How to Build a Fire Pit Using Retaining Wall Blocks

 
Your lovely backyard can be the perfect spot for camping and roasting marshmallows and hotdogs while staring at the night sky- if only there was a really nice fire pit to seal the deal. But, don’t you worry. We’ll teach you how to build one using retaining wall blocks! 
 
To build a fire pit for your backyard, you just need some basic skills and a handful of tools, and you can have a nice fire pit within a few hours! 
 
Here’s how: ​

Materials

First, prepare all the materials and tools that you will need. These are: 
 

• Shovel and rubber mallet 
  
• Level and measuring tape 
  
• Wood stake and marking paint or string 
  
• Masonry adhesive 
  

• Concrete retaining wall blocks 
  
• Crushed stone and sand ​
  

Some tips

Also, don’t forget to check with your local building codes on any restrictions and necessary permits, and call the 811 hotline to avoid digging into utility lines on your property! 
 
Then, decide where you want to build your fire pit. Choose the most level and flat area and away from any flammable structures like wood fences, trees, or plants. More importantly, make sure to choose an area away from windows and doors so that smoke does not billow into your home when there are strong winds. ​

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Steps

Once that’s done, you’re ready to start building! Follow these easy steps: 
 

1. Measure out and mark the fire pit using a stake, a piece of string or twine, and marking paint. (The average diameter of most fire pits is 36 to 44 inches.) 
2. Dig out an 8-inch deep base within the circle you marked. Clean the area from any debris and weed, then flatten and level the soil. 
3. Pour sand into the base, making it into a height of about 2 inches. Tamp it down so that it is compact, then, same with the soil base, flatten and level the sand.  
4. Place one layer of the concrete retaining wall blocks onto the perimeter of the soil and sand base. Make sure that the joints are snugly fitted and that the top of the stones are perfectly level. Use a carpenter’s level to measure, and if necessary, a mallet to drive down the concrete blocks into the sand. 
5. Lay some masonry adhesive on the first layer, and add a second layer of blocks that are staggered inwards, making sure to leave tiny spaces in between each block to promote air circulation. 
6. Following the step above, add another two layers of concrete blocks. 
7. Finally, pour a 4-inch thick layer of crushed stone into the pit, and let the adhesive dry completely for a couple of days.  

 
See? Wasn’t that easy peasy? Now, go ahead and start that campfire!  ​

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We at Retaining Wall Irving provide professional and affordable retaining wall services for residential and commercial areas in the Irving, Texas area. Retaining Walls often degrade over time and need a professional to inspect, repair or replace. Call the pros for an honest evaluation.  
 
Call us now at (469) 804-3311 for a free estimate, or visit our website at retainingwallirving.com. ​