

Your fire pit will be just fine with retaining wall blocks, but once you’re done building the pit, you may wish to insert a steel fire ring. After that, let it burn, baby, burn! Step 10: If desired, add a fire pit insert or bowl. Let the adhesive dry for approximately two days before having your first fire. STEP 9: Add a layer of gravel on top of the sand and complete the installation.Īdd about four inches of crushed stone within the cavity, then lay down your final two rings of blocks. Lay a second ring of staggered blocks above the initial one, attaching the two tiers by means of masonry adhesive, if desired To promote air circulation around the fire, leave small, intermittently located gaps between the blocks. STEP 8: Continue laying the concrete retaining-wall blocks. This will ensure a solid structure that will withstand feet-propping - but will also make the fire pit more difficult to dismantle. Step 7: If needed, add construction adhesive to the wall blocks.įor a bit more peace of mind, you can use a fire-safe construction adhesive to bond the blocks together. If slight adjustments are necessary in order to make the blocks level, tap them with a rubber mallet to establish the correct height. Lay one course of concrete retaining wall blocks around the edge of the pit. Photo: STEP 6: Begin laying the concrete retaining-wall blocks. Tamp down the sand in order to compact and level it. Pour a two-inch-thick layer of sand into the area you’ve excavated. STEP 5: Fill the excavated area with a layer of sand. If the yard is sloped, it may be necessary to dig down deeper on one end to ensure your installation will be level. Now it’s time to excavate the ground within the circle you’ve drawn. STEP 4: Excavate 8 inches of dirt within the fire pit ring. If you’re looking to build a square or rectangular fire pit, make careful measurements and mark its footprint. Then walk around the stake in a circle, twine extended, painting the perimeter. Tie a length of twine to the stake that is equal to half the planned diameter. Accomplish this by driving a stake into the middle of the area where you want the fire pit to go. STEP 3: Stake out the shape and size of your DIY fire pit.ĭecide how wide you want your fire pit to be-the recommended diameter for a round fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches-and use marking paint to outline the footprint.
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#Stone fire pit windows#
And before finalizing the spot you’ve chosen, record the movement of wind at a few different times of day the outcome to avoid is smoke billowing into your home’s interior either through windows or doors. Remember also to clear any tree branches that are hanging dangerously low. STEP 2: Choose a safe, sensible location for your fire pit.Ĭhoose a location for your ring of fire, one that is on relatively flat ground and situated well away from flammable structures. Only proceed once you have the necessary approvals or when you’re convinced that none are required. Contact the planning offices in your area to see if any restrictions apply. Satisfy yourself that building a fire pit won’t result in your getting burned with a fine from the local government. STEP 1: Check local ordinances to make certain fire pits are allowed in your area.įirst things first. You can find straight-sided bricks for use in a rectangular pit, or blocks with angled sides to form a round pit. Retaining wall blocks are designed with a rear lip to interlock effortlessly-and without mortar-creating a secure wall with a uniform and polished look. Popular stones for capping a fire pit include slate and flagstone.These simple fire pit projects employ easy-to-find materials and tools you likely already have on hand. Stone veneers made specifically for facing are available in natural and manufactured versions. Second, the fire pit can be constructed of concrete masonry blocks and then faced and capped with stone. For this type of construction it is common to use fieldstone, river rock or cut blocks of sandstone or granite.

First, the actual fire pit can be constructed of cut or tumbled stones mortared together. You can get the look of stone one of two ways. A stone fire pit can be as simple and rustic as a circle of dry stacked stones, or as detailed as a custom pit faced with natural stone veneer and capped with slate. There are quite a few options when it comes to stone fire pits. Today, stone is still one of the most common fire pit construction materials. When you think back upon memories of campfires you usually envision a simple stone fire ring. Stone Age Landscaping LLC in New Hartford, NY. This fire pit was made by stacking pieces of flat stones in a ring.
