How to Construct a Stone Backyard Fire Pit
Gathering around fire pits has long been something that humans have done. While our early ancestors did it for heat or to cook food, for many people it is now a way to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Gathering around a backyard fire pit can be a fun way to end a summer barbecue or spend a cool autumn night. Building a fire pit in your yard allows you to do this. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Metal fire ring
- Stones
- Edging shovel
- Tamp
- 3/4-inch gravel
- Rake
- Level
- Rubber mallet
- Masonry adhesive
Instructions
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Place the metal fire ring in the location of the fire pit and encircle it with a row of stones. Remove the fire ring once the stones are in place.
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2
Drive an edging shovel into the ground on both sides of the stones to mark the outline of the circle.
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3
Remove the stones and dig a trench 12 inches deep between the score lines.
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4
Flatten the soil in the bottom of the trench and tamp it down.
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5
Pour a layer 6 inches deep of 3/4-inch gravel into the trench. Level it out with a rake and tamp it down.
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6
Place a stone on top of the gravel and check it for level. Tap it down with a rubber mallet if necessary.
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7
Place another stone into the trench next to the first stone and lay the level across both stones. If they are not even, tap on the second stone with the mallet to adjust it.
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Lay the rest of the first row of stones using this method.
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9
Apply a thick bead of masonry adhesive across two stones with a zigzag motion. Begin applying the adhesive in the middle of one stone and finish in the middle of the stone adjacent to it.
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10
Lay the first stone of the second row on the masonry adhesive. Continue laying the stones until the second row is complete.
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11
Pour 6 inches of gravel into the center of the stones and smooth it out with a rake.
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Put the fire ring into the circle, pressing it down until it is level with the top of the stones. If there is a gap between the fire ring and the stones, fill it with gravel.
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13
Continue building the wall until you reach the desired height.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your local zoning board regarding any permits you need to construct the fire pit and to learn the building codes you must follow. You can be fined or forced to tear the fire pit down if it is built illegally.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
