A crackling fire in the evening summer garden does not have to remain a dream. For every size of garden there are decorative options to add shape and form to a romantic campfire. This guide provides a wealth of practical information on how to set up a fireplace in the garden professionally and safely.

A fireplace must be far enough away from bushes and trees

Choice of location - safety is the key

A careful choice of location paves the way to the carefree joy of a crackling campfire in the garden. The focus is not only on aesthetic aspects, so that the fireplace can be integrated harmoniously into the garden design. Please also take important safety aspects into account by choosing a location with these general conditions:

  • Adequate distance from shrubs, trees and other flammable materials
  • At least 50 meters from the garden house, (24.90 €) residential building and other buildings
  • No underground lines for gas and electricity below the fire pit

It is important to note that the operation of open fireplaces is notifiable in many communities. You should therefore inquire in advance at the public order office or the fire brigade which legal obligations have to be fulfilled. Fires in closed containers behind a protective door or under a lid are exempt from the permit and reporting requirements.

Create a five-minute fireplace - this is how it works in no time at all

The quickest and easiest way to set up a fireplace in the garden requires neither time nor manual skills. You will need some large boulders or clinker, pebbles as a base, a shovel and firewood. How to proceed professionally:

  • Dig a pit 10 to 15 cm deep in a suitable location
  • Scatter the pebbles in the pit and about 50 cm beyond the edge to cover the ground
  • Create a round fireplace from the large stones

First place a layer of kindling in the pit and stack larger logs on top in a pyramid shape. You can fill the gaps with newspaper or sawdust to make it burn better.

Brick fireplace yourself - a short guide

If you create a brick fireplace, previous technical knowledge is an advantage, but not essential. The materials required are: refractory bricks, pebbles, mortar, spatula, 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 to which you attach the string with the spray bottle at the other end. Now use the color to mark the course of the outer boundary. How to proceed:

  • Dig the marked area 10 to 15 cm deep
  • Scatter pebbles in it as a ground-covering layer
  • At the edge of the round surface, stack the stones in an offset pattern with mortar between each layer
  • Raise the wall to the desired height and allow the mortar to dry
  • Remove excess mortar in good time with a damp brush

You are of course free to modify the round shape recommended here. Whether you create a square, oval or elongated fireplace is also subject to your individual ideas, as is the selection of the type of stone used. Clinker, fieldstone, granite, sandstone or just leftover cobblestones will serve the purpose perfectly as long as it is a refractory 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 crackling fire wherever you like it. Only the recommended site conditions should be met. Please avoid using the lawn as a parking space, because the traces of heat development will spoil the green area until the end of the season.

Fire pits are made of steel struts that form into a basket and are welded to a base metal. Ideally, these fireplaces have feet to ensure a sufficient safety distance to the ground. Please choose a wind-protected location to burn logs in the basket safely and stylishly.

Fire bowls are perfect for operating the mobile variant of a classic campfire. However, greater safety distances to neighbors and buildings must be maintained, since dangerous flying sparks can occur here even in light winds.

Create Swedish fire - tips for the Scandinavian variant

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 a saw in a cross, star or diamond shape. A base of 10 cm remains. An additional trough offers space to deposit the firelighter in it. Incidentally, ready-made Swedish fires can be bought in timber 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 fire starter and enjoy a long-lasting, lifelike fireplace in your garden.

tips

Pay special attention not only to the construction of your fireplace, but also to the storage place for the firewood. To ensure that the stacked logs are not a playground for ticks, rats and other pests, please make sure they are in a dry, airy and as bright a location as possible.

Category:

Garden design