to be sure the embers are out and usually use the opportunity to shovel out the ashes to some nearby acid loving plant beds.  I keep trees trimmed back from the firepits and regularly pay attention to changes in weather for these planned events.  We have had many a good time, with the family, friends and kids of both, with just a little fore thought and common sense.  The kids all wait with GREAT anticipation for these parties and the memories we have made with all will live on for many years.  Nothing is more sweet, than to see Moms and Dads with kids snuggled up next to a fire, eyes lit bright by the dancing flames, munching on S'mores and the stars and moon overhead.  Its doesn't get any better than that.  I hope this inspires you to get busy on one.  They really don't have to be elaborate or expesive to be thoroughly enjoyed!

Answer 2

I found this in a single keystroke in a general search. I suspect you can "design" whatever you want, and with minimal fire restrictions unless it might be a pit dug in the ground and bonfires created

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AqqL...

Just my two "sense"