Fire Pits Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-1601 -- More Projects »
 |
|
There are several sure-fire ways to add sizzle to your backyard. Consider heating elements, such as outdoor fireplaces, chimineas and portable mesh fire bowls. If you want something that's as unique as your own outdoor living space, why not build a fire pit? "The popularity of fire pits is spreading like wildfire as homeowners are heating up their landscape. What's so neat about it is that they're easy to install. You can use all different materials to build them, and they extend the usability of the landscape," says landscape designer Michael Glassman. Follow these steps to build your own fire pit: Scout out a location for your fire pit that's a few feet away from plants and structures, such as the house, a fence and even the pool, to minimize soot and ash damage. Michael selects the location of his fire pit because of its proximity to the pool and the house, where he can actually see the fire pit from several viewpoints from inside the house. Plus, there is plenty of room to put some chairs around it. The only problem is that it is close to a citrus tree, but this is resolved by pruning back overhanging branches. Get approval. For a simple project like building a small-scale fire pit, most communities do not require permits, but check with local authorities to be sure. Consult with appropriate personnel on relocating existing irrigation, gas, power, or any other lines that could potentially be in the way.
|
Figure A
|
| |
Figure B
|
| |
Figure C
|
| |
Figure D
|
| |
Figure E
|
| |
Figure F
|
| |
Figure G
|
|
Mark the outline of where the fire pit will be. To do this, Michael uses flour to draw the perimeter of the fire pit (figure A). The area should be large enough to accommodate a fireplace grate, plus an additional one or two feet of space on either side. Be careful not to make the area too big so you can't feel the heat from the perimeter. Transplant or remove existing vegetation. Once you have decided where the fire pit will be located, remove any plants that are in its location. Discard plants or relocate them elsewhere in the landscape. You can also save the plants to be transplanted next to your finished fire pit. Dig and remove six inches of soil from the fire pit area. Set the excavated soil aside for later use. This is actually the hardest part of the entire project. Once the fire pit is excavated (figure B) and the dirt smoothed with a rake, Michael takes a second look at how much pruning is required on the nearby citrus tree. He prunes back additional branches hanging over and into the fire pit. He isn't just concerned that the overhanging branches could burn. Since heat rises, that intense heat can do major damage to the health of the tree. Line the perimeter of the fire pit with fireproof landscape elements. Michael uses decorative moss rock to match the columns on the front of the house." Glassman fits them together like a jigsaw puzzle around the edge of the fire pit (figure C). He places them with the mossy side facing away from the fire so they don't get scorched. He secures them in place by packing extra soil into the crevices around the base of the stones. If you want to use brick to line the fire pit instead of stone, use firebrick (figure D), a special type of brick that withstands high temperatures. Regular brick can explode when it's hot. Firebrick can be purchased at a masonry supply store. Dress up the floor of the fire pit. Michael lines the floor of the fire pit with a two-inch layer of heat-resistant lava rock (figure E). He also recommends sand or gravel to keep the bottom of the fire pit from becoming a muddy mess. You can install a drain pipe for rainwater, but as long as the bottom is permeable, drainage shouldn't be an issue. Transplant plants at a safe distance around the perimeter of the fire pit. The plants will frame the completed project and separate it nicely from the background. Make sure not to use plants that can grow to hang over and into the fire pit; groundcovers and other low-growing groundcovers are excellent options. Place a fireplace grate in the center of the fire pit. The grate (figure F) will hold the logs as they burn. "You can use just about any kind of wood to burn, but check with your local authorities to see what's allowed," says Michael. Light up a fire and enjoy the fire pit year-round. A fire pit (figure G) easily extends the enjoyability of the yard throughout almost any season.
Guests Michael Glassman
Landscape Designer
Michael Glassman & Associates
Sacramento, CA
Website: www.michaelglassman.com
Also in this Episode
| |
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3i-firepit_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3a-draw-firepit-outline_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3b-excavate-soil_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3c--stone-in-place_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3d-firebrick_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3e-pack-lavarock_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3f-place-grate_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2008/01/04/gby1601_3g-finished-firepit_e.jpg",350,450))
