How to Build and Burn a Fire Rock Pit

Fire pits provide a means to enjoy the outdoors on a cool evening, gather with friends on the weekend or reminisce about childhood memories of roasting marshmallows. Portable fire pits are popular options and are available from various retailers, but rock fire pits can be installed to provide a more permanent means of enjoying a fire outdoors. Installing a fire pit is a weekend project for most homeowners requiring only a few basic tools.

Things You'll Need

• String and nail
• White spray paint
• Shovel
• Concrete
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Rubber mallet
• Level

Instructions

1. Select a location that is fairly level, drains well and will allow seating for a number of people. Determine the location of any underground utilities, and consider overhanging vegetation in regard to sparks.

2. Mark the center point where the fire pit will be located. Insert a nail with a string tied to it into the ground at the center point. Extend the string to the point where the rock side of the pit will be located. Hold the string tight and walk around the nail in a circle. Use spray paint to outline a circle around the center point.

3. Dig three to four inches of soil from within the white outlined area with a shovel. Level the ground as much as possible. Mix quick-set concrete, and pour into the dugout area. Smooth with a trowel, and allow to thoroughly dry. This will form the pit's bottom and a base for building the pit's sides.

4. Select stone or rock for the fire pit's side. Mix mortar in a bucket for assembling the sides. Apply one-quarter to one-half inch of mortar to the bottom of rocks, and form a ring along the edge of the concrete. Make a couple of small drain holes along the base of the rock side to allow water to escape.

5. Apply a layer of mortar to the top of the first layer of rocks, and continue building the side of the fire pit until you reach the desired height. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the rocks, and check with a level. Allow the mortar to thoroughly dry.

6. Build a fire in the rock fire pit by placing newspaper in the center of the concrete. Place small kindling on top of the paper. Light the paper, and allow the kindling to catch fire. Continue adding gradually larger pieces of wood until the fire is hot enough to burn larger pieces of wood and logs.

Tips & Warnings

• Select rocks that will complement nearby structures or the landscaping theme.

• Keep plenty of wood nearby to keep the fire going.

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when building the pit.

• Use caution when working around fire.

References

• To Build a Garden: Building a Brick or Rock Fire Pit in Your Backyard