How to Build a DIY Fire Pit

When choosing the location of your fire pit, check your local building codes for any restrictions. It’s a good rule of thumb to keep it a safe distance from anything overly flammable, such as hanging trees and structures. Depending on whether you’re building a fire pit that’s circular or straight, you’ll need trapezoidal or square blocks. Trapezoidal are for circular pits, as they sit snug and allow you to create curves, while squares are good for straight lines and angles. You could even try a combination of both.    

When installing a fire pit in your yard, use a stake and put it in what will be the centre of your pit. Use marking paint tied to a string to draw a circle around the stake. This will give you the overall shape of your pit and allow you to build it by “tracing” the line with your blocks. Now you’ll need to dig out the entire area for your fire pit about 7-inches below grade. Pack the dirt solidly all the way around with a hand tamper.

Pour about 5-inches of crushed gravel into the hole to complete your base. Wet the gravel thoroughly with water and use the hand tamper to compact it into a hard layer a couple of inches below the surface.

Lay out your first layer of blocks in a consistent and level height, pushing them together while you go. You can add leveling sand or tap down the blocks to even things out. After finishing the first row, use a long level to check that everything is square. Continue to assemble the second level of wall blocks, staggering the joints between rows.

Make sure to choose the right bowl or ring for the fire pit you’re planning to build. They come in different sizes so making sure it’s the right fit is imperative to the build. Test-fit the fire pit bowl after you’ve completed the second row to make sure the lip rests fully on the edge. If needed, adjust the positioning of your blocks.

Add beads of construction adhesive between the second, third and any additional rows of blocks. This will help secure everything in place and make sure that your fire pit is sturdy and secure. Refit the blocks and continue the process for the next row. 

Once the blocks are placed and secured, put the bowl or ring on top. This can be removed for easy cleaning.