A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.
Fire pits are a popular addition to any outdoor living area. Try making a fire pit out of concrete to modernize your landscape décor with a functional entertainment element.
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
Step 1
Cut the wood into 2x4s and 2x6s for the formwork.
Step 2
Make and assemble the outer frame of the form using L-brackets.
Step 3
Make and assemble the inner frame of the form also using L-brackets.
Step 4
Place the outer frame in the desired location and mark 6” around the outside of the perimeter.
Step 5
Dig a hole within the perimeter you created, about 8” deep.
Step 6
Spread gravel 3½” deep, into the hole, and level as much as possible.
Step 7
Center the inner formwork within the outer formwork in the compacted hole.
Step 8
Ensure the formwork is level, and then, secure it using a couple scrap 2x3 pieces of wood.
Step 9
Drive stakes into the ground and then wired rebar horizontal pieces into place.
Step 10
Mix and pour the concrete foundation layer about 3½” thick. Make sure concrete fills all corners and let this layer cure for about 20 hours.
QUIKTip: Use a 2x4 on the bottom to make judging this thickness easier.
Step 11
Mix the mortar and put down a layer within the outside of the inner formwork. Begin laying the fire bricks one at a time vertically against the formwork???
Step 12
Mix and pour more concrete on top of the firebricks. Let cure for about 20 hours.
Step 13
Remove the top pieces of wood used to hold the inner and outer formworks together. Mix and pour the final layer of concrete.
Step 14
Use a straight piece of wood to screed the top and let concrete sit for half an hour.
Step 15
Use a float to level out the surface and let concrete sit for another half hour.
Step 16
Finish the concrete by using a steel trowel.
Step 17
Cover the concrete with a sheet and pieces of scrap wood to keep moist while it cures for 48 hours.
Step 18
Remove the framework with a prybar. Then spray water onto the concrete to help wash off any dirt.
Tip: You might need a circular saw and chisel to help pry out the inner frame.
Step 19
Pour in 2 buckets of lava rock and spread out to create a thermally resistant surface to start fires on.
Step 20
Let concrete cure for 30 days before starting your first fire.
