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Considering A DIY Flagstone Fire Pit Installation?

flagstone fire pit installationThe cozy warmth of a fire is hard to resist. It’s probably why so many homeowners are installing a fire feature in their backyard. Whether entertaining friends or enjoying it with your family, a flagstone fire pit installation can boost your home’s appeal.

Building Tips For When You DIY Your Firepit

Ultimately, a flagstone fire pit can be the perfect focal point in your backyard. Following these tips can help you build a safe and beautiful structure:

1. Choose your location carefully.

For safety, you must choose the placement of your wood burning fire pit carefully. It should be at least 10-25 feet from your house, and away from overhanging trees or any other flammable structure.

2. Consider the size for functionality.

Usually, the size of your backyard is a determining factor. Generally, the perfect size is 3 feet by 4 feet.

3. The height is important, too.

Typically, the general height rule is between 6 and 12 inches from the ground. This creates a barrier to keep burning logs inside but without being too deep to affect the oxygen supply.

4. Research your materials

Some building materials aren’t suitable for the construction of a fire feature. For example, concrete may explode when exposed to the high heat of a fire.

Choose A Professional For Your Ultimate Enjoyment

If you’re considering a fire pit in your backyard, you may also have thought about DIYing it. After all, you can save yourself a pile of money by doing it yourself. Or will you? Unfortunately, novice installers can make many crucial mistakes affecting its value. If you want to truly enjoy the benefits of a backyard fire pit, make sure it’s done right the first time!

Often, towns or homeowners’ associations may restrict your fire feature’s location, size, or building material. Sometimes, these organizations may forbid them altogether. Failing to follow any imposed restrictions may result in a fine.

Furthermore, incorrectly building your fire pit can result in dangerous conditions. Like most outdoor structures, you need a strong foundation. An uneven base may cause your fire feature to sink or crack.

Then, there’s the bottom of your firepit. Without proper drainage, your fire pit can fill up with water. Now it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Plus, damp conditions in your structure can make it impossible to build a fire.

Finally, most DIYers fail to consider a crucial aspect of wood burning fire pit building: orientation. Obviously, you want to locate your backyard fire pit in a convenient spot that may take advantage of any views. However, wind direction can also greatly impact the enjoyment of your fire feature. Smoke blowing in your face can instantly ruin your gathering.

A Flagstone Fire Pit Is A Beautiful Addition To Your Backyard

One of the best materials to use when building a custom fire pit is flagstone. Flagstones are a type of natural stone cut into flat pieces. It creates a beautiful, natural-looking fire pit that’s durable and able to withstand inclement weather. They’re also very heat resistant. These flagstone options are suitable materials for a fire pit:

  • Sandstone
  • Limestone
  • Bluestone
  • Travertine
  • Slate
  • Quartzite
  • Basalt

Each type has unique coloring, textures, and characteristics to meet the needs of your landscaping. Whatever your style – cottage, formal, or Japanese – you can find the perfect flagstone for endless design opportunities.

Flagstone Fire Pit Installation – FAQs

Ready to begin your project but still have questions about flagstone fire pit installation? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about fire pit design.

Can I Lay Flagstone Directly On Dirt?

The problem with building or laying flagstone directly on dirt is frost heave and the freeze/thaw cycle. Our local clay soil can hold large amounts of water. When this water freezes, it expands the soil pushing against your structure.

Instead, place a layer of gravel or sand down first. These coarse-grained materials allow water to drain out quickly and neither absorbs much moisture. Thus, there will be little water to freeze and cause soil movement.

Do I Need To Put Anything Between The Flagstone Joints?

Usually, most landscapers will use a binding agent for the longevity of your fire pit. Additionally, natural stone will have rough edges leaving tiny gaps for heat to escape.

However, like your building material, you’ll need to choose a mortar that can withstand the high temperatures of a fire. Many landscapers use refractory mortar, a bonding agent designed to withstand direct heat and extremely high temperatures. Moreover, some manufacturers make a construction adhesive that has extreme temperature resistance.

Should I Consider A Gas Fire Pit?

While wood burning fire pits are a timeless classic, gas offers convenience. With a push of a button, you have a roaring fire. Typically, modern gas fire pits also have controls to adjust the intensity of the heat and flame. Plus, it burns cleaner and more efficiently than wood.

However, you won’t have the smell or crackling sounds of a wood burning fire pit. Plus, you can’t cook over gas. Finally, you’ll have to run a line to supply fuel to your fire pit.

Does Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc. Handle Flagstone Fire Pit Installation?

Since 2005, our landscaping company has been helping homeowners transform their backyards from boring to beautiful. Our team can design and install any type of landscaping project.:

Call us right now at 336-442-0160 to make an appointment for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your outdoor needs. Also, be sure to check out our Top Ten fire pit ideas for more tips.