Okay, folks, let’s dive into how I built my very own brick fire pit. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be, and the end result? Totally worth it.
Planning and Prep
First things first, I picked a spot in my backyard. You gotta make sure it’s away from anything that could catch fire – you know, like trees, sheds, your neighbor’s prize-winning petunias. I wanted mine fairly close to the patio, but not too close.
Next, I sketched out a rough design. Nothing fancy, just a circle. I measured it out in the yard using some string and a stake in the center. This gave me a good visual of the size and where it would sit.
Gathering Supplies
Then came the shopping trip. Here’s what I grabbed:
- Bricks: I went with regular old red bricks. You can get fancy, but these worked just fine and kept the cost down.
- Paver Base: This stuff is like gravel, but finer. It helps with drainage and leveling.
- Sand:Just regular play * helps level the Bricks.
- Landscape Block Adhesive: This is basically super glue for bricks.
- A Shovel: Gotta dig!
- A Level: Super important to make sure everything is, well, level.
- A Rubber Mallet: For tapping things into place without breaking them.
- A Tamper: To pack down the paver base. You can rent one, but I just used a heavy piece of wood.
Building the Base
I started by digging out the circle I’d marked. I went down about 6 inches or so. The ground wasn’t perfectly even, but that’s where the paver base comes in.
I poured in the paver base, a few inches at a time, and tamped it down like crazy. This part is crucial. You want a solid, level base, or your fire pit will be all wonky.
Then a thin layer of sand,and use the Rubber Mallet to make it smooth.
Laying the Bricks
This is where it starts to look like something! I started laying the bricks around the edge of the circle, using the landscape block adhesive to stick them together. I’d put a dab of adhesive on the side of each brick before placing it next to the previous one.
I kept checking the level as I went, both along the top of the bricks and across the circle. A little tap here, a little nudge there, until it was all nice and even.
I did three rows of bricks, staggering the joints (like a brick wall) for extra strength. It took a bit of time, but it wasn’t rocket science. Just be patient and keep checking that level!
The Finishing Touches
Once the adhesive was dry (I gave it a full day), I was done! I filled the bottom with a bit more paver base, just to make it look nice and tidy.
Enjoying the Flames
The first fire was awesome. We roasted marshmallows, told stories, and just enjoyed the warmth and the crackling sounds. It’s become a real gathering spot in our backyard.
Seriously, if I can do this, anyone can. It’s a great weekend project, and it adds a lot of character to your outdoor space. Just take your time, follow the steps, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty!
