An open fireplace in the garden is the perfect place to relax with family and friends - and not just on warm summer evenings. Such a campfire can also be transformed into a grill in no time at all and can therefore not only be used for romantic purposes. Quite apart from the fact that marshmallows, bread on a stick or sausages can also be sizzled on sticks directly over the fire. But be careful: In addition to careful planning, a building permit is often required before construction begins. In many communities, such a fire pit is mandatory.

A brick fire pit is safe and looks pretty

Choosing the right location

You can find out whether this also applies to your municipality from the statutes or directly from the responsible municipal office or building authority. Illegal fireplaces are quickly discovered by the police and fire brigade who patrol them, especially in the summer months, which is why you shouldn't give in to the temptation. Once permission has been obtained, you can look around for a suitable location. This should:

  • are located in a sufficiently large open space
  • be at least 50 meters away from combustible materials, huts, houses, carports, trees and shrubs
  • at least 50 meters to the neighbors
  • lie protected from the wind (ergo not necessarily on top of the hill, but rather in a lower part of the garden)
  • no power or gas lines may run below the desired location
  • there must be sufficient space around it for seating

In addition, the selected location should be as flat as possible and not directly on a slope.

The preparation of the subsoil

Once the location has been selected, you then prepare a fireproof substrate. This work is absolutely necessary to increase safety and prevent the fire from spreading to the lawn, for example. This includes removing the turf or setting up the fireplace on a cemented or paved surface. If the location is on a meadow or on the lawn, secure the subsoil as follows, for example:

  • Measure out the desired dimensions of the fire pit.
  • Pin them with strings.
  • The fireplace can be round, square or oval - it's up to you.
  • Lift off the sod with a spade.
  • Dig a pit at least four inches deep.
  • Lay them out densely with stones, for example bricks or larger pebbles.
  • You can also set them in concrete or cement them.

The foundation described should always be built larger than the actual fireplace. You can then frame the fireplace with stones.

How to build a simple fire pit yourself - step-by-step instructions

This simple fire pit takes no time to assemble and can be assembled by even the most inexperienced craftsman. Prepare the substrate as described above and then fix it as follows:

  • Choose a fastening material: You can use different stones, but also manhole rings, etc.
  • Dig the pit to the desired shape and size.
  • Surround the pit with bricks, field stones or a suitable manhole ring.
  • Fill the pit with pebbles, field or rubble.
  • Compact the foundation, for example with a vibrator.
  • Frame the actual fireplace with large stones, such as field stones.
  • You can also stack natural or concrete blocks without mortar to form a low wall.
  • Make sure you use refractory material and a firm grip.

If you want to frame the fireplace with a dry wall, it should not be higher than 50 centimeters. Otherwise it could become unstable due to the high heat and collapse. In addition, it should be built in such a way that no small animals can hide in it.

How to brick a fireplace yourself

Of course, a brick fireplace, which you can build yourself as described above, is much more stable. In this case, however, the boundary stones are joined together with mortar or cement. Mortar must be dry before you start the fire for the first time. It is therefore essential to build such a fireplace in dry weather and allow it to dry thoroughly. You can use unhewn and hewn natural or shaped stones for walls, depending on your taste. Field stones, granite, paving stones, bricks or bricks, clinker, fireclay bricks or quarry stones would be conceivable, for example. To make the wall straight, drive auxiliary posts into the ground at regular intervals and cover them with string. Check the wall regularly with a spirit level. Excess mortar is carefully removed with a spatula and a brush.

Turning a fire pit into a grill - DIY

Such an open fireplace can be transformed into a grill in just a few simple steps. You can do something like this:

  • Concrete three stable, sufficiently long metal rods into the ground.
  • Their ends meet directly above the hearth.
  • Connect the rod ends tightly with a refractory material.
  • The poles should be absolutely stable.
  • Hang a swivel grill on it using a long, height-adjustable chain.

tips

A very simple form of an open fireplace is the so-called Swedish fire, in which a tree trunk or stump at least 50 centimeters thick is scratched in the middle. This slowly burns from the inside. The Swedish fire may only be set up on a fireproof base.

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