As winter starts to leave your area, it’s time to get outside. Since you’re already living in a cabin, adding a permanent firepit puts the s’mores right outside your door. There are a lot of options on how you construct a new firepit depending on what look you want and how much work you would like to do.
Rustic DIY
Rustic firepits are typically made of stones. They can consist of field stones, firebrick, or other natural materials. The first step is to dig about six inches into the ground to create the footprint for the pit. Then add cement to the area where the wall will be. From there, you can stack stone or brick to your desired height and thickness. Remember to allow both the cement and the mortar to cure properly. While you wait, you can work on the seating area around the pit.
Modern DIY
Modern design is all about clean lines, versus the rustic way which was organic. As such, many modern designs incorporate concrete for ease of shaping. For a simple pit, you’ll want concrete,
framing wood, rebar, fire brick, and lava rock. To begin, dig the area you in which you wish the firepit for 6 to 8 inches down. Then you’ll assemble the wood into the shape of the final pit. Sink the rebar into the ground inside the frame, and then pour in the first batch of concrete. Once that has cured, add the next layer. You’ll repeat this cycle until you fill your form. In general, place the fire bricks along the inside of the pit between the first and second concrete batches.
Premade Firepits
Now, if you want your s’mores immediately, there are premade firepit options. Typically, these pits can be quickly moved around and come in a variety of shapes. These do still need a vegetation-free area for safety. You can easily get one that matches your cabin style and put a seating area up for use tonight.
Custom Contract
If you’re looking for something fancier, some contractors specialize in firepits and outdoor projects. These contractors can create whatever is in your mind’s eye, from a pool sized firepit to
one built into the outside of your cabin. The downside is that it’ll cost several hundred dollars or more to do correctly. However, if there’s a vision in your mind, it’s worth the price.
Safety Considerations
As with all fire, there are safety considerations you need to think about for your pit. One of the most significant concerns is the location. You’ll want to pick an area that is downwind of your cabin just in case. You’ll also want to have a clear-cut area of ten feet or more around your pit, lest the embers accidentally catch something on fire.
Another consideration is the materials. Stones which absorb water, such as river stone, are a safety hazard. When exposed to the prolonged heat of a fire, water in the rocks becomes hot and,
in extreme cases, may cause the stone to explode. This same effect applies to concrete that hasn’t fully set up, a process that can take months depending on your climate.
It’s also vitally important to keep the means to extinguish the fire nearby. Whether that’s a fire extinguisher, a few buckets of sand, or a hose, it’s important to be prepared. At the end of your bonfire, ensure the fire itself is completely out before you leave the area. By making each of your fires safe, you’ll have many more fires to enjoy throughout the seasons.
A firepit can be a great accessory to your home, just like TruLog Steel Log Siding can be an excellent finish to your home exterior. Contact TruLog Siding today for more information.
