Crafting Warm Memories: A DIY Guide to Building Your Own Smokeless Fire Pit

Crafting Warm Memories: A DIY Guide to Building Your Own Smokeless Fire Pit

Enhancing your backyard ambiance with a smokeless fire pit can transform your outdoor gatherings into warm, inviting experiences. Traditional fire pits often come with the inconvenience of smoke, but fear not – with a little DIY spirit, you can create your own smokeless fire pit. In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process, ensuring your backyard becomes the perfect spot for cozy winter fires and delightful summer cookouts.

Difficulty Level: 7 out of 10 Estimated Cost: $200-$400 Duration for the Process: 2-4 hours

Why Choose a Smokeless Fire Pit: Say goodbye to smoke hindering your enjoyment! A smokeless fire pit is the answer to having a cozy fire without the hassle and smell of smoke. Not only do these outdoor marvels reduce smoke significantly, but they also provide ample warmth for your gatherings.

Items Required for this Project: Before diving into the project, gather the essential items to streamline the process and make your DIY journey smoother.

How to Build a DIY Smokeless Fire Pit:

  1. Mark Hole on the Location:

    • Use tape to mark the location of air vent holes on the top of the fire pit insert.
    • Holes should be two inches apart from left to right.

  2. Drill Holes on Insert:

    • Use a 1/4-inch drill bit to drill holes on marked locations.
    • Ensure holes are drilled approximately 1 to 3 inches from the upper edge of the ring.

  3. Enlarge Holes:

    • Create base openings for your stone fire pit by adding holes at the top and bottom of the fire pit ring.

  4. File the Holes:

    • After drilling, file the holes for a smooth finish.

  5. Crack Sealing:

    • Seal any cracks using a fireproof sealant if necessary.

  6. Painting:

    • Apply high-heat spray paint inside and outside the fire pit.
    • Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second.

  7. Preparing Fire Pit Base:

    • Dig out a 60-inch diameter circle, 2 inches deep.
    • Use a bubble level to ensure the base is level.
    • Fill the space with 1/4-inch drainage gravel.

  8. Establish the First Tier of Pavers:

    • Place the fire pit insert on the gravel base.
    • Build the first tier of paver stones around the insert, leaving a 2-inch gap.

  9. Finish Paver Tiers:

    • Add three more tiers, applying landscape block adhesive.
    • Ensure blocks are staggered for stability.
    • Fill the holes with crushed gravel or paver base.

  10. Creating Seating Area:

    • Add foldable camping or resin chairs for a comfortable seating area.
    • Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 feet from the fire pit's edge.

  11. Adding DIY Smokeless Fire Pit Insert:

    • Place the smokeless fire pit insert, allowing it to rest on the paver stones.

  12. Test Your Own Building Smokeless Fire Pit:

    • Use dry wood continuously.
    • Burn the fire for at least 30 minutes to observe smoke reduction.
    • Ensure the fire is hot (550 to 700°F) for secondary combustion.

How Does a Smokeless Fire Pit Work: Smokeless fire pits minimize smoke by using double and secondary walls, preventing heat from escaping. A secondary combustion system burns wood or charcoal efficiently, eliminating remaining smoke particles. Ventilation is crucial for safety, and these pits can be used with various fuel types.

Tips To Reduce Smoke:

  • Dump ash after every burn.
  • Use small wood pieces.
  • Avoid chemical-treated charcoal.
  • Keep firewood away from flame rings.
  • Use firepit tools to mix wood for oxygen.

Conclusion: Now that you've mastered the art of building your own smokeless fire pit, it's time to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your backyard sanctuary. Whether for winter nights or summer cookouts, your DIY creation will be the centerpiece of memorable gatherings.

Cheers to crafting warm memories!

Back to blog