A crackling fire in the evening summer garden doesn't have to remain a pipe dream. There are decorative options for every garden size to give shape and form to a romantic campfire. This guide provides a we alth of practical information on how to set up a fire pit in the garden professionally and safely.
How can I create a fire pit in the garden?
To create a fire pit in the garden, choose a safe location, dig a 10-15 cm deep pit, scatter pebbles and surround it with large, fireproof stones. Alternatively, you can build a brick fire pit, use a mobile metal fire pit or create a Swedish fire.
Selection of location – security is key
A careful choice of location paves the way to carefree enjoyment of a roaring campfire in the garden. The focus is not only on aesthetic aspects, so that the fireplace integrates harmoniously into the garden design. Please also take important safety aspects into account by choosing a location with these general conditions:
- A sufficient distance from bushes, trees and other flammable materials
- At least 50 meters from the garden house, house and other buildings
- No underground lines for gas and electricity below the fireplace
It is important to note that the operation of open fireplaces is subject to registration in many communities. Therefore, ask the public order office or the fire department in advance about what legal obligations you have to fulfill. Fires in closed containers behind a protective door or under a lid are exempt from the permit and reporting requirement.
Create a five-minute fire pit – this is how it works in no time
The quickest and easiest way to build a fire pit in the garden requires neither time nor manual skills. You will need some large field stones or clinker bricks, pebbles as a base, a shovel and firewood. This is how you proceed professionally:
- Dig a 10 to 15 cm deep pit at a suitable location
- Spread the pebbles in the pit and about 50 cm beyond the edge to cover the ground
- Create a round fireplace out of the large stones
First place a layer of kindling in the pit and layer larger logs in a pyramid shape on top. You can fill the gaps with newspaper or sawdust to make it burn better.
Build a fire pit yourself – a short guide
If you are building a brick fire pit, previous knowledge of craftsmanship is an advantage, but not mandatory. The materials required are: fireproof bricks, pebbles, mortar, putty knife, spade, stick and string, and a bottle of spray paint. First, measure the diameter of the fire pit to the size you want. In the middle, stick the stick into the ground and attach the string to it with the spray bottle at the other end. Now mark the course of the outer boundary with the color. Proceed as follows:
- Dig the marked area 10 to 15 cm deep
- Sprinkle pebbles in it as a ground-covering layer
- Ply the stones at the edge of the round area in an offset manner with mortar between each layer
- Put the wall up to the desired height and let the mortar dry
- Remove excess mortar in good time with a damp brush
Of course you are free to modify the round shape recommended here. Whether you create a square, oval or elongated fireplace depends on your individual ideas, as does the choice of the type of stone used. Clinker, fieldstone, granite, sandstone or just leftover paving stones serve the purpose perfectly, as long as it is a fireproof material.
Mobile fireplace – it works with metal
Metal fire baskets and fire bowls are the ideal solution if you want to create a mobile fire pit. Depending on your mood, you can light a roaring fire wherever you like. Only the recommended location conditions should be met. Please avoid using the lawn as a parking space because the traces of heat development will disfigure the green area until the end of the season.
Fire baskets consist of steel struts that form into a basket and are welded to a base metal. Ideally, these fire pits have feet to ensure a sufficient safety distance from the surface. Please choose a location protected from the wind to burn logs in the basket safely and stylishly.
Fire bowls are perfect for operating the mobile version of a classic campfire. However, greater safety distances from neighbors and buildings must be maintained, as dangerous flying sparks can occur even in light winds.
Create a Swedish fire – tips for the Scandinavian version
Can't get used to a brick or metal fireplace? Then we have a clever, particularly nature-loving alternative from Scandinavia for you. A 30 to 150 cm long, 30 to 50 cm thick coniferous tree trunk is cut with the saw in a cross, star or diamond shape. A 10 cm base remains. An additional trough offers space to store the ignition aid. By the way, you can buy pre-cut Swedish fires (€13.00 on Amazon) in wood shops and hardware stores.
Place the tree trunk on a fireproof surface so that it cannot tip over. There must be no combustible materials within a radius of at least 200 cm. Now light the firelighter and enjoy a long-lasting, lifelike fire pit in your garden.
Tip
Pay special attention not only to the construction of your fire pit, but also to the storage space for the firewood. To ensure that the stacked logs do not become a playground for ticks, rats and other pests, please ensure that they are in a dry, airy and as bright location as possible.
