A cool night is made cozier with a fire pit where we can share stories, watch the stars and make s’mores.
Materials
- Bricks
- Gravel
- String
- Stakes
Tools
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Trowel
- Tamp, or use bottom of your shovel
- Level
When purchasing bricks for the fire pit wall, go for something sturdy like retaining wall bricks or concrete pavers. Some home improvement stores even carry bricks specifically designed for fire pits. A layer of firebricks, which have a higher heat resistance, on the inner layer of the fire pit is an optional safety measure. Also, always know the true source of your bricks—never use bricks from a river bed as they will explode
Step 1
Determine placement for your fire pit, being it’s a safe distance from any structures, bushes or trees and that the ground is level.
Step 2
Insert a stake in the ground where the center of your pit will be. Tie one end of the string to the stake. Using string, determine width of your firepit. Typical fire pit diameter is 4-5 feet. Cut the string to the dimension desired and tie loose end to the trowel handle. With the string taut, use the trowel to mark the diameter of the fire pit.
Step 3
Using the shovel, remove grass/sod from the marked area. The hole for the fire pit should be 6-12 inches deep.
Step 4
Tamp down the soil in the area you cleared. If you do not have a tamp, use the back side of your shovel to press down the cleared soil surface.
Step 5
Using your level, make sure the surface cleared is even and ready for bricks. If not level, continue making necessary adjustments of removing or moving soil.
Step 6
Pour a thick layer of gravel in the fire pit (at least 2 inches). Spread the gravel around evenly.
Step 7
Once the gravel is spread around evenly, arrange the bricks in a circle and stack them in layers until the fire pit wall is at least 12 inches tall. For extra safety, you have the option to put an inner layer of fire bricks. If you choose to use fire bricks, follow instructions from supplier.
Step 8
Once bricks are distributed, your fire pit is complete! Place some comfortable chairs around the fire pit. It’s s’more time!
Special Notes: Before you begin constructing the fire pit, consult your local fire code to see if fire pits are allowed in your city and, if so, how far away the fire pit has to be from a structure.
For safety purposes, be sure to call 811
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