How to Make a Backyard Fire Pit Out of Bricks

If you've admired picture-perfect yards with cute little fire pits, but have been afraid to make your own because it looks too complicated, you are in luck. A backyard brick fire pit is quick and easy to make, even though it will look like you spent weeks putting it together. You can build an attractive pit that will be the focal point in your yard in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• 2-foot wooden stake
• String
• Shovel
• Fire brick
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Metal grill grate

Instructions

1. Select a location that is away from any structure or object that may catch fire.

2. Determine the size of your fire pit. Fire pits that can accommodate a standard grill grate are generally between 2 and 3 feet in diameter.

3. Hammer a stake into the soil in the center of your fire pit. Tie a piece of string (half the diameter of your fire pit) to the stake and draw a circle in the soil.

4. Remove 8 inches of soil from the middle of the circle. Fill the hole with 2 to 4 inches of sand or gravel to create a solid base for the fire pit.

5. Lay bricks around the inside perimeter of the hole. Apply mortar with a trowel and add a second layer of bricks. Offset the bricks so that half of each brick rests on two bricks on the level below.

6. Lay the bricks to the height you desire. Make sure the bricks are level. Allow the mortar to cure for the recommended time.

7. Place a metal grill grate over the top of the pit.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a metal plate cut to the size of the hole for the bottom of the pit, if desired.

• Always use fire brick and mortar designed for high temperatures.

References

• Fire Pit and Grilling Guru
• How to Build a Brick Firepit