Digging a small underground firepit for safer cleaner fires!
This video demonstrates digging and constructing a small underground firepit to create safer, cleaner contained fires. The build includes selecting a location, excavating to depth, installing a base layer (fabric, sand, gravel), and lining the pit with a metal ring or firebricks before testing a small burn.
Build Sequence
1. Site selection and safety check
Choose a level, open location away from structures, trees, and utilities. Check local regulations and call 811 if needed to locate underground utilities. Clear vegetation and combustible material from the immediate area.
2. Mark pit diameter and depth
Mark the intended circular outline to match the fire ring or brick layout (typically 2–4 feet diameter). Decide on depth (commonly 12–24 inches) and mark center and perimeter with spray paint or stakes and string.
3. Excavate soil
Dig out the marked area using a shovel, posthole digger, or pickaxe. Remove soil in manageable layers, keeping the sides fairly vertical and the bottom level. Wheelbarrow removed soil away from the site to use for backfill or disposal.
4. Prepare base and drainage
Lay landscape fabric in the pit to suppress weeds and separate soil from aggregate. Add a 2–4 inch layer of sand to level, then add 2–3 inches of crushed gravel for drainage and stability. Tamp each layer to compact.
5. Dry-fit and install ring/bricks
Place the steel ring or arrange firebricks around the perimeter on the prepared base. Check level and adjust with sand/gravel as needed. If using bricks, stagger joints for strength and leave ventilation gaps as desired.
6. Finish interior and backfill
Add a thin layer of sand or small gravel inside the ring for final leveling. Backfill and pack soil around the outside edge to secure the ring/bricks and create a smooth transition to surrounding ground. Clean up debris.
7. Test fire and safety check
Build a small test fire to check airflow and containment. Keep water, a fire extinguisher, or bucket of sand nearby. Observe for excessive smoke or heat transfer to surrounding soil or vegetation and make adjustments as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should the pit be?
A common depth is 12–24 inches depending on desired containment and frost depth in your area. Too shallow reduces containment and too deep can create drainage or airflow issues—12–18 inches is typical for a small backyard pit.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →How do I safely extinguish the fire?
Let the fire burn down, spread out the coals with a shovel, and douse with water or cover with sand until completely cool. Never leave a smoldering fire unattended and always ensure embers are fully out before leaving the site.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →Can I use regular bricks or pavers for the lining?
Use fire-rated bricks (firebricks) where direct flames and high heat will contact material. Regular landscaping bricks or pavers can crack or spall under high heat and are not recommended for the area directly exposed to flames.
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Use fire-rated bricks for lining the inside where flames contact masonry.