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Build Your Own Backyard Fire Pit
Is there a better way to spend a summer’s night than by basking in the warm glow of a fire? If you're one of the many Americans who have fond memories of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the hot flames on a cool night, then you’ve probably found yourself wishing you could enjoy a fire at any time.
Make 2017 the year you stop wishing and enjoy a fire pit of your own. As a DIY project, installation is surprisingly easy. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to do.
Tools
- String
- Stake
- Can of spray paint
- Shovel
- Masonry jointer
- Level
- Wheelbarrow
Materials
- 1 pallet of fieldstone
- Capstones (between 35 and 40, depending on style)
- Fire brick (approximately 60 stones)
- Fast-set concrete (1 bag)
- Mortar mix (approximately 1 bag)
Instructions
- Find the right spot. Build in a flat area. You want to make sure your fire pit will be in an open area away from branches or other debris that could catch fire.
- Trace the outline for the fire ring. This step involves making two circles, which can be tricky. To make near-perfect circles, do the following steps:
- Drive a stake in the center of what will be your fire ring.
- Tie a five-foot piece of string to the stake, and on the other end, tie a can of spray paint. Using the taut string to guide you, spray a large circle around the center point.
- Do the same, but with a three-foot string, for the inner wall of the fire pit.
- Prepare the foundation. Dig up the area between the two circles you’ve made. You’ll want to go about five to six inches deep to lay the foundation.
- Arrange your fieldstones. Before you pour the concrete, make sure you have the smooth capstones that will go on top of your fire pit separated from the face stones.
- Lay the foundation. Mix the fast-setting concrete in a wheelbarrow, being sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Now, fill in that big ring you dug up. Smooth out the concrete so it’s level and wait for it to set.
- Following the outer edge of the ring, lay that first row of stones.
- Don’t forget the fire bricks. To prevent your stones from overheating and cracking, install a layer of fire bricks on the inside of the wall. As you lay them, you want to make sure they are flush against the stones. Fill in the space with mortar so the bricks and the stones form one solid piece.
- Continue to lay down the outer-facing stones in conjunction with the inner fire bricks. Be sure to keep things level by choosing the appropriate stones and fitting them so they’re evenly aligned.
- Lay the capstones. Once all the bricks and stones are in place, lay out the capstones on top to make sure everything fits properly. Once you’re satisfied, slather on some mortar so they are fixed in place.
Like any home project, fire pits can be built in many different ways. For friendly advice, or just to chat about your plans, stop into your local Fleet Farm today!
