Rocks or stones are probably the most common materials used to build a fire pit, largely because they are practical and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, a rock fire pit can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and styled in a variety of designs. A rock fire pit can be a do-it-yourself project, but people who are not confident in their construction skills may have to pay for professional installation. If used correctly, a rock fire pit can be a beautiful and practical addition to landscaping, but if misused or improperly constructed can potentially be a hazard.
One of the most attractive features of using rocks or stones to build a fire pit is that they are generally easy to find, inexpensive, and practical. A homemade rock fire pit can be constructed from purchased items or even from rocks gathered from nature. If an individual chooses to gather rocks and then build the fire pit without hiring professional landscapers, the project will cost little more than time and effort. The fact that rock fire pits are fairly easy to assemble is definitely another positive feature; many designs require little more than clearing a space, digging a shallow pit, and arranging a low-lying wall of stacked rocks around the edge.
Of course, if a person is uncomfortable building a rock fire pit, he or she may need to hire a landscaper, which can be costly and often limits the choices of materials or design. While this added expense could be considered a drawback of a rock fire pit, it should be noted that other materials or other types of structures would likely invoke the same expense. Fire pits, since they can be freestanding, will usually be a less expensive option than an outdoor fireplace, for example.
Versatility is definitely a good quality of choosing a rock fire pit. Not only are a wide variety of materials available, but fire pits can be incorporated into almost any existing landscaping theme. A rock fire pit can be freestanding in the middle of a yard, incorporated into a deck, or built into a garden. Regardless of whether the desired look is rustic or clean and modern, chances are good a rock fire pit can be built to accommodate.
Most rocks are naturally fire resistant, so they are an obvious choice over other, more flammable materials. Building a fire pit barrier out of untreated wood, for example, would be unwise because the wood will almost certainly catch fire. Moreover, rocks are good at containing heat, not just flame. While the rocks used to surround a fire pit will definitely get hot and should be approached with caution, metal fire pit surrounds heat up much more quickly.
As with any style of fire pit, rock fire pits can be dangerous if they are misused. Fire pits should always be constructed far from houses and low-lying branches or vegetation. Homeowners should also take care to properly light and extinguish fires, lest this landscaping feature become a hazard.