A barbecue fire in the garden, baking bread on a stick, or simmering a hearty stew over the fire: many garden owners dream of having their own fire pit in the greenery. In this article, we will clarify how you can create a fire pit in your garden and whether it is allowed at all.
Is having your own fire pit in the garden allowed?
Sitting around a warming fire while a clear starry sky sparkles on the horizon, with a stick of bread in your hand and listening to the sounds of a guitar – that is what many garden owners wish for. But there are a few things to consider on the way to having your own fire pit in the garden. Anyone who wants to create an open fire pit in their garden must observe a few regulations. This is because an open fire pit generally requires a permit. That is why most garden owners opt for a fire bowl with a diameter of less than one meter, as this is not considered an open fire and the need for a permit is waived. Fire bowls are therefore generally the simplest solution for creating a great and, above all, permit-free fire pit. These are available in many designs, for example at www.feuerschalen-shop.de.
Creating a safe fire pit
Creating your own fire pit requires good planning. The fire pit should not be in direct contact with the lawn and should be placed in a wind-protected spot in the garden. To create a safe fire pit, a certain framework is needed. If possible, the fire pit should be bordered with stones. The following stones are suitable for bordering the fire pit:
- Basalt
- Clinker
- Bricks
- Building bricks
- Fireclay bricks
These stones share a common property: they are extremely heat-resistant. You can get these stones at any well-stocked specialist shop. Once you have the material on site, nothing stands in the way of building a fire pit:
Digging a hole for the fire pit
Mark the circular area for your fire pit and cut out the sod. The depth of the hole depends on the material you are using. Then, check the depth of the hole. You can measure this using the stones and the fire bowl.
Marking and compacting an edge with stones
Place the stones along the edge and tap them firmly into place with a rubber mallet. Then, compact the upper edge so that the stones have a good hold. Now, border the upper area with selected stones.
Filling the space between the border and the lawn
Soil is now filled back in between the lawn and the stone slabs and then compacted. Finally, lava mulch is poured into the fire pit.
Further equipment for the fire pit
A fire pit only becomes truly cozy with the right accessories. Comfortable garden chairs or a rustic wooden bench perfectly complement this place of well-being. Suitable textiles such as warm blankets for mild evening hours and soft cushions make this corner even cozier. If you like, you can get a swing grill for your fire pit. This way, food can be prepared directly over the open fire. This will certainly be a special experience for you and your guests.
Using the fire pit
It is important to follow a few rules when using the fire pit. Only dried, untreated wood should be burned in it. Beech wood is best suited for long-lasting embers. Garden waste such as green cuttings or leaves smokes too much and is generally prohibited. Supervise the fire pit – even when it is no longer burning, the embers are still very hot. Children in particular underestimate the danger, which is why the fire pit should never be left unattended.
