How To Choose The Best Spot In Your Yard For A Gravel Fire Pit

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When it comes to backyard upgrades that offer instant gratification, it's hard to beat a fire pit. More than just a spot to warm up on a cool evening, fire pits are a natural gathering spot where good conversations stretch out under the stars. Gravel fire pits are among the easiest ways to DIY, since all you'll need to do is dig a shallow circle, add a weed barrier like LAVEVE Heavy Duty Garden Cloth from Amazon, and fill it in with naturally heat-resistant stones. A simple outdoor feature that can add major value to your home, adding a gravel fire pit to your backyard provides a perfect place to unplug and unwind. According to Sara Bendrick, Stihl National Spokesperson and Owner of Sarita Landscapes Inc., to make sure your gravel fire pit is safe, choosing the right rocks and placement in your yard matters more than you might think.

"Finding a suitable location for a gravel firepit is super important," Bendrick told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "When burning, you want to be at least 10 feet from any flammable structure or items like tree branches, etc." The perfect location for a gravel fire pit balances coziness with convenience. Situate yours far enough away from your house to avoid the risk of smoke discoloring your siding or seeping inside through windows or doors, and, since fire pits are among the yard features some neighbors can't stand, it's a good idea to keep it a reasonable distance from the houses on either side of yours, too.

Once you've ensured your gravel fire pit is a respectful and safe distance from structures and susceptible landscaping, Sara Bendrick said you'll want to find a spot that incorporates the feature into the natural flow of your yard. "I think a gravel fire pit should be far enough away from structures but close enough to or integrated into the patio for ease of use," she said during her exclusive interview with House Digest. "I love centering circular or rectangular fire pits in the entertaining areas, as they often are the main feature in the evenings."

You'll want to take a Goldilocks approach to find the best spot for your fire pit. Too close to the house, and you're running the risk of a serious safety issue. Too far away, and no one will feel like actually trekking out to use it. "The worst locations for a gravel fire pit are super remote," Bendrick cautioned. "If you don't have access to a hose for safety or if it's out of the line of sight, it won't be used very often." Keeping your fire pit within reach of an extinguishing water source is a must. When you get the location just right, creating a DIY fire pit in your yard can be a major lifestyle upgrade. Situate yours on level ground that's surrounded by natural wind barriers, like a fence or hedges. And, consider how the location works from season to season. A well-placed fire pit can extend your outdoor living from summer into fall and winter, but only if it's positioned somewhere people actually want to hang out.

During the exclusive interview, House Digest asked Sara Bendrick if there were other factors homeowners should consider when determining the best location for a gravel fire pit. "Wood-burning firepits are less controlled as the user places the fuel," she explained, noting that wood ash and debris can easily get thrown around. If you opt for a wood-burning style, Bendrick emphasized that "more precaution needs to be taken." On the other hand, she said you'll have more control over propane and gas fire pits. When space is limited or you prefer the consistency of a certain flame size, these are often better options. And when you love watching the flames dance but can't stand the smoke (or the possibility of upsetting your neighbors), smokeless fire pits create a toasty backyard patio without the stress or mess.

Last but not least, Bendrick said, if you're determined to DIY a gravel fire pit, there are some important functional considerations to keep in mind. "There are metal firepit inserts that work as a guide if you are DIY building a firepit out of block or brick," she said. Typically made of carbon steel, products like the highly rated VEVOR Fire Pit Ring from Amazon are available in a wide range of sizes to fit your specific project. The landscaping expert also said to make sure you choose the right rocks. "Boulders make great fire pits, but make sure not to use porous rocks, as they pop and can be dangerous."