| When you wish to make a fire pit in your | | | | piece lying flush against the first. Scrap |
| background, there are several ways to | | | | pieces of 2 x 4 can be used to keep the tops |
| accomplish this task. Below you will find one | | | | of the blocks in an even pattern. Leaving |
| set of step-by-step instructions to | | | | three equidistant 3/4-inch gaps creates air |
| approaching this fun and exciting | | | | vents within your fire pit. |
| do-it-yourself home improvement project. | | | | |
| | | | 4. Continuing to build your own fire pit, you |
| 1. Identify where you would like to make your | | | | will dry-lay a second layer of 6-inch manhole |
| fire pit and insert a wooden rod into the | | | | blocks over the first. Mortar is not used |
| center of this location. To the rod, attach a | | | | during this step. The blocks should be |
| 10 1/2 -inch string with a can of spray paint | | | | positioned so that they are flush with one |
| at the end. While holding the string tight, | | | | another. Internal edges of this second layer |
| spray-paint a circle. Next, connect a 22 1 | | | | should line up with the bottom layer. A |
| 2-inch string to the same spray can and draw | | | | slight lip will begin to form on the outer |
| another circle. Using these guidelines, dig a | | | | edge. |
| trench that measures 10 inches deep and 12 | | | | |
| inches wide. | | | | 5. To continue making your own fire pit, you |
| | | | should mist the blocks of both layers, adding |
| 2. Next, place 2 inches of gravel about the | | | | surface-bonding cement to the outside of your |
| trench to create a lining. Tamp the gravel, | | | | creation. Use a wet trowel to smooth out the |
| making it firm to the touch. The gravel will | | | | surface. The top edge of the cement should be |
| then be covered with concrete that reaches | | | | clear, so that the wall will accept the cap. |
| ground level. Using a shovel can eliminate | | | | The air vents should also be avoided during |
| air pockets. Level this area with a piece of | | | | this process. |
| 2x4, followed by trowel smoothing. Allow the | | | | |
| concrete to harden and then cover it with | | | | 6. The last steps to building your own fire |
| plastic. This should set for a couple of days | | | | pit include cutting fireproof brick capstones |
| with an additional week of open-air curing. | | | | into wedges. This can be accomplished with |
| | | | the use of a circular saw. An abrasive |
| 3. Once the concrete has cured, use water to | | | | masonry blade should be chosen. You will also |
| create a mist and smooth out the mortar. | | | | need a chisel for this step. Make sure that |
| Next, press a manhole block measuring 6 | | | | you are wearing your safety goggles during |
| inches into the mortar, followed by another | | | | this step! |