What to Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit

Fire pits are a staple of many backyards. If you’re not sure what to put in the bottom for maximum heat, here’s your answer!

Fire pits are a great way to add some ambiance to your backyard. However, it is important that you make sure that you don’t make any mistakes when putting one together.

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What-to-Put-in-the-Bottom-of-a-Fire-Pit

With winter approaching, nothing beats spending an evening in front of a fire pit. Having a campfire in your backyard enables you to enjoy your outside area even when the weather is cold.

When the weather cools down, we make the most of our fire pit. During the winter months, we like to roast oysters with the titan adjustable swivel grill situated within our fire pit.

Building a fire pit is straightforward, and you may use a variety of materials for the bottom of your fire pit, such as sand, soil, stones, gravel, Lava Flows, and Glasses of Fire.

 

We’ll look at the many materials that may be utilized in the bottom of a fire pit in this post. We’ll also give you some fire safety advice for when you first start using your fire pit. 

Contents

What Materials Can Be Used for a Fire Pit’s Bottom?

The bottom of a fire pit may be made of a variety of materials. This list emphasizes the most important factors to consider:

  • Sand 
  • Dirt
  • Stones
  • Gravel 
  • Lava Flows
  • Glasses of Fire
  • Slabs of Concrete 

Sand

The most common material used at the bottom of a fire pit is sand. It’s also the most affordable alternative. Almost any form of sand will work well as a bottom material for a fire pit. 

Sand is simple to use, takes little upkeep, and prevents the fire from spreading. Sand also absorbs the heat from the fire, protecting everything underneath it from harm. 

The nicest part about using sand for a fire pit is that it lasts a very long time. The sand will last for decades and will keep your campfire looking excellent.

 

Dirt

In many respects, dirt is comparable to sand, making it an excellent option for the bottom of a firepit. The biggest benefit of picking dirt is that it can be found almost everywhere. This is the kind of campfire we have at home.

With soil, the only difference is that some of the organic materials will burn. This may ultimately deteriorate and may need to be changed on a regular basis. 

Stones

A safe choice for the bottom of a fire pit is a bed of stones. Stones are also quite simple to get by. You will have the ideal bottom of the fire pit to utilize if you can discover stones that are tiny enough to produce a stable fire bed. 

Stones have the added benefit of providing an extra layer of protection for the ground under the fire pit. For example, placing stones on top of soil or sand might provide an extra layer of protection. At the bottom of a fire pit, stones may also be extremely attractive. 

Gravel 

Gravel is made up of tiny, shredded rocks that may be easily spread out across a large area. Gravel is an excellent choice for a fire pit’s bottom. It is similar to stones in that it has no drawbacks. It keeps the pit warm while also preventing the foundation from burning. 

Some varieties of gravel are very attractive and might even enhance the appearance of your fire pit. Gravel is a simple material to work with and maintain. Gravel is compatible with sand and soil, so you may combine the two for a more effective fire foundation. 

Lava Flows

Lava Flows are specifically made for use as fire retardants. However, they still work great at keeping the area heated. 

Lava Flows have a very rustic and natural look and and can really add to the appearance of the fire pit. Lava Flows are made from volcanoes. These rocks do not decompose nor require yearly replacement.

They are a uniquely reddish-brown color that looks great. The porous surface of the Lava Flows allows for water drainage, keeping your Lava Flows dry while also protecting the bottom of your fire pit from the surface heat.

Glasses of Fire

When it comes to improving the appearance of your fire pit, there is nothing better than the unique appearance of Glasses of Fire. Glasses of Fire is glass-like stones that look like an expensive type of gravel. They come in a range of colors and styles and most varieties are small in size – similar to shredded rocks. 

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An advantage of Glasses of Fire is that it is a bit flammable but it doesn’t spread the fire. When it is used in the bottom of a fire pit, it keeps the heat concentrated and it helps to keep the fire burning for hours. 

The beautiful look will continue for years and years since this material never wears off. It’s easy to keep up with and can easily protect the ground or the bowl underneath the fire. 

Safety Tips for Using a Fire Pit 

Following is a list of fire safety recommendations for while you’re utilizing your fire pit:

  • Avoid utilizing any fire-starting materials like gasoline or lighter fluid.
  • Keep pets and children away from the flames.
  • Burning waste or paper in your fire pit is not a good idea.
  • Scoop up and dispose of the ashes after they are dry and cold.
  • Place your fire pit away from high-risk areas. 
  • Never leave a burning object unattended.
  • Purchase some fire-fighting equipment.

Check out our post for instructions on how to safely extinguish the flames in your fire pit.

Last Thoughts 

As you can see, the bottom of a fire pit may be made out of a variety of materials. The most common choice is sand, but there are a variety of different materials that perform just as well. If you’re going to create a fire pit, make sure you pick the right foundation so the fire doesn’t harm the earth or the pit’s bottom.

 

A fire pit liner is a great way to protect your floor and furniture from the heat of the fire. They are also easy to clean. Reference: does a fire pit need a liner.

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