How to Make a DIY Fire Pit

There are several ways to make a DIY fire pit. One way is to use a fire brick. This can be combined with a natural fieldstone or landscape pavers to create your unique look. Below is a list of tools and materials that you will need to get started.

Tools

1. Tape measure.

2. Stake.

3. Trowel.

4. Wheelbarrow.

5. Hand tamper.

6. Shovel.

Materials 

1. Strings.

2. Gravel.

3. Spray paint.

4. Ready-mix concrete.

5. Capstones.

6. 6” x 12” x 2-3/8” paver stones.

7. 9” x 4” x 2-1/2” firebrick. 

8. 2x4 screed board.

Plan your fire pit design

A backyard fire pit is a common landscape feature. They are not only attractive but provide an outdoor gathering place. 

A firepit is normally constructed from fireproof material on a flat, level area at least 25 meters from the house or any tree. They are also governed by strict local building codes, so therefore, before you start construction of your fireplace, know the codes of your area.

Step 1: Build the foundation

You first pound the rebar stake into the ground at the center of the fire pit and mark the circumference. Attach a string to the stake, measure half of the circumference then tie the other end of the string to a spray paint can. Pull on the string lightly and walk around the stake, using spray paint to paint the boundaries of the circumference. 

Then dig the space out to a depth of 6” and using the same method as above, mark an inner circle. This will be the inner edge of the fire pit wall.

Make a foundation by mixing concrete and water and then laying the wet concrete between the two circles so that it is level with the ground. Press rebar towards the concrete for reinforcement and then allow the wet concrete to dry.

Step 2: Build outer wall

This is the time to lay the stones. First, mix the mortar and then shovel about 2" into the concrete base. Lay the stones in the mortar. If you decide to use natural stone it better for you to mix the sizes and colors. You should also choose stone faces that are attractive and match your outline. A chipping hammer can also be used to shape individual stones.

As the first wall takes shape along the outside edge of the fire pit, lay down the fire brick from the inner wall of the structure.

Step 3: Build the inner fire brick wall

It is important that as you fill in the gaps in between the mortar you also scrape away the excess and periodically measure its edges. This is to ensure that the inside and the outside of the wall maintain thickness and its circular shape.

Continue to raise both the fire bricks on the inside and the stones on the outside and filling gaps between them with mortar. Finish the structure by laying a cap of vetted flat fieldstones on the top wall. Make sure that the top is flat by added mortar to make an even surface.

Step 4: Finish the fire pit

The finishing touches will include painting using a standard paintbrush, brushing the exterior of the stone to remove debris. You can spray-paint the inside brick with black to have a uniform finish.

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Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash 

How to Make Gardening Boxes

Building a gardening box (also called a raised garden bed) is a lot simpler than it looks. First, you need to decide on the materials to use, such as the wood. You will also have to decide how tall your box will be and whether you want to use pre-made corner braces. 

Common Questions on How to Make Gardening Boxes

What kind of wood should I use?

When looking for way on how to make gardening boxes, the most common and widely used is cedar wood. This is because the cedar is naturally resistant to rot. How long will the wood last? That depends on the type of cedar. For example, red cedar used to build boxes has lasted up to 15 years in some cases.

How tall should the box be?

You can build your box to your desired height, but the most common height is 11”. This requires a height of two stacked 2” x 6” boards. If you want a taller box, it is vital to remember that the weight of the added soil will put pressure on the sides and force them to bow outwards. Therefore, you include cross-supports to prevent that in boxes that are higher than 18” or longer than 6”. You must also take note of the soil depth requirement for the plant you want to have.

How wide should the box be?

The best course of action will be for the box to have a width no wider than 4”. In other to be able to reach the center of the box from all sides. This measure measurement will also prevent you from stepping on the soil bed because that will compress the soil.

Tools and Materials 

• Lumber: Use of cedar wood is most recommended using "2 x" boards for the sides like; 2" x 6" etc.

• Fastenings: 3.5” #10 coated deck screws are the most typical to use. You will need six for each corner and two for each mid-span post.

• Cross supports: Get variable lengths of ½” aluminum flat stock. It is easy to cut and screw.

• Tools: You’ll need a hand saw, square, screwdriver, carpenters level, hacksaw, drill, etc.

Construction

Step one:

First cut then assemble the basic frame, block it up to level. Clear the area where you plan to build your box. Mark the ends and saw your boards to the desired length. After that is done, screw the ends of the wood together to make a box.

Step two:

Drive in the corner poles and fasten the boards into them. Cut and set the first post into the corner of the frame and drive it a few inches into the ground.

Step three:

Seal in the boards to the ground then saw the post top flush to the sides. Then add the bottom row of boards to the ground level. This might mean that you will have to dig into the ground. Using a hand saw, cut the post that sticks up, so that they are flush at all sides.

Step four:

This step includes the addition of cross-bracing. If you have a box 8” longer, use cross-bracing to prevent the bed from bowing outwards in the center of the span. Cut the aluminum flat stock with your hacksaw to the width of the bed and then drill a hole across each end attach the cross-brace to the opposite side.

Step five:

Cover the bed with soil and start gardening. You can do this with your garden soil. Pull off any rock you may find. Add soil amendments like fertilizer and manure.

Gardening boxes are great for growing small plots of veggies and flowers while keeping pathway weed from your garden soil. They preventing soil compaction and provide the necessary drainage, serving as a barrier for pests. These are just some of the reasons you should learn how to make gardening boxes for yourself.

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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash