The Spark That Ignited My Backyard Dreams

I’ll admit, I’ve never been much of a camping person. More of a “glamping” kind of gal, if you will. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of outdoor adventures over the years, but I much prefer ending the day in a cozy bed rather than a sleeping bag. However, there’s one camping-related activity that has always held a special place in my heart – the humble campfire.

There’s just something so warm and inviting about the flickering flames, the crackle of the wood, and the promise of tasty s’mores to come. So when my husband and I bought a tiny portable fire pit for our backyard last fall, it was like a whole new world of backyard bliss had opened up to us. We loved it so much that we decided we wanted to take things to the next level and build our own permanent fire pit.

Researching the Fiery Details

After doing some digging, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that building your own fire pit is actually a pretty straightforward process. Of course, there are a few important details to consider, like local fire codes and placement, but overall it’s a pretty doable DIY project.

I scoured the internet, watching tutorials and reading blog posts, to make sure I had all the necessary information to create the perfect backyard fire pit. One video that really caught my eye was this one from the DIY Network, which provided some great tips on choosing the right materials and structuring the pit for optimal airflow.

And then there was this step-by-step guide from A Beautiful Mess that really broke down the construction process in a way that made it feel totally doable, even for a non-DIY expert like myself.

Crafting the Perfect Backyard Oasis

Armed with my newfound knowledge, I set out to transform our plain old backyard into a cozy, fire-infused oasis. The first step was to decide on the location. We wanted to make sure the fire pit was at least 10 feet away from any buildings, trees, or other potential hazards. After marking out the circle with some spray paint, it was time to start digging.

Now, let me tell you, this was not the easiest part of the process. Our Missouri soil is notoriously tough, with strong roots and giant rocks just waiting to sabotage my efforts. It was a serious arm workout, but I was determined to power through. Once I had the 6-inch-deep hole dug out, I filled it with a layer of gravel to help with drainage.

Next, it was time to start building the actual fire pit structure. I opted for a triple-layered ring of landscaping stones, using a metal fire pit ring as a guide to keep everything nice and circular. It was a bit of a puzzle, but with the help of a rubber mallet, I was able to get those stones snugly in place, layer by layer.

Lighting the Flame of Backyard Bliss

With the fire pit structure complete, it was time for the moment of truth – the first fire! I started with a small pile of newspaper, dry leaves, and kindling, getting that starter fire going before slowly adding larger and larger pieces of wood. Soon enough, the flames were roaring, and the backyard was bathed in a warm, cozy glow.

As I sat back and admired our handiwork, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This fire pit wasn’t just a functional addition to our yard – it was a gathering place, a source of comfort and joy, a spot to make endless s’mores and sip on cocktails under the stars.

In fact, the fire pit experience got even better when my husband built a corresponding semi-circle fire pit bench, creating the ultimate backyard oasis. And of course, no backyard campfire is complete without all the classic accessories – a s’mores stick, a mountain pie maker, and a well-stocked cocktail tray.

Maintaining the Backyard Blaze

Of course, maintaining a fire pit isn’t all fun and games. After each use, I make sure to scoop out or vacuum up any excess ashes, ensuring they don’t build up and start blowing around. It’s a small price to pay for the sheer pleasure of our backyard fire pit, if you ask me.

So if you’re looking to take your backyard to the next level of coziness and comfort, I highly recommend building your own fire pit. It’s a project that’s well within the reach of even the most novice DIYer, and the rewards are endless. Just remember to check your local fire codes, choose a safe location, and get ready to enjoy many a magical evening under the stars, fire crackling and s’mores in hand.

And if you’re ever in the Today’s Gardens neighborhood, feel free to stop by and admire our backyard oasis. I’ll even let you toast a marshmallow or two!