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