How to build a fire pit 1.
Circle fire pit dimensions.
Dry lay a ring of blocks on the fire pit site placing them end to end until you have a perfect circle positioned where you want the finished pit to be.
Width smaller more intimate fire pits are around 3 feet wide.
Fire pits commonly consist of an inner wall an outer wall a cap i e a flat tabletop like surface around the opening at the top of the pit and decorative stones or rocks in the center.
Built in units often have an exterior dimension of 36 inches to 58 inches.
To choose the right fire pit design and layout to suit your entertaining needs think about how you will use your fire pit area long term.
Most store bought units are available in a 24 inches to 30 inch size.
You can also design and build your own custom sized fire pit using rectangular retaining wall.
If you frequently host lots of outdoor parties with many guests or want your pit to match an existing patio consider building a fire pit in ground with a paver surround.
Lay out the blocks photo by kolin smith.
Although a fire pit invites a gathering it s a loose gathering and you should keep this in mind as you re planning dimensions for your patio.
While larger fire pits suited for entertaining groups can be up to 6 feet wide.
Check the contents of your kit to see if additional materials are needed before assembling.
Create the first tier of the fire pit by forming a circle alternating the large and mini bricks to create a pattern.
Our kit can be installed on grass on top of a gravel paver base or on top of a patio.
Use a shovel to outline the perimeter and then remove the blocks.
For a square or rectangle fire pit temporarily lay out the first layer of concrete blocks for your design on the ground and check the layout for square.
The diameter of the circle should be slightly larger than the outside dimensions of the fire pit ring you re preparing to build.
If the circle is more than an inch or two uneven remove the higher bricks and dig out the dirt underneath until they re level with the rest.
If your fire pit is too large the fire could easily get out of hand and guests will have difficulty conversing because the distance across the pit will require raised voices.
I like to plan for about 5 feet around the fire pit for seating and access.
People don t congregate all the way around a fire pit so you don t typically need seating all the way around especially if the pit is smaller kalamian says.
Using a level make sure the bricks are relatively even all the way around.
If you plan a seating wall around the patio and fire pit it is suggested to keep the.