Permanent Fire Pit

[johnnytheboy]

The likelihood is that I might spend some time working in a forest. I was thinking of constructing something loosely like a laavu, at least a shelter, but I’d like to put in a firepit that will be more permanent.

Looking at some of the fixed outdoor firepits in Scandinavia, there are everything from concrete water pipe to metal fabrications. All of this is easily achievable as I have a quad bike to move materials.

I’m just looking for suggestions — anything you have seen at camps that works well?

 

[Chris]

The likely hood is I might spend a bit of time working in a forest, I was thinking on constructing something loosely like a laavu, at least a shelter, but I’d like to put in a firepit that will be more permanent.

Looking at some of the fixed out door firepits in Scandinavia there is everything from concrete water pipe to metal fabrications, all of this easily achievable as I have a quad bike to move things.

I’m just looking for suggestions, anything you have seen at any camps that work well?

I’ve fairly often seen half a butane gas canister buried to soil level as a permanent fire pit.

 

[TLM]

The concrete ring works well and is just about the easiest to install, just fill with gravel to the required height. Needs something to hang on things, here it is usually a rebar contraption (some are fairly thought out and work well).

 

[Kadushu]

A washing machine drum is the classic cheap/free answer.

 

[TLM]

The local forestry authority used to have drawings of their structures, gone, I'll try to look if it can still be found ...

 

[Broch]

When I was contemplating this about 6 or 7 years ago I looked at all sorts of solutions. I confess, I wasn't keen on an obviously 'manufactured' solution such as concrete drainage pipes so I was considering building a stone wall circle. However, events overtook me as, whilst I was dilly-dallying, one of the local garden centres was selling off a large (75cm) metal firepit and I decided that it would provide a temporary solution - needless to say it's become permanent but with the added benefit that I could move it if I wanted to

 

[stonepark]

If a permanent design, have a think about a TLUD design.

More efficient and less smoke than a traditional design.

Main secret is the double wall, with extra air for a secondary burn

Also marketed as Smokeless Fire Pits

 

[ONE]

A washing machine drum is the classic cheap/free answer.

I've always had trouble getting them to draw if used as is.

 

[Watch-keeper]

Ive seen the concrete water pipe thing done quite nicely with a sort of flagstone surround.

 

[Pupers]

I've always had trouble getting them to draw if used as is.

They go really well with a few holes in the bottom.

 

[ONE]

They go really well with a few holes in the bottom.

Yup, but then they can drop coals, it's an issue in some places. There's one in my shed, I just don't get on well with them, horses for courses.

 

[HillBill]

Stone base (important, or it will just get deeper and deeper, dig it in a little.)....Stone surround... 6" high at least, gap every other stone for airflow. I'm not an expert, but have been homeless for prolonged periods... Are there better ways... probably. Does this work long term... yes. It also sets a specific height for cooking... Making things that little bit more predictable/easier.

Air flow needs to be left right, or right left... Dont try to block the wind with a tent, or you'll end up with back eddies/ low pressure areas... You'll be inviting smoke in for supper and a lay down... Nothing needs to be convoluted or fancy.... unless you want likes and clicks...If so... tik tok.

 

[TLM]

The local forestry authority used to have drawings of their structures, gone, I'll try to look if it can still be found ...

I can't find it, I am fairly certain that somewhere in that 500 GB copy of my old machine I have a pic of the fire hanger but I don't have the slightest how to find it.

 

[Pupers]

Yup, but then they can drop coals, it's an issue in some places. There's one in my shed, I just don't get on well with them, horses for courses.

Sorry, I should have said slits with an old axe. Does work an absolute treat.

 

[C_Claycomb]

The fire sites we used in Sweden utilised a truck wheel hub supported by mortared together stones.

DSC02191 by Last Scratch, on Flickr

This used a LOT of stone, but others used less.
img_5129 by Last Scratch, on Flickr

DSC01884 by Last Scratch, on Flickr

 

[Pattree]

Truck wheel on three bricks. Sorted.

OK plus a bit of 40mm 10gauge weld mesh for luxury.

A brain fart as I type:
If you put a small truck wheel on bricks inside washing machine drum which was ventilated at its base: might you produce something TLUD like.

(Dunno what that stands for - I use a fire bowl for gatherings and everyone knows what I use in camp.)

A site that I visit almost annually uses truck wheels with three welded legs. Even I have no trouble carrying those a couple of hundred meters. If theft might be a problem then a bit of concrete round the legs could help.

 

[ONE]

Sorry, I should have said slits with an old axe. Does work an absolute treat.

Oh, good thinking 99!

 

[Ducks]

Tractor rim makes for a nice fire pit for a group.

 

[FerlasDave]

Here’s one I made which is just the top section of an old oil drum with some rocks around it. I buried it a few inches in and laid sand around for insulation against the forest floor.

 

[stonepark]

Truck wheel on three bricks. Sorted.

OK plus a bit of 40mm 10gauge weld mesh for luxury.

A brain fart as I type:
If you put a small truck wheel on bricks inside washing machine drum which was ventilated at its base: might you produce something TLUD like.

(Dunno what that stands for - I use a fire bowl for gatherings and everyone knows what I use in camp.)

A site that I visit almost annually uses truck wheels with three welded legs. Even I have no trouble carrying those a couple of hundred meters. If theft might be a problem then a bit of concrete round the legs could help.

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