Whether you live in an area with a generally warm climate or an area that gets hit with a harsh winter, outdoor fire pits can be utilized all throughout the year. Not only do they add to the aesthetics of a backyard, but just by adding chairs, they can be used as an alternative area for entertaining guests, or just an area to sit back and relax. So whether you want to roast some marshmallows on a cool summer night or warm up in the middle of winter, you can build your own outdoor fire pit by following these steps:
Plan Ahead: Decide what size you want your fire pit to be. Keep in mind the optimal diameter of the inside of the fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches. This size allows enough room for a fire, while still allowing you or your guests to comfortably sit near it. You can gather all of your supplies at your local home improvement center. Use cast concrete blocks molded to curve when placed together and look like stone.
Mark The Location: When you’ve decided on your location, lay out your bricks in a circle with the diameter you’ve decided on. If your blocks don’t fit perfectly and you need a partial block to complete the circle, simply align the block above the area, and mark the proper width on the underside. Then use a chisel and hammer to trace all the way around the mark you’ve made, and finally use the hammer and chisel to split the block. Once your mock-up of your circle is complete, use a pointed shovel to trace the inside and outside of your pit using the bricks as a guide.
Dig A Trench: After you’ve traced your pit, remove the bricks and dig a trench. Starting with the outside line you traced, dig a straight walled trench 12 inches in depth, and as wide as one of your bricks. Once that is complete, begin to dig down 6 inches for the circle that is encircled by the trench you just dug.
Fill Your Trench: Fill your trench with 6 inches worth of drainage gravel. The gravel should be even with the center circle of dirt. Use a tamper to level out the gravel, and again use your bricks to make sure they fit in place properly.
Lay Your Blocks: Lay your first block in place on top of the gravel. Use a level to measure both side to side and front to back. If your level is off, use a rubber mallet on the block to level it into place. Now take your time and go block by block using the level of your first block as a guideline for the rest.
Assemble Your Walls: Squeeze masonry adhesive in a zigzag pattern on top of the blocks you just laid. You are going to align your next row of blocks with the middle directly centered over the seam where two blocks on the first level come together.
Fill Your Pit: Dump 6 inches of gravel into your pit, this helps to support your first two levels as the adhesive sets. Then repeat the same wall assembly process for your third, and possibly fourth level depending on how high you want your pit.
Relax and Enjoy: Call your friends, grab some firewood and marshmallows, and sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
