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