Are you creating the perfect backyard party space? A backyard fire pit may be the perfect centerpiece and Fox River Fire Rings can help you get started. If you are building a backyard fire pit, you may have questions about how to get started. You may be asking — what should I put on the bottom of my fire pit? Find out how to build a foundation for your fire pit with this overview created by Fox River Fire Rings.
What Is the Best Material for the Bottom of My Fire Pit?
When you make the decision to add a fire ring to your backyard, it is important that you build a solid and stable foundation for your fire pit. You may also consider building a fire pit surround for your fire ring — but the material at the bottom of your fire pit will help in multiple ways that include stability, burning efficiency, heat transfer, air circulation, and putting out your fire.
There are three primary materials that most people use for the bottom of their fire pit — sand, brick, and crushed stone. Each material has pros and cons that you should be aware of and to help you make your decision, we have highlighted the Good, Better, and Best materials for the bottom of your fire pit.
Good — Fire Bricks
Fire bricks are a popular option for the foundation material of many backyard fire pits. Fire bricks — or refractory bricks — are resistant to high heat and provide a solid foundation for your fire pit by improving air circulation and the efficiency of your fire. These bricks provide a solid surface for you to build a fire on, but can be more expensive than other materials and may make cleanup after a fire a bit more difficult. Note — Make sure to use fire bricks that are resistant to high heat and not bricks or stone that may crack or break when exposed to heat.
Better — Crushed Rock or Gravel
Crushed rock or gravel (pea gravel) is the next best option for the bottom of your backyard fire pit. This foundation provides excellent stability when you build your fire, will provide adequate ventilation to help your fire burn efficiently, and will drain well when you have rain or use water to put out your fire. Gravel is an excellent option for your backyard fire ring, but is not as affordable as other materials like silica sand and can make cleanup more of a challenge.
Best — Sand
Sand — silica sand — may be the best option for the bottom of your fire pit. Sand provides a good solid base for you to start a fire on, provides an extra layer of insulation between the ground and your fire, distributes the heat of your wire well to produce an even burn, helps improve air circulation, and it is an affordable material. The sand in your fire pit will help you extinguish the flames at the end of the night and you can scoop up the coals with the sand when you clean up.
READ MORE: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Backyard Fire Pit
Have you wanted to ask — what should I put on the bottom of my fire pit? We hope that this breakdown of the Good, Better, and Best materials for the bottom of your fire pit has helped you make a decision. Contact Fox River Fire Rings today to order a brand-new fire pit for your home, cabin, lake house, or cottage!
