Relaxing in front of a fire in the garden can be the perfect relaxation method at the end of a busy day… as long as the fire is safe! The smell of burning wood and the sparks rising to the sky have been an inspiration for countless generations starting hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Garden Stones
Step 1. Choose the spot and dig a pit
The pit should be 50 cm deep and one and a half meters wide. Smooth out the bottom as best as possible.
Step 2. Place a ring of refractory bricks. Get enough bricks (of the type used inside fireplaces) to complete a circle by placing them vertically
Place the bricks on the bottom of the pit, placing one next to the next.
Step 3. Make the circle solid
Use concrete, stone, clay, or other fire retardant materials to bind the fire bricks into one solid and strong circle. Let the binder dry completely before completing the project.
Step 4. Fill the edges
Any gaps outside the circle should be filled with gravel or earth so that the ground is level with the top of the brick circle.
Step 5. Fill the center
Place a layer of stones at the bottom of the hole.
Step 6. Add a decorative border
Arrange some stones or rocks for the garden (the type with which walkable paths are paved), using them to create a circle on the outside of the hole.
Step 7. Enjoy the fire
Be careful not to let grass grow between the stones and bricks.
Method 2 of 4: Using Concrete Bricks
Step 1. Choose a place to dig a hole
The place must be large enough to walk around it, to accommodate a group of friends, and must be away from plants, fences, and any flammable materials. Also take into account the prevailing direction from which the wind blows, in order to assess where the smoke will be blown. Calculate that you can accommodate at least 6 people around the fire.
Step 2. Dig a circular hole about one meter in diameter, about 30 cm deep
Step 3. Using the concrete bricks, build a 30 cm high wall around the edge of the hole
Leave spaces of about 5 cm between one brick and another, to allow air to circulate freely.
Step 4. Spread a layer of quick-setting concrete
Cover the bottom of the pit with concrete, leaving a deeper area in the center to put the material to light the fire. Wet the concrete until it solidifies.
Step 5. Assemble the fire material
Arrange the wood in the shape of a tent on top of a layer of sticks or paper. Once the paper is lit, the fire should burn smoothly.
Step 6. Feed the flames
Once you have used up the first materials you use for lighting, you will have to keep the flames alive by adding even larger wood.
Method 3 of 4: Using Garden Edging
Step 1. Get curved pieces of bricks to make garden borders
They are sometimes found commercially described as tree base protectors. The bricks must be made of stone, clay or terracotta, and can be straight or shaped on the top side. You will need 4 pieces with an inner diameter of about 35 cm and another 6 with a diameter of 60 cm.
Step 2. Arrange the first layer
After having cleared the area to be dedicated to the fire, arrange the first two pieces with an internal diameter of 35 cm in a circle. Now arrange three of the 60cm bricks to form a larger diameter circle surrounding the first circle. You can use concrete to make the bricks stick together.
Step 3. Fix the second layer
Use the remaining bricks to lay a second layer on top of the first. Here, too, you can use concrete to weld the new bricks on top of the old ones. If you are using shaped bricks, you should be able to fit the second layer over the first, placing the new bricks with the shaped side in contact with the same side as the bricks already placed.
Step 4. Fill with stones
Fill the space between the two circles with rocks until you reach the edge. Alternatively, you can fill the space up to a certain height, and then complete with chosen or artistic stones, such as glass marbles or other.
Step 5. Cover the bottom of the hole
Place a thin layer of pebbles and other fireproof material on the bottom of the hole.
Alternatively, you can use an old grate of the right diameter, and fit it to the bottom of the hole
Step 6. Start the fire
Place the wood in the center and start the flame, to enjoy your new outdoor fire. If you add a grill placed over the edges of the circular wall, you can also use the fire for cooking!
Method 4 of 4: Considerations for Outdoor Fires
Step 1. Check with your local authorities before starting your new fire
In many areas it is forbidden to light fires in the open.
Step 2. Be nice to the neighbors
Tell them before you light the fire, and promise that you will reduce the smoke to a minimum, paying attention to the direction of the wind.
Step 3. Always turn off the heat completely
Don't let the flames go out on their own. The embers can continue to burn for many hours, up to two days, and represent a risk especially if left unattended. Sprinkle the remaining coals on the bottom of the hole, and wet them with water until you see no more smoke and steam rising.
Advice
- Outdoor barbecues that are for sale often come with wire mesh to contain sparks, a good idea for outdoor fires.
- Do not burn litter, leaves or bushes that are still green, as they generate too much smoke and are dangerous for your health and good neighborly relations.
Warnings
- Always keep a bucket full of water or sand close at hand in case you need to put out the fire for some emergency.
- Fire is dangerous, be careful not to burn yourself.
