How to Build the Classic In-Ground Fire Pit

Relaxing by a backyard fire is the perfect way to spend an evening. Learn how to build the classic in-ground fire pit in this Lowe’s video:

While other types of fire pits can be built from kits and traditional retaining wall blocks, this fire pit sits below ground with a small patio surround.

The fire pit will be a two-inch layer of paver base on the bottom, concrete blocks on top to form the ring, four to six inches of paver base behind, an inch of sand, followed by the patio stones, then finished with mortar and polymeric sand. The depth of the pit depends on the thickness of your patio stones and concrete block lining.

1. Find a good location in your yard away from the house and away from low hanging limbs. Also, make sure it’s a spot that won’t collect water.

2. Mark the layout. To create a round patio, use marking paint attached to a string and stake to create a compass. Then dig up the area.

3. Tamp the ground. Adding a drain under the base will keep the pit from filling with rainwater. Pour a little paver base where the concrete blocks will sit. Tamp it and set the concrete block on top to form a ring. Pour the gravel paver base around the blocks two to three inches at a time, wet it and tamp. Continue adding the paver base to about an inch below the concrete blocks, and fill the blocks too.

4. Pour lava rocks or gravel into the pit to help hold the blocks.

5. To get a level sand base for the pavers, lay PVC pipes on top of the gravel base. Pour paver sand over top, then use a straight 2 x 4 to screen the sand to a flat finish.

6. Lay the patio stones. Use a piece of plywood to work on top of the sand. Set the stones around the fire pit ring over the concrete blocks. To cut the stones, mark them and cut using a circular saw with a concrete blade. Continue installing, working your way outward. Leave at least a half-inch gap between stones and use a level to keep the tops even.

7. Add mortar along the inside to hold the stones and sand in place. Then add edging with landscape spikes. After the pavers are down, add sand to fill the joints. Polymeric jointing sand has additives that provide a better bond. Sweep it into the joints and use a hand tamper to settle the sand. Add more sand and repeat as needed. Remove all of the excess with a leaf blower to prevent hazing. Then lightly spray with a hose. Finish by covering with soil or gravel.

Surround the fire pit with comfortable furniture and enjoy the crackling warmth of a backyard fire!