Create a safer, more convenient backyard gathering spot with a versatile fire pit ring.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Who doesn’t like a peaceful outdoor fire on a chilly evening? It’s a welcome sight, whether you wish to host a sing-a-long with friends or simply commune with only your thoughts to keep you company. The simplest way to enjoy a fire in your backyard is with an outdoor fire pit ring.
An outdoor fire pit ring, also known as a campfire ring, is a fire-proof framework set directly on the ground to contain a fire. Its primary task is to prevent fires from spreading outside the perimeter and accidentally starting a wildfire.
Types of Fire Pit Rings
Although always utilitarian, some fire pit rings are also decorative. While it’s true you can stick with a simple black metal ring, many fire pit rings feature cutouts of everything from trees, birds and wildlife to fairies, stars and moons.
As the name suggests, rings are usually round, although some feature hexagonal or octagonal shapes. In addition, some fire pit rings are collapsible and portable, so you can take them camping or simply store them when campfire season is over. Others feature smokeless fire pit inserts, that, as the name suggests, offer a virtually smokeless option.
Outdoor fire pit rings are typically 36 to 44 inches in diameter — a good size for backyard fires rather than larger bonfires. These rings are usually made from powder-coated, rusty or galvanized steel. Prices for fire pit rings range from less than $40 to well over $200.
Bowls and Fire Pit Kits
Metal bowls are a step up from a simple fire pit ring. Set on legs to raise up the flames, they feature protective screens to corral sparks before they cause problems outside the fire pit ring.
Some fire pit rings are set within decorative masonry. For example, an all-in-one DIY kit features a ring and surrounding retaining wall blocks, which provide a more finished look when assembled. The ring has a practical role: It keeps fire from drying out the pavers and causing them to crack. Another option is to build your backyard fire pit and use firebricks instead.
Fire Pit Ring Pros and Cons
Fire pit rings are indeed practical — not just for containing a fire but also offering a visual clue of a fire’s maximum size. This keeps a modest campfire from becoming a large and possibly unpredictable bonfire. It keeps round logs from rolling off the fire and into the surrounding area, where they might cause a wildfire.
Fire pit rings also offer a good entertaining space to gather together with others for fun and fellowship. When not in use, a fire pit ring can double as a small raised garden bed when filled with soil mix.
As for cons, ashes need to be removed from time to time, and fire pit rings may need to be covered when it rains to prevent a sloppy mess. Fire pit rings become extremely hot and can be dangerous. In 2017 U.S. emergency rooms treated at least 5,300 injuries related to fire pits or outdoor heaters, nearly triple the number reported in 2008, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Fire Safety Considerations
Fire safety is an important consideration when using a fire ring. Place the ring on a level site that is a good 10 to 20 feet away from buildings and overhanging trees.
It’s a good idea to make sure the fire ring isn’t too close to any plants, as the heat could damage them. A base of crushed stone beneath and around the fire ring is also a good idea, as it promotes drainage and keeps the base from becoming a slippery, mucky mess when it rains.
Outdoor fire pit rings are typically 36 to 44 inches in diameter — a good size for backyard fires rather than larger bonfires. These rings are usually made from powder-coated, rusty or galvanized steel. Prices for fire pit rings range from less than $40 to well over $200.
Their primary function is to shield these materials from the direct impact of heat and flames, therefore preventing damage and extending the lifespan of masonry fire pits. Steel fire pit rings come in a variety of sizes, designs, and thicknesses, making it easy to find one that perfectly matches your outdoor setup.
For your bricks, the number you need will depend on your preferred size. You'll typically need around 50–100 in total. You can use rectangular bricks for a square ring, but if you prefer a circular fire pit, trapezoidal bricks look more stylish and have fewer gaps.
If you're building the fire pit in your yard, you'll need a paver base to create a stable foundation for the blocks. While it may not be required for a stone or concrete patio, installing a base will protect the surface of your patio.
Considering the primary function of a fire pit is for burning wood or charcoal, the material at the bottom should have good ventilation and heat resistance. Whether you have a homemade fire pit or a professionally made one, it is recommended to place sand at the bottom.
Wood-burning fire pits need air vents to ensure that the fire has enough oxygen to continue burning and to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. The bottom line is that most outdoor fire pits need air holes to function properly and safely.
For safety, choose a spot located away from your house and low-hanging limbs, or anything else that could catch fire. Make sure you'll have enough room for outdoor furniture around the fire pit.
Cast iron is sometimes seen as the superior choice for fire pits due to its heat retaining properties and durability, allowing you to create a lot more heat by burning either wood or coal. As cast iron is a thicker and denser metal, it takes longer to heat up than steel but holds the heat for longer.
They are sturdy enough to resist exposure to wind and sunlight for long periods of time without damage. However, they do have one weakness: water. When exposed to moisture for extended periods of time, rust can develop on your fire pit.
For gas fires, fill the fire pit with enough lava rock to at least cover the fire ring. Do not use rock or gravel of any kind in place of lava rock; it can potentially explode when heated. There are, however, some special glasses and ceramic “stones” that you can use.
Instead, your best option would be to use fire bricks (or refractory bricks). These bricks are denser and go through a kiln process to make them able to withstand high temperatures. They're larger, thicker, and wider than regular bricks, and you can find it at most brickyards.
Even if regular bricks don't explode inside of a fire pit they can still crack or break down, still causing your fire pit to get destroyed. Using regular bricks can result in an explosion since water vapour can easily get trapped inside of them. Fire bricks have enough holes in them to allow the water to pass through.
One of the key advantages of using gravel is its excellent drainage capabilities. Unlike other materials like concrete or pavers, gravel allows water to pass through easily, preventing the formation of puddles or muddy areas around your fire pit.
If you're wondering why you should put sand in the bottom of your fire pit, you'll be glad to know that the answer is straightforward to grasp. This is to protect the metal of the fire pit from the heat of the fire. You know the fire can get really hot and some parts might end up being more alluring than others.
The next hack was to rub-down the bowl of the fire pit with oil—I used canola. This hack makes perfect sense to me because oil creates a natural protective barrier between metal and rust. This is super quick, easy, and inexpensive to do, but it does require maintenance.
With the fire ring in place, it's time to add your logs and kindling. You don't need to do anything particularly special to start a fire in a fire ring; simply set up your fire as you would normally. In order to properly enjoy your fire ring you need the right outdoor seating!
This is why a fire pit design should include a stainless steel interior liner that is installed with the proper amount of air space between the liner and the fire pit material. This barrier will prevent the fire pit material from getting too hot and causing problems.
Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
