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Step 1: Mark the Area

Mark a circular area in the yard big enough for a fire pit (4 to 5 feet is good). Cut out the sod and scrape out the first 2 inches of soil. Spread an inch of sand over the ground and rake it smooth, leveling the area where the fire pit will sit.

Step 2: Lay Your Blocks

Working from the outer edge of your circle, lay blocks flat on the sand, then level. If the stones are tight against each other, leave small gaps for air vents. Move the stones as needed for even spacing.

TIP

Porous materials—brick, concrete block, slate or sandstone—on their own can get hot enough for the expanding moisture within to cause them to crack ... or even explode! Avoid this by making an inner ring of firebrick or use nonporous stone, like granite.

Step 3: Add a Second Layer of Stone

They should straddle the joints of the first layer. If a stone doesn't sit flat, add more sand under the skewed stone in the first course, then tap or wiggle it flat.

TIP

Moving firewood from one area to another could invite unwanted pests such as the emerald ash borer into your community. The federal government and states with infestation problems have specific regulations to stop the spread of this havoc-wreaking hitchhiker. Play it safe. Visit emeraldashborer.info to learn what's allowed in your area.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After the stones are set, add a few inches of sand or gravel inside the pit to raise the level of the fire so it's easier to tend.

Fire Pit FinaliStockphoto[+]
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How to Make a Fire Pit

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