How to Build a Fire Pit with Landscape Blocks -

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How to Build a Fire Pit with Landscape Blocks- an easy, afternoon project that you’ll enjoy for years to come!

Now that the weather has cooled off, it’s the perfect time for a backyard fire! I bought a freestanding fire pit a few years ago and (after much use) the bottom completed rotted out. This time I decided to go the DIY route. I had some leftover blocks from my DIY Retaining Wall Planters so I figured they would be perfect for a new fire pit.

This project only took 2-3 hours and it was so easy!

How to Build a Fire Pit with Landscape Blocks

Supplies needed:

Retaining wall blocks

Level

Sand

Pea gravel

Marking paint

Masonry adhesive

Fire ring (optional but recommended)

Do you need a fire ring?

Not necessarily. The fire pit is fine with just the landscape blocks, but adding a fire ring will extend the life of your fire pit. The high temperatures from the fire will dry out the stones, causing them to deteriorate. The fire ring slows this process down considerably

First, choose a safe, sensible location for your firepit. The ideal location is relatively flat with no overhanging tree branches. It’s also away from any flammable structures.

The next step is to map out the size of your fire pit. Drive a stake into the middle of where you want your fire pit to go. Tie a length of string to the stake that is equal to half the diameter. Then, walk around the stake in a circle with the string taught, marking the circle with marking paint.

After you have marked the circle, excavate 6 inches of dirt from the inside. Then, fill the excavated area with 2 inches of sand.

How to Build a Fire Pit with Landscape Blocks

Now it’s time to start laying the blocks! Lay the first round of blocks around the ring. Use a small level to make sure that they are even. Use a rubber mallet to tap down the stones that are too high. Once the first layer of stones is even, lay down the second. Stagger the seams and secure to the bottom layer using masonry adhesive.