fire pit or fireplace

[Josh Bright]

We are thinking about building a fire pit or fireplace in the backyard. I like the idea that more people could enjoy the heat of a fire pit, but I like the look of the fireplace better. Any thoughts on what you prefer? Any drawings, pictures, or ideas would be great.

Josh

[judge jb]

we have an outdoor cast iron wood heater{open front} that is great for two or three people to sit in front of and we also have a pit that works best for several to sit around. made the pit out of a combine rear wheel and put rock around. put the wheel on brick to get it off the slab and put a disc blade inside the wheel to cover the center hole. leave a place in the brick to clean out from under.the disc blade has a one inch hole in the center to allow air. works and looks great.

judge jb

[crow]

I have a pit. I will try to find pictures later. I made the pit (4' diameter) from concrete stone lined with fire brick. I left it dirt in the bottom so rain could leech out. Then I did the patio about a year later. Dug out 8" of soil, put in approx 2-3" of crusher run, then added approx 1-2" of masonry sand. Then I laid a square pattern of concrete stone pavers (3 sizes). Looks really good, makes a great place to sit year round, and you can sit by the fire no matter which way the wind is blowing. But, I have to warn you...alcohol consumption went up considerable after I finished it. Great place for a toddy on a cold winter evening.

Really, though, I always wanted a microwave fire pit, so I could sit by the fire all night long...in five minutes!

crow