How to Build a Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Old bricks can be used to make a backyard fire pit.

Wood-burning fire pits are a natural way to enjoy evenings outdoors. A fire pit encloses a wood fire so you can safely have a fire in your backyard. Toast marshmallows, sip on your favorite beverage and chat with family and friends next to the natural glow and warmth of a fire. Wood-burning fire pits are a do-it-yourself project that are as varied as the homeowners who make them. Look around your home and consider making the fire pit from materials you already have on hand.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Landscaping spray paint
• Shovel
• Sand
• Plate compactor
• Gravel
• Used bricks

Instructions

1. Measure out an area in your yard to put the fire pit using a tape measure. Spray the perimeter of the measured area for the fire pit with landscaping spray paint.

2. Dig out the inside of the spray-painted perimeter of the fire pit outline with a shovel. Remove 8 to 10 inches of soil.

3. Create a base for the fire pit with sand and gravel. Layer the bottom of the hole with 2 to 4 inches of sand. Smooth the sand out with your hands to create a relatively level surface. Tamp the sand down firmly with a plate compactor.

4. Pour gravel into the dug-out space until it is level with the ground. Level the gravel with a plate compactor.

5. Lay a base layer of bricks around the perimeter of the gravel. The outside edge of the brick should be flush with the outside edge of the gravel base.

6. Add an additional layer of brick on top of the base layer. Stagger the joints of the bricks so that the center of the bricks in the second layer are over the joints in the first layer.

Tips & Warnings

• Place seating around the fire pit for a complete entertainment space.

• Wear work gloves when working with sand, gravel and bricks.

References

• Firepit and Grilling Guru: Build a Brick Fire Pit for Yourself!
• Firepit and Grilling Guru: How to Build a Stone Fire Pit or Campfire
• This Old House: How to Build a Fire Pit