If you want to add a space to have fires on your property, you can build a stone fire ring out of retaining wall blocks.It is possible to build a fire pit in a short amount of time if you have the space and know it is legal in your area.The foundation for the ring should be laid on a flat, clear site.The ring should have at least two layers of retaining wall blocks.Soon you will be roasting marshmallows over your fire pit.
Step 1: It's best to choose a flat site in an open area.
Pick a spot away from buildings, fences, and other dangerous objects.Make sure there are no shrubs nearby.It is best not to choose a site that is rocky or hard because you will have to dig down into the soil.
Step 2: Retaining wall blocks are placed in a ring at the site.
Place a wedge-shaped block on the ground with a narrow side facing towards the center of the pit.Proceed to lay out the fire ring with 11 more blocks, adjusting them as you go to make them fit together in a perfect ring.If you want the fire ring to be bigger or smaller, you can change the number of blocks.For a basic, more economical option, you can use concrete retaining wall blocks.When hot, porous rocks like sandstone and limestone can explode.
Step 3: To trace the outline, push the tip of a spade into the soil around the ring.
Put the tip of a spade into the soil on the outside of the blocks you just laid.Walk all the way around the ring and stab the tip of the spade into the ground outside the blocks until you have created a small trench in the soil.You will have to remove any grass sod and dig down into the ground to create a foundation for the pit, so this also gets that process started for you.If you want to create more of a buffer between the fire ring and the grass or soil, you can make the outline bigger than the ring.You will end up with a ring of gravel around the outside of the fire ring.This is up to you.
Step 4: Blocks should be moved to the side to clear the area for digging.
Pick up the blocks one by one and put them on the side.Make sure they are out of the way so you don't trip over them.
Step 5: Go down into the ground inside the outline.
To create a shallow pit, use your spade to dig out any sod within the outline of the fire ring and down into the soil.There are no spots that are deeper than others if you excavate evenly.You will be able to level out the pit as you lay the foundation, so don't worry about getting it perfect at this stage.
Step 6: The pit should be filled with 2 in of sand.
Spread the sand evenly with your spade after you dug out the site.Hit it with the flat side of the spade to level it out.The base for the fire ring will be created by this.Paver sand is used in all kinds of masonry work to create level, solid surfaces on which to lay stonework as well as fill in gaps between stones.
Step 7: Use a level to check the level of the pit's foundation.
The level should be laid across the sand.The surface of the sand is level if the bubble is in the middle of 2 black lines.If the foundation is not level, you can make adjustments by adding more sand to one side and compacting it until you get the base as level as possible.It is important to have a good foundation for the fire ring.
Step 8: On top of the new foundation, place the first ring of stone blocks.
You should bring the retaining wall blocks back to the fire pit.On top of the sand base, place them in a ring.The best way to put the blocks together is to leave a small gap between the inside walls.The fire will burn better if the air is good.The gaps can be small or large.
Step 9: Use a caulking gun.
A tube of masonry glue can be put into a caulking gun.There is a zig-zag pattern across the middle of the top of each block.The next row of stones will be put in place with the help of the masonry glue.If you want to, you can skip this.The stones are heavy enough that no one will push them or pick them up.
Step 10: A second row of retaining wall blocks should be on top of the first.
The first block should be placed between the 2 blocks of the bottom row.The rest of the ring should be placed the same way.The fire ring is more stable when the blocks are staggered.
Step 11: The fire ring should be higher if you add a third level.
Some retaining wall blocks are thinner than others, so it might make sense to add a third ring to help contain the fire.To span the cracks between the blocks of the second ring, you need to stagger the third ring.A good rule of thumb is to make the fire ring at least 12–14 in (30–36 cm) tall, but it is up to you and your personal preference.Retaining wall blocks vary in thickness from 4 to 10 cm.2 layers is probably enough if you use blocks that are more than 20 cm thick.Adding a third layer of thinner, more decorative stones to cap off the retaining wall blocks would add a special touch.
Step 12: The lava rock or gravel should be placed in the center of the fire ring.
When it rains, this will help with drainage and prevent the bottom of the pit from getting muddy.A contrast with the stone blocks is provided by the red lava rock.Pour gravel or lava rock around the perimeter of the blocks if you made the outline bigger than the ring.River stones can explode if they get too hot.