So you bought, installed, or perhaps even built a fire pit for yourself. Now, do you know how to use it? We’re going to take a look at how to set up and use your fire pit for your next backyard gathering. If you have a large firepit and want to learn how to use a fire pit, then we can help you out.
Fire pits are great gathering spots and places for you to have a backyard gathering, and I’m excited to share how to use them with you!
What you will need to use a firepit
If you want to use a firepit effectively, you will need these things:
- A fire pit
- fire pit spark screen and firepit grates
- Knowledge of the fire pit codes in your area
- The manual that came with the fire pit
- An open area
You should place your fire pit in an open area that is free from low hanging branches or an unsteady surface. The flames should have a clear space both above and below them so nothing else catches fire when the pit is in use. You can place the fire pit on your patio, or a large space of open yard.
Step by step instructions for using a Fire Pit
Step 1: Make sure You Have the Correct Type
There are a few different types of fire pits that you can have in your home, from in-ground fire pits to portable fire bowls that can be easily moved. Different cities and states have different laws about what type of firepits can be used in your area, and you need to know the local codes and rules before using a fire pit.
If you know the rules surrounding your use of the firepit, then you can install them and move on to step two.
Step 2: Put Your Fire Pit in a Safe Place
You will want to put your fire pit in someplace that has no danger of catching on fire. The best area is a large open area that doesn’t have any branches, debris, or low hanging material. Make sure the fire pit is a safe distance away from your house or any other flammable material, and also make sure you have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby to help you.
Especially during your first time using the fire pit, you want to make sure that it is in an open area and that you have water or a fire extinguisher handy. Just in case the fire gets out of control.
Step 3: Build the Fire
You should have kindling, tinder, and hardwood to start your fire in a fire pit. The fire can be built as a teepee fire or an upside-down fire, depending on your own preference and style. Both types of fires have their own advantages and disadvantages, but you should be able to light the fire without too much trouble.
You should have the wood in the pit be no higher than the rim of the fire pit, and if you are worried about embers then you will need to use a fire grate to seal it off.
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FAQ
What should my fire pit be made out of?
Fire pits can be made from anything, from bricks to metal, and as long as the material is not flammable. Depending on whether you do an in-ground fire pit or a portable one, you can have several options for materials. You just need to make sure that everything is heat resistant and won’t be damaged by lots of fire.
How big should my fire pit be?
Most fire pit sizes are between 36 and 44 inches. You want to have a fire pit that will be small enough for people to sit around and chat without fear of smoke or getting burned, but also big enough for the fire to grow and have room to move. Additionally, you should have room to reach in with a poker and move the fire around without too much trouble.
How should I be safe with a Fire Pit?
Fire pits, especially those that are portable and open, can become a hazard. Especially if you have young kids or pets around. First, you should use a spark screen to prevent sparks from getting outside of the fire pit, as these can be fire hazards if not watched. Additionally, make sure to set up a radius around the pit so people don’t end up getting too close.
What wood should I pick?
For the wood that you should use for your fire pit, you should use hardwoods that are durable and won’t be able to smoke or spark. You can use your kindling or tinder out of anything, including the scraps of wood that you find in your yard. But for the hardwood that will make up the main body of your fire, then you need hardwood.
What should I use the firepit for?
You can use the fire pit to cook or for warmth, and depending on what you are going to use the firepit for, you will need to build the firepit differently. For warmth, you might want a big fire that will provide a lot of heat and shine like a bonfire. For cooking, you will want a smaller fire that can be contained by a grate.
Conclusion
Using a fire pit can be an interesting way to bring warmth to your yard, and I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to use them. Fire pits aren’t that hard to set up and can help to make starting fires much easier, and for a first-time fire starter, they can be a big help to get you comfortable with making fires.
Once you learn how to use a fire pit, then you will be able to have a skill that most people don’t have!