- 1). Check with your local fire department for the safety codes in your area. Call your city's building codes inspector to find out if you will need any permits to build your fire pit.
- 2). Pick a spot for your fire pit; keep it away from low branches on trees. Place the fire pit at least 20 feet from any structures that might catch on fire. Be aware that if you build the fire pit on an existing cement or stone structure you could have drainage problems.
- 3). Determine the size of your fire pit, and spray paint a circle directly on the soil where the fire pit will be built. To get a perfect circle, drive a stake in the center, tie a string to the stake, pull the string tight and walk in a circle, holding the string as you spray.
- 4). Measure the width of the circle. Measure from the ground the height you want for the pit. Add six inches to the height. If you take your measurements to the home improvement store, they can help you determine how many blocks you will need.
- 5). Dig six inches down, keeping the sides straight. When the circle is completed, dig a trench along the walls of the circle. The trench width should equal the size of the blocks.
- 6). Lay a bed of gravel in the trench so it is level with the floor of the fire pit. Lay the first layer of blocks or bricks on top of the gravel. Check that it is level. The first layer is the most important because it establishes a solid, level base for the walls.
- 7). Mix mortar and spread a thick layer on top of the blocks. Press down when you place the next level of blocks on top of the mortar.
- 8). Stack the blocks so that the seams of the lower layer are in the center of the next layer. Keep checking for levelness as you go. Use a rubber mallet to tamp the blocks if needed to adjust the level.
- 9). Cap the top of the wall with decorative stones or blocks. You can use the same blocks that make up the wall or a different stone to complement the style.
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