Okay, so I decided to build a brick fire pit in my backyard. It sounded like a fun project, and I figured it would be a nice addition to the place. I wanted a cozy spot where I could chill out with friends and family, roast some marshmallows, and just enjoy the outdoors.
Choosing the Spot
First, I had to pick the right spot. I walked around the yard a few times, trying to visualize where the fire pit would look best. I finally settled on a flat area away from the house and trees. I made sure it was a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.
Gathering Supplies
Next, I made a list of all the stuff I needed. I headed to the local hardware store and picked up around 350 Belgian wedge wall bricks. They were kind of heavy, so I made a few trips back and forth. I also got some gravel for the base. I borrowed a shovel and a wheelbarrow from my neighbor, which was a big help.
Laying the Foundation
I started by digging a shallow hole where the fire pit would go. It wasn’t too deep, just enough to make a stable base. I dumped the gravel into the hole and spread it out evenly. I used the shovel to level it out, making sure it was nice and flat.
Building the First Layer
Then came the fun part—laying the bricks. I started placing the bricks in a circle on top of the gravel. I didn’t use any mortar or anything, just stacked them carefully. It took some time to get the first layer just right, making sure each brick was level and the circle was even. It took about 180 bricks, I didn’t count them carefully.
Adding More Layers
Once the first layer was down, I kept adding more layers. I staggered the bricks, you know, like how you see in walls, so it would be stronger. I made sure each layer was level before moving on to the next one. It was a bit of a workout, lifting all those bricks, but I took my time and eventually got it all done. The second layer also took 180 bricks.
Finishing Touches
After I finished stacking all the bricks, I stood back to admire my work. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself. I added a bit more gravel around the base to make it look neater. Then, I cleaned up the area, put away my tools, and gathered some firewood.
First Fire
That evening, I invited a few friends over, and we lit our first fire in the new pit. It was awesome! We sat around, chatted, and enjoyed the warmth of the fire. The fire pit was a hit, and I was pretty proud of myself for building it. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it.
So, that’s the story of how I built my brick fire pit. It’s a great addition to the backyard, and I know we’ll have many more fun nights around it. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, go for it! It’s a rewarding project, and you’ll love the results.
