🔥 A well-built fire pit is the perfect addition to any back yard; a gathering place for friends, the s’more command center of the neighborhood, and when designed well, it can be a great outdoor focal point and a potential increase in your home’s value. Done poorly, and you risk having an eyesore that doubles as a fire hazard. Don’t be the guy who starts a forest fire due to poor planning, and keep reading to see how to properly build your fire pit and enjoy it for years to come!
1. Size & Location
There are many different sizes and shapes you can use to create a fire pit, but for this blog post we’ll be focusing on a circular fire pit. The optimal size for a fire pit is between 36" and 44" in diameter and use trapezoidal blocks that fit snug together without creating gaps. Start off with a fire ring of your choosing and make sure to get enough blocks to circle the ring and build up to your desired height. As for location, make sure to pick a spot far enough away from your home and any overhanging tree branches.
2. Prep Work
Start by dry-fitting all of your concrete blocks together to ensure everything fits. Using a shovel, mark 6” around the outside edge of the pit. Take note of your layout and move the blocks out of the way.
3. Dig it!
Using your shovel, start digging out the sides of your pit 12" deep. As you dig, check to see that your pit is level. Lay your blocks out to see if they will fit nicely in your trench with enough space to have a 6” gravel ring around the bricks (very important for rogue sparks, not to mention it makes lawncare much easier. Widen the trench if needed, then remove the blocks again. Pack down the dirt using a hand tamper.
4. Tamp it, tamp it good.
Fill the base of your pit with 5"–6" of crushed gravel. Use a garden hose to wet down the gravel to make it easily compacted. Using the hand tamper again, pack down the gravel, keeping it even and level. Place the blocks back into your pit to ensure the gravel is distributed evenly and the blocks line up perfectly.
5. A Fire Ring to Rule Them All
Place your insert ring in the center of the dug-out section to dry-fit with the first layer of blocks. Lay down your first block, then use a level to make sure it is even and ensure consistency throughout each layer of bricks. Use a rubber mallet to push the block lower and add some leveling sand to raise up the block if needed. Continue this process for the entire first row, then remove the fire ring while you build up the walls.
6. Sky’s the Limit
Begin placing the second layer of blocks on top of the first row, staggering the joints. Use a caulking gun and masonry adhesive to glue the blocks together. Squeeze out a bead of adhesive in a zigzag pattern, one block at a time. Continue this until the second layer is finished. Use the level to check the evenness of layer two before moving onto the next layer. Depending on how high you want your fire pit walls, you can add one or two (or three!) more layers, repeating this step until it’s perfect. Keep in mind that the higher the walls, the less heat you’ll feel sitting next to it.
7. Last but not Least
Fill the pit with 6” of gravel, making the base of your fire pit stronger. Even out the gravel before putting the fire ring in place. That's it!
Congratulations! You now have a fire pit that will help prevent you from lighting your lawn on fire! But you don’t have to stop there — get creative with your fire pit and the surrounding area. Add some string lights around the area for extra ambient lighting, maybe get some new patio furniture from the Kenyon Noble Garden Center, or even add a paver patio. Whatever you do, make it your own. Then sit back and enjoy long summer nights laughing and roasting marshmallows around the fire.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.