Wood-burning Fire Pit: How to Build It & Stack the Woods

A wood-burning fire pit is a great way to heat your home. When it comes to backyard fires, wood fire pits are a popular choice.  You can easily build it in your backyard at a low cost and in less time. One of the two things that are most important in building a fire pit is the process of building it and the other is choosing the right fuel wood and stacking it properly.

If you build a perfect fire pit, find wood that is dry and has low humidity, and stock it properly, it’ll help keep your fire pit from smoking and also help keep the fire burning for a long time.

How to Build a Wood-burning Fire Pit?

If you’re looking to add a wood-burning fire pit to your backyard, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Building a fire pit is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed on a weekend, and it’s a great way to add value to your home.

Step 1:

The first thing you need to do is choose the location for your fire pit. You’ll want to pick a spot that’s at least 10- 20 feet away from your house and any other structures. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start excavating. Clean the area, it’ll also help keep the bugs away.

Step 2:

You’ll need to dig a hole that’s at least 12-18 inches deep and 36- 44 inches inside diameter. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the fire pit you’re planning to build. Once you’ve excavated the hole, it’s time to start building the walls.

Step 3:

The walls of the fire pit can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common choice is brick. You’ll need to lay the bricks in a circular pattern, using mortar to hold them in place. Once the walls are built, it’s time to add the grate.

Step 4:

The grate is what will hold the wood in place while it’s burning, so it’s important to choose a material that’s durable and heat-resistant. The most common choice is cast iron, but you can also use stainless steel.

Step 5:

Once the grate is in place, you’re ready to start adding wood to the fire pit. The best type of wood to use is hardwood, like oak or maple. Avoid using softwoods like pine, as they can create a lot of smoke.

Step 6:

Start by adding a few small pieces of wood to the fire pit, and then build up the flames by adding larger pieces of wood. Once the flames are burning brightly, you can start to enjoy your wood-burning fire pit!

You may read: Should You Build a Fire Pit on Concrete?

Why is Wood Stacking Important?

1. It helps maximize the airflow: One of the main reasons why wood stacking is so important is that it helps to maximize airflow within your wood burning fire pit. This is achieved by ensuring that there is a clear path for air to travel up through the wood, which in turn allows the fire to burn more evenly and effectively.

2. Helps prevent ash buildup: Another benefit of wood stacking is that it helps to prevent ash buildup within your fire pit. Ash can quickly build up and smother the fire if not properly removed, but stacking helps to keep it under control.

3. Helps keep the fire contained: Wood stacking also helps to keep the fire contained within the fire pit. This is especially important if you are using a portable fire pit, as it can help to prevent the fire from spreading. Because it helps to burn wood evenly.

4. Helps protect the fire pit: Finally, wood stacking helps to protect the fire pit itself from damage. The stacked wood can help to hold the fire control, which can prevent it from being knocked over or damaging the pit.

What Kind of Wood Should You Stack in Your Fire Pit?

When it comes to building a fire in your backyard fire pit, the type of wood you use can make all the difference. If you’re looking for tips on how to stack wood in a fire pit, here are some things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to choose the right type of wood. Hardwoods like oak and maple are ideal because they burn hot and slow, providing long-lasting flames. Softer woods like pine can be used as well, but they tend to burn quicker, so you’ll need to add more to keep the fire going. The best types of firewood for the stack are hardwoods such as oak, maple, ash, and birch.

Once you’ve selected your wood, it’s time to start stacking. The key is to create a structure that will allow air to circulate around the wood, so it can catch fire easily. A good way to do this is to create a teepee-like stack, with the larger logs on the bottom and the smaller ones on top.

As you stack, be sure to leave some space between the pieces of wood so the air can flow. Once your teepee is built, light it from the top down, using a match or lighter. 

Related: 9 Easy Ways to Put Out Your Fire Pit Quickly!

How to Stack Wood in a Fire Pit?

Few things are as satisfying as a wood-burning fire pit on a cool evening. There’s something about the crackling of the wood and the smell of the smoke that just makes you feel cozy and relaxed. Not to mention, it’s a great way to entertain guests!

If you’re new to using a fire pit, you might be wondering how to stack wood in it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Step-1. Choose The Right Wood

The type of wood you use will affect how your fire burns. Softwoods, like pine, ignite easily but burn quickly. Hardwoods, like oak, take longer to catch fire but will burn for a longer period of time.

Step-2. Prep the Wood

Before you add the wood to the fire pit, you’ll want to prep it. This means cutting it into smaller pieces and splitting it if necessary. This will help the wood catch fire and burn more evenly.

Step-3. Create a Base

The first layer of wood should be larger pieces that are placed close together. This will help create a foundation for the rest of the wood. In your fire pit, first stack two logs parallel to each other and then two more vertically above them. Then continue to stack the logs at the desired height.

Step-4. Add Smaller Pieces

Once you have a foundation, you can start adding smaller pieces of wood on top. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces so that air can circulate and the fire can breathe.

Step-5. Monitor the Fire

Once you have your fire going, it’s important to monitor it. Add more wood as needed to keep the fire burning. But be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the fire to get out of control.

Stacking wood in your fire pit doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to get a fire going that will keep you and your guests warm all night long.