It's a great way to entertain. And you can still
enjoy being outside even when the weather isn't exactly
cooperating.
The project featured here is easy enough to
build by yourself, but you can also do as a family.
There are many styles of fire pits
that can complement your landscape.
Some are
steel bowls (portable fire pits). But in this fire pit
construction
project, we'll be constructing a
fire pit with concrete retaining wall blocks.
Before we get into how to build a fire
pit, there's something you need to consider.
Fire Pit Area
Think about the location. You'll need an open area
away from the house or low tree limbs, or anything else that could
catch fire.
Try to account for the
wind direction so smoke isn't always blowing into your
windows.
And it might be
helpful to put your fire pit near your wood pile.
Fire Pit Construction
Once you have the spot picked out,
it's time to learn...How to build a firepit.
This fire pit is very basic. It's a concrete
design fire pit with a steel fire
pit bowl dropped on top. There's a video at the end of this page
that walks you through the steps.
The method works for
most fire pit bowls and would work equally well for a satellite
dish fire pit. Just make sure the bowl has a lip to support itself
on top of the blocks.
Obviously, you don't want to build
this on a deck. But if you have an existing patio, you can build it
there.
This particular fire pit construction project calls for
building the pit on a base of pavers.
The paver base is easy to build, too. Just dig
up the area, add a gravel base, then a layer of sand, and install
the blocks on top. At the bottom of the page, there's a video for
the constructing the base, too.
The first step is to start with the fire pit bowl. If your
fire bowl needs assembling, do that first. For this application,
you leave the legs off.
Place the fire pit screen cover in the middle of
the paver base to mark the center of the fire pit.
To lay the first course, position the first layer of block
around the cover making sure all the joints are tight.
Once the first run is set, you can remove the cover.
For the next layer, just set the blocks on top of the first
layer. The blocks just dry fit together, so make sure the blocks are
staggered for strength.
Add the third and forth layers -- again
staggering the joints. And the base is done.
If you are not going to use a steel fire pit bowl, you'll need to
line the inside of the ring with fire proof blocks.
Either way, be sure to clean out the pit
regularly.
The final step is to take the fire pit
bowl, without the legs, and set it in the ring, lay in the grate
in the fire bowl, and place the fire pit screen on top.
Be sure to check
with local ordinances or homeowners associations for
guidelines and to see if fire pits are permitted in your
area.
It's a good idea to keep a
fire extinguisher or a bucket of water near by just in
case.
How to Light A Fire
Pit
Here's an easy way to get your fire going. Take
a starter log and set it on the grate. Then stack a few logs over it
like a teepee. Light the starter log and let it burn. Once it's going, cover the fire with a fire pit
screen.
The great thing about left over ashes is that
you can add them to your compost to put in your garden
beds.
Enjoying a beautiful evening next to a fire.
This is living.
Easy Outdoor
Decor
