A bonfire on the ground.
An in-ground fire pit is a great way to create a usable backyard space that family and guests can enjoy year-round. It is important to remember that an in-ground fire pit is usually a permanent structure that cannot be moved or otherwise disassembled without significant effort and possible damage to the landscape, so the owner must be certain of the location of the pit as well as the pit style and size before committing to an in-ground fire pit installation. The in-ground pit will allow the homeowner to make a safe fire, great for heating or cooking, and the pit can be a visually pleasing accent to the backyard.
Portable fire pits are usually made of steel or another type of metal and can be quite small. After use, the fire pit will be littered with ash and soot, and the unit will be hot to the touch for hours after use, meaning it cannot be safely transported. However, it is a good option for temporary purposes, unlike a ground fire, which will stay in one place.
An in-ground fire pit will be a very stable structure if built correctly, and while it is by no means portable, it is guaranteed to be a safe place to start a fire because all materials used to build the pit must be fire-retardant. If properly designed, it will prevent embers or sparks from escaping from the pit, and if one or two sparks or embers do manage to escape from the pit, the surrounding area should also be made of non-combustible materials.
One of the main disadvantages of an in-ground fire pit is the cost of installation. If the well is made of concrete or stone, the owner can build it himself, but materials such as brick may require the services of a mason or someone experienced in working with bricks. If the homeowner has worked with brick before or trusts his building skills, he can save on installation costs. However, the materials can still be expensive, depending on the size of the well. Most pits will have a concrete, stone or brick base, and the fire ring and surrounding patio will also need to be made of non-combustible materials. A larger fire pit or pit with features like benches or an elaborate patio will also be more expensive to build.
