Build Your Own Fire Pit
Last week my husband solidified plans for us to host his coworkers at our house for a fire and grill-out this coming weekend. I love to host, but I immediately got a little nervous. Our fire pit is not big enough for the whole company to come over! The little metal stand-style fire bowl just wouldn’t do. Of course, instead, I decided to upgrade. Learn how to build your own fire pit like I did…
Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see more great projects!
Prep Work to Build Your Own Fire Pit
Begin the process by measuring at least 10 feet away from any building. Once you have found the perfect place for your fire pit begin digging in a circle. My fire pit will be 3 feet wide. I dug up the sod and knocked off the dirt. When you’re completely done digging and removing sod, it is time to level the area. You can work with the dirt, or you can pour sand as a base like I did. The fine grains of the sand helped me get a level surface. I smoothed over the whole thing using a 4″ x 4″ piece of lumber.
See my old metal fire bowl in the background?
Placing the Blocks
To lay the cement blocks I began with a yardstick in the middle, laying the cement blocks. These blocks are tapered so they make a perfect circle and fit tightly together. When I began, I was checking to see if every block was level, but I ended up laying them all out and checking to see if they were level at the end. Some people may use cement between each block, but I chose not to. Getting the first layer of cement blocks level is extremely important. All the other layers will be based off the first one.
Adding the Next Levels to Build Your Own Fire Pit
Once I ensured my first row was ready and completely level, I placed the second and third rows. I staggered the cement blocks in each layer, it gave it a beautiful look. At this point, you can apply heavy duty construction or cement adhesive to make your fire pit more permanent.
I cannot wait to host the grill out and fire now! I think my husband’s coworkers will really enjoy sitting around our beautiful new fire pit.
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosures and policies here.
Did you love this post?? If you did and you want to check out more of my outdoor projects, my blog post How to Build a Retaining Wall in One Day is a great place to start!
Lovely! Where did you get the concrete blocks? Was it a kit?
Hi Katie! It wasn’t a kit necessarily, they sold them at a local stone company named Borgert. I found them on Facebook Marketplace actually because the company advertised their sale on there!
Very attractive fire pit. Thanks for the clear instruction….
Just a thought. You will want to leave an air hole or two. (or 3) if you want the fire to not burn out too quickly. It needs oxygen at the base of the fire to keep going. We have used a drill to add holes afterward at the bottom. Had we known earlier, we would have just stacked the stones a little differently.
Yes this is a good point! Adding air holes makes for a much more enjoyable fire.
Where do you get these blocks for one dollar each?
I got them from a building concrete supplier in my town. They advertised in a Facebook ad I happened to click on that they had these pits on sale for so cheap! 🙂
How blocks did it take you to make this? I have not been able to figure out how many I would need to make something similar. Thank you in advance 😊
I used 63 blocks to make this three level fire pit, 21 blocks for each level. Good luck to you!
Melissa
What size liner did you use for the square fire pit? I checked the website link and they have two different sizes.
30-Inch dimensions: 30″ square inner, 36″ square outer x 10″ H; 26 lbs
36-Inch dimensions: 36″ square inner, 42″ square outer x 10″ H; 43 lbs
I’m so sorry I didn’t answer until now! I’m just seeing this! 🙁 I bought the 36″ liner.
Thanks,
Melissa
What are the dimensions of your blocks? I’m looking to build this for our fathers day gift and include a grill top! But trying to determine what blocks I need without spending a fortune. The box stores seem to only have retaining wall blocks at about 3.5″ high (each). Thanks!
Hi Amanda! These blocks were about 6″ tall and I got them from a building materials store. I don’t think they’re considered retaining wall blocks though. Perhaps look at fire pit kits from the big box stores. Do you have a Menards in your area, by chance? I remember seeing some there. Best of luck to you as you build your father’s day gift! ~ Melissa
Melissa our of the fire pits I have seen to DIY your seemed the easiest and the square looked so nice. I have a rick place would I need to take our ricks, level it then build. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
what size cinder blocks did you use for the square fire pit; 8, 10 or 12″? Thanks!
I apologize for only returning your comment now. I used the 8″ x 8″ x 16″ cinder blocks.
Hello! I know this article is a couple years old but wanted to let you know my husband and I used your video to make the square fire pit and we absolutely love it! Such an awesome idea and so cheap..so thank you!! ☺️
Aw thank you!! I’m so glad!