Wood Burning Firepit Question

[JWAustinVTX]

Do builders put anything at the bottom of wood burning fire pit or does the fire just sit on dirt?

 

[Nectarologist]

It's usually a base of gravel so the rainwater can drain. I'd do 6 inches or so of rough gravel and then top that off with pea gravel for looks. I've seen sand as well. You can put the wood on a metal fireplace grate to keep it off the ground but my concern would be mosquitos in the pooling water. You can also use paver base material. Go to Lowes/HD and just make the entire area that will encompass the pit using the course gravel then topped with fine gravel. I wouldn't bother trying to drain it out to the side. It will just get blocked with debris within a year. What are you thinking as far as shape etc?

 

[JWAustinVTX]

Thanks Nectar, kind of what I was thinking. The builder has a metal pipe at the bottom that hooks up with the rest of the yard for drainage. The mason wasn't sure what they planned on finishing it off with. I'll see or talk to my PB soon