Materials:

- Stackable interlocking stones (12"w x4"hx8"D)

- 50 lb bag pea stone
- Flat stones or fireproof pavers

Tools:

- Edger
- Rake
- Rubber Mallet
- Level

Time to complete project:

- Approximately 75 minutes

Cost of project:
- Less than $150.00

Completed Fire Pit Dimensions:

- Fire area - approx 30"
- Overall height - approx. 12"

building a fire pit

Getting started

Prior to building your fire pit select a location that is not close to trees, plants, buildings and
anything else that could possibly catch fire from a spark. It is always a good idea to have a
garden hose with a sprayer close by in case of an emergency. The instructions found on this
website are only the steps used by one party and have not been approved by any building
codes or Fire Department codes. This is merely a documentary of my experience building a
fire pit.

1. Lay a row of stones in a circle with edges touching.

2. Using an edger, score around the outside edge of the stones as deep as
possible.
3. Flip the stones over to expose the inner circle.
4. Using the edger, score two rows across circle to remove sod easier.
5. Roll sod by strips and remove from center. Sod can be transplanted
somewhere else or disposed of as composting material. I used my Better Built
Soil Screener and saved the soil for my gardens.
6. Lay the stones back into place one at a time, leveling them as you go using
the rubber mallet and adding or removing soil underneath the stones.
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7. After completeing first layer of stones rake the soil and
compact it against the inside of the stones with your
hands.

8. Stack the second row of stones, overlapping the first

layer so that the stones are staggered. This provides a
nice asthetic effect and also increases the integrity of the
pit.
8a. Another view of second row of stone showing the
overlapping pattern.

8b. Another view of second row of stone showing the

overlapping pattern.

8c. View of second row of stone completed.

9a. Repeat step 8 to create a third layer of stone.

9b. Third layer of stone completed.

9b. Another view of Third layer of stone. I used a total of

36 stones. You could make the pit wall higher but it may
restrict air flow, which may restrict your fire. I stopped at
3 layers because I want to use the rest of my stones for
another project.

10. Smooth out the soil in center of pit and pack it down
using your hands. I used a bag of pea stone as a base to
provide better drainage after rainy weather.

10. I placed some flat pieces of stone on top of the pea

stone for easier removal of ash after burning a fire. This
was Tim's idea.
10a. Fire pit completed. Ahhhhhhh......

11. Place some crinkled paper in the base of the pit. Th

more paper, the better. Place some small sicks (kindling)
on top of the paper in a tee-pee structure to allow air
flow. Add some larger sticks on top of the kindling.
13. After the fire is underway you can add more wood using the same tee-pee pattern so
as not to stomp out the fire. Please do not leave the fire unattended and keep pets and
children away.
12. Light the paper with a match or lighter. I don't recomend using any
accellerants! Trust me, the fire will burn without them.

14. Grab your honey, sit back and enjoy the beautiful fire.