How to Get Your Backyard Ready to Put in a Firepit
G’day! Peter here from The Green Bin Mower, your local bloke for lawn care and odd jobs around the Caloundra area. Now, if you’re anything like me, you love a good backyard setup – and there’s nothing better than sitting around a firepit on a cool evening, sharing a yarn, a beer, and maybe toasting a marshmallow or two with the kids.
So if you’re thinking about adding a firepit to your backyard, good on ya. But before you run off to buy one or start digging a hole, there are a few things you need to think about to make sure it’s safe, practical, and looks the part. Here’s my down-to-earth guide to getting your backyard firepit-ready.
- 1 – Pick the Right Spot
First up – location, location, location. You want a spot that’s flat, away from any overhanging trees, fences, or the house itself. Safety first, folks. You don’t want sparks flying up into the gumtree or your pergola roof.
It’s also a good idea to think about wind direction. If your backyard’s a bit of a wind tunnel, find a more sheltered area to stop smoke blowing in your face or into the neighbour’s place (trust me – no one likes a smoky Sunday arvo).
And of course, check with your local council. Some have rules about how close a firepit can be to property lines or what type of firepit you’re allowed to have.
- 2 – Clear the Area
Before anything goes in, you’ll need to prep the space. That’s where I come in. Mowing the lawn short around the area is a good first step. If it’s a bit overgrown or there’s old junk lying around, I can give it a tidy-up, take care of the green waste using your bin, and get the area looking schmick.
Remove any dry leaves, sticks, or anything flammable. If you’ve got mulch or bark nearby, consider shifting it further back – one rogue spark and you could be in trouble.
If you’re after a clean, safe zone, you might even want to dig out a square of lawn and lay down gravel, paving, or heatproof bricks. It helps keep the fire contained and gives the area a nice finished look.
- 3 – Plan for Seating and Access
You want your firepit to be a place where people can hang out comfortably. Think about where the chairs or benches will go. Make sure there’s room to move around it safely and space to stash a couple of cold drinks or the marshmallow roasting sticks.
Level ground is key – no one wants to be balancing their chair on a slope. If you need help flattening out a section or laying a bit of paving, I can help with that too.
- 4 – Choose the Right Firepit
There are a few different types to pick from:
- Portable firepits – great if you’re renting or want to move it around
- In-ground firepits – a more permanent option that can look really classy
- Chimineas or cast iron bowls – these can double as a design feature and keep the heat directed
Over at FirePitZone.com, you’ll find a ripper range of firepits that suit Aussie backyards and budgets. They’ve got all the good gear and plenty of inspiration if you’re not sure what’ll work best for your place.
- 5 – Think About Lighting and Safety
Evenings around the fire are great, but once the sun’s gone, it can get a bit dark. Think about adding some solar lights or string up a few festoons to make it cosy and practical.
Have a bucket of water or hose nearby, just in case. And if you’ve got kids or pets, consider adding a small barrier or using a firepit with a mesh cover. A quick tip – don’t chuck in treated pine or painted timber. They can release toxic fumes. Stick with clean, dry hardwoods or grab a bag of firewood from Bunnings or your local servo.
- 6 – Create a Vibe
A firepit can be more than just a heat source. Add a few nice outdoor chairs, some cushions, maybe a side table for drinks or snacks, and you’ve got yourself a cracking little retreat.
Want to go the extra mile? Think about adding a BBQ grill over the pit, or even setting up a little garden around it with herbs like rosemary or lavender – they smell great and keep mozzies away.
- 7- Let Me Help You Get Started
If all this sounds good but you’re not quite sure where to begin – give me a bell. I can pop ’round, mow the lawn, tidy the area, help you level a space, and even lend a hand with the setup.
At The Green Bin Mower, I specialise in honest, affordable lawn care and backyard help around the Caloundra area. I use your green waste bin to save you money, and while I’m there I can knock over a few handyman jobs too.
Ready to Light Your Garden up with A Fire Pit in Caloundra?
There’s nothing like a firepit to bring your backyard to life. Whether it’s for a quiet evening with the family or a get-together with mates, it’ll quickly become your favourite spot at home.
Start by getting the basics right – pick the spot, prep the ground, and choose the right pit. Then head over to FirePitZone.com to find the perfect one for your place.
And if you need a hand getting your lawn or yard firepit-ready, I’m just around the corner.
Cheers,
Peter
The Green Bin Mower