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