Alright, folks, let’s talk about building a fire pit. I’ve always wanted a nice spot in my backyard to chill out, roast some marshmallows, and just enjoy the outdoors. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a fire pit myself. And guess what? It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!
Marking and Prepping
First things first, I needed to figure out where this thing was gonna go. I picked a spot that was far enough from the house, trees, and anything else that could catch fire. Safety first, right? Then, I marked out a circle on the ground. I just used a stake and some string to get a rough idea of the size I wanted.
Once I had my circle, I started digging. I went down about six or seven inches, just enough to get rid of the grass and get a level base. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some elbow grease. After that a did a quick sweep.
Laying the Foundation
Next up, I laid down some weed-blocking fabric. Don’t want any pesky weeds popping up in my fire pit. On top of that, I put a layer of gravel. This helps with drainage and gives the fire pit a solid foundation. I made sure to spread it out evenly and tamp it down real good. I used some Belgian wedge wall bricks, about 96 of them as the wall. I put them around the circle I marked before. It took me a whole afternoon to make them all set.
Adding Some Flair
Now, for the fun part. I grabbed a bucket and set it in the center of my gravel base, and poured some river rock around the outside of it. Then, I put a layer of sand in the bucket, and threw some cool-looking lava rock on top. These not only looked cool but also helped distribute the heat evenly. This was probably the easiest step, and it made the whole thing look way more legit.
The First Fire
Finally, the moment of truth. I got some firewood, arranged it in the pit, and lit it up. Watching those flames dance around was so satisfying. I grabbed a chair, sat back, and enjoyed the fruits of my labor. It was awesome! Building this fire pit was a fun little project, and it turned out pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Now, I have a sweet spot to hang out with friends and family, and it didn’t even cost me an arm and a leg.
If you’re thinking about building a fire pit, go for it! It’s a great way to add some character to your backyard, and it’s totally doable, even if you’re not a pro. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too.
