To make a fire pit with retaining wall blocks, you’ll need the following materials:
- Retaining wall blocks
- Cement
- Water
- A shovel
- A trowel
Now that the weather has started to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about those weekend projects that help you get your backyard in shape for summer barbecues. Whether you want to create a space for entertaining or just create a comfortable place for family and friends to gather, think about building a fire pit! If you’re not sure how, don’t worry—we’ve got this. Keep reading for a guide on how to make your own DIY fire pit.
Step 1: Choose the Location
- Choose a location that is level and dry, away from trees, buildings and combustible materials.
- Choose a location away from your house and neighbor’s house.
Step 2: Build the Fire Pit Frame
- Prepare the ground by removing any grass, rocks or other debris from the area where you’ll be building your fire pit.
- Make sure that the ground is level.
- Lay out a frame using level stakes and string to trace a square around your intended fire pit area.
- Use a level when measuring to make sure your frame is square; otherwise, it may not fit together properly later on.
Step 3: Lay the First Course of Blocks
To lay the first course of blocks, make sure that they are level. To do this, place a spirit level on top of one block and make sure that it is parallel to the ground. If not, use a spirit level to adjust it until it is perfectly level.
Once you have laid down your first course of blocks in this way, you can begin to add more retaining wall blocks in an alternating pattern between each layer. Again, use your measuring tape and try to make them fit together as tightly as possible so that you don’t have large gaps between them which will result in water seeping through over time!
Step 4: Add a Cap for the First Course
The cap for the first course of blocks should be installed flush with the ground, but leave an inch or so between it and the second course. The second cap will be installed at a height equal to that of the first, leaving an inch or so between it and the third. Thread your rebar through each section, starting with the bottom one and working up until you’re done. If you have any trouble, some extra mortar will come in handy (and can be used to fill gaps).
Step 5: Lay the Second Course Cap Side Up
The second course cap side up. Lay the cap side up. This will ensure that it is level, square and centered. Make sure it is plumb and straight as well.
Step 6: Lay the Third and Final Course of Blocks
Lay the third and final course of blocks, which will be laid side down. This will ensure that they’re level with each other, just as they were in the first course.
When you lay this layer of retaining wall blocks, use the same block size as you did with the first one. Lay them in an identical pattern to what you did before so that it looks neat and tidy from a distance.
You can use a level or spirit level to make sure each block is level with its neighbor and also with the ground or lawn beneath it.
Step 7: Finish the Third and Final Layer with a Cap
The third and final layer will have a cap on top of it. Lay this side up, so that the top of your retaining wall is flat.
Building an outdoor fire pit is one of those DIY projects that you can finish in as little as a couple hours.
Building an outdoor fire pit is one of those DIY projects that you can finish in as little as a couple hours. If done right, it will be a great addition to any outdoor space and provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family.
A fire pit is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. It’s also a great way to keep warm on a cold winter night or cook food over the flames. You can even add light fixtures around it so that it becomes an extra-special focal point in your yard or garden area!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our guide to building a fire pit out of retaining wall blocks. These are just one of the myriad ways that you can use these beautiful and durable blocks to create landscaping features, so we encourage you to experiment with different designs! If you do try out this project, be sure to send us pictures and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to see your finished product
