How to Build a Fire Pit

Since the dawn of time, people have been gathering around fires to eat, drink, celebrate, and relax. Summer nights still encompass this idea. A well-built fire pit is perfect for parties, s’mores, and outdoor gatherings. Light up your night with this step-by-step guide to building the perfect fire pit.

There are many different sizes and shapes you can use to create a fire pit, but the most common ones are circular and rectangular. The optimal size for a fire pit is between 36" and 44" in diameter. For a circular pit you’ll want to use trapezoidal blocks that fit snug together without creating gaps. For rectangular pit use rectangular blocks in a variety of patterns. There are many different types of rectangular blocks, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Start by dry-fitting all of your concrete blocks together to ensure everything fits. Use a chisel and a brick hammer if you need to cut down a block to make it fit. Score the block on all sides, then hold the chisel on the line, hitting it with the hammer until the block splits. Using a shovel, mark the outside pit. Take note of your layout and move the blocks out of the way.

Using your shovel, start digging out the sides of your pit 12" deep. As you dig, check to see that your pit is level. Lay your blocks out to see if they will fit nicely in your trench. Widen the trench if needed, then remove the blocks again. Pack down the dirt using a hand tamper.

Fill the base of your pit with 5"-6” of crushed gravel. Use a garden hose to wet down the gravel to make it easy to compact. Using the hand tamper again pack down the gravel, keeping it even and level. Place the blocks back into your pit to ensure the gravel is distributed evenly and the blocks line up perfectly.

Lay down your first block, then use a level to make sure it is even and ensure consistency throughout the pit. Use a rubber mallet to push the block lower and some leveling sand to raise up the block. Continue this process for the entire first row.

Begin placing the second layer of blocks on top of the first row staggering the joints. Use a caulking gun and masonry adhesive to glue the blocks together. Squeeze out a bead of adhesive in a zigzag pattern one block at a time. Continue this until the second layer is finished. Use the level to check the evenness of layer two before moving onto the last layer.

Fill the pit with 6” of gravel, which will help make the base of your fire pit stronger. Even out the gravel before placing the fire ring in place. Fire rings usually come in standard sizes so build your pit around this.

Feel free to get creative with your fire pit and the surrounding area. You can opt to place pavers around the fire pit or maybe rocks. Whatever you do, make it your own. Then sit back and enjoy long summer nights roasting marshmallows around the fire. Get everything you need to complete this project at your local Do it Best store. If you'd rather buy a fire pit instead of building one, Do it Best has plenty of options.