Alright, let’s talk about this little project I recently finished – building a circular brick fire pit. I’ve been wanting a proper fire pit in my backyard for ages, and I finally decided to just go for it. It was a fun little adventure, I gotta say.
First thing, I spent a good chunk of time just staring at my backyard, trying to picture where this thing would look best. You know, you gotta get the placement right. Not too close to the house, not too far out in the open. I ended up choosing a spot a bit off-center, kind of nestled between some trees. It just felt right, you know?
Once I had the location sorted, it was time to gather my stuff. I went down to the local hardware store and loaded up on bricks. Regular old red bricks, nothing fancy. I also picked up some sand, gravel, and a few bags of mortar. I borrowed a buddy’s wheelbarrow, which made hauling everything back to my place a whole lot easier. No point breaking your back before you even start building, right?
Next, I marked out a circle on the ground where the pit was going. I just used a stake and some string to make a makeshift compass. It wasn’t perfect, but it did the job. Then, I started digging. I went down about six inches, maybe a bit more. Gotta make sure you have a solid base, otherwise the whole thing’s gonna be wonky.
Once the hole was dug, I poured in a layer of gravel, then a layer of sand, making sure to level it all out. This was kind of therapeutic, honestly. Just me, a shovel, and a pile of dirt. After that, it was time for the fun part – laying the bricks.
I started with the bottom layer, working my way around the circle, brick by brick. I used a level to make sure everything was, well, level. It was slow going at first, but I quickly got the hang of it. I mixed up the mortar, slathered it on each brick, and tapped it into place. Rinse and repeat. It was almost like building with giant Lego blocks, but way messier.
I built up the walls layer by layer, staggering the bricks like you’re supposed to. It’s all about making it strong, like a mini brick fortress. I kept going until it was about knee-high, which seemed like a good height for a fire pit. Not too tall, not too short.
Once the mortar was all dry – which took a couple of days, by the way – I filled the bottom with some more gravel and sand. This helps with drainage and keeps the fire from scorching the ground directly.
Finally, the moment of truth. I gathered some firewood, tossed it in, and lit it up. There’s something really satisfying about seeing your creation come to life like that. The fire crackled, the smoke drifted upwards, and I just sat back and enjoyed the fruits of my labor.
My Thoughts After Finishing
- It’s easier than it looks. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.
- Take your time. No need to rush. Enjoy the process.
- Safety first. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby when you’re using it.
- It’s a great gathering spot. I’ve already had a few friends over, and it’s been a blast.
So yeah, that’s the story of my circular brick fire pit. It was a fun project, and now I have a cool spot to hang out and roast marshmallows. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, I say go for it. You won’t regret it!
