- Stackable interlocking stones (12"w x4"hx8"D)
- 50 lb bag pea stone
- Flat stones or fireproof pavers
Tools:
- Edger
- Rake
- Rubber Mallet
- Level
Time to complete project:
-
Approximately 75 minutes
Cost of project:
- Less than $150.00
Completed Fire Pit Dimensions:
- Fire area - approx 30"
- Overall height - approx. 12"
Getting started
Prior to building your fire pit select a location that is not close to trees, plants, buildings and anything else that could possibly catch fire from a spark. It is always a good idea to have a garden hose with a sprayer close by in case of an emergency. The instructions found on this website are only the steps used by one party and have not been approved by any building codes or Fire Department codes. This is merely a documentary of my experience building a fire pit.
1. Lay a row of stones in a circle with edges touching.
2. Using an edger, score around the outside edge of the stones as deep as possible.
3. Flip the stones over to expose the inner circle.
4. Using the edger, score two rows across circle to remove sod easier.
5. Roll sod by strips and remove from center. Sod can be transplanted somewhere else or disposed of as composting material. I used my Better Built Soil Screener and saved the soil for my gardens.
6. Lay the stones back into place one at a time, leveling them as you go using the rubber mallet and adding or removing soil underneath the stones.
7. After completeing first layer of stones rake the soil and compact it against the inside of the stones with your hands.
8. Stack the second row of stones, overlapping the first layer so that the stones are staggered. This provides a nice asthetic effect and also increases the integrity of the pit.
8a. Another view of second row of stone showing the overlapping pattern.
8b. Another view of second row of stone showing the overlapping pattern.
8c. View of second row of stone completed.
9a. Repeat step 8 to create a third layer of stone.
9b. Third layer of stone completed.
9b. Another view of Third layer of stone. I used a total of 36 stones. You could make the pit wall higher but it may restrict air flow, which may restrict your fire. I stopped at 3 layers because I want to use the rest of my stones for another project.
10. Smooth out the soil in center of pit and pack it down using your hands. I used a bag of pea stone as a base to provide better drainage after rainy weather.
10. I placed some flat pieces of stone on top of the pea stone for easier removal of ash after burning a fire. This was Tim's idea.
10a. Fire pit completed. Ahhhhhhh......
11. Place some crinkled paper in the base of the pit. Th more paper, the better. Place some small sicks (kindling) on top of the paper in a tee-pee structure to allow air flow. Add some larger sticks on top of the kindling.
12. Light the paper with a match or lighter. I don't recomend using any accellerants! Trust me, the fire will burn without them.
13. After the fire is underway you can add more wood using the same tee-pee pattern so as not to stomp out the fire. Please do not leave the fire unattended and keep pets and children away.
14. Grab your honey, sit back and enjoy the beautiful fire.
