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If you are one of the homeowners who love to entertain guests, having a fire pit on your property will certainly be a good idea.
Not only do they give off warmth, but they are the best if you want a cozy space where you can make smores or pass stories with friends and family at the comfort of your home.
Yes, you can surely buy them from your hardware stores and even online, but nothing beats a fire pit that is customized according to your needs and location.
Are you planning on having a fire pit in your backyard? Here are some of the things you need to know before building one.
Can you Use Retaining Wall Blocks for Your Fire Pit?
When you want to build a fire pit, it is crucial to choose the material you will use. This is because making the wrong choice can easily result in a disaster such as a fire. Is it sensible to use retaining wall blocks or will another material be better?
To answer this question, yes, you can use retaining wall blocks for a fire pit. This is because they are durable, provide high resistance against heat, and are very attractive.
The “lips” on the interior of these blocks also assist with securing the fire pit, making it more convenient to build and safer to use in the long run.
As you may know, using regular stones could work for temporary fire pits, but using a retaining wall block allows you to use the structure again and again for many years.
This is the reason why concrete retaining wall blocks are usually the recommended material for fire pit installations.
If you want to use another material, we will always advise you to take extra precautions some materials are just not well-suited to be used in a fire pit.
One example is cinder blocks which trap moisture and explode when lit with fire, which can result in a very dangerous situation. If you are not sure, better ask a professional and only use fire-safe blocks for your structure.
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How to Build a Fire Pit
Before building a fire pit on your own, you need to have the right tools and material for it.
Once you already have them, make sure to choose a location that is safe, flat, and is a good distance away from other buildings and debris.
Step 1
How big do you want your fire pit to be? If you have a smaller space, you may be hesitant to build a bigger one, but just remember that the recommended size of most fire pits ranges from a diameter of 36 to 44 inches. Make an outline of your fire pit using marking paint for your reference.
Step 2
Now that you have an outline, use a shovel to excavate the soil around your fire pit ring. Make sure that you are digging at least 8 inches deep for your shallow trench and compact it to a nice, level, surface. Afterward, put in at least 2 inches of sand around the excavated area and compact the material again.
Step 3
Start laying the concrete retaining wall blocks on the outline you made earlier. Since they are usually rectangular in shape, you should be prepared to make adjustments for your circular fire pit.
Use a mallet to compact and level the blocks. Once you are sure that they are level, use the appropriate adhesive to secure the material. This makes the structure last longer. Layer the blocks again until they reach your preferred height.
Step 4
Once they reach the desired height, add gravel to your pit for a more appealing look. Although it is not 100% necessary, adding a steel fire ring will be helpful if you want to make your fire pit last longer.
Safety Note: Building a fire pit could be a fun and exciting project. However, if you want to ensure that it will be safe for use, do not hesitate to ask a professional to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Need a Permit to Build a Fire Pit on My Own Property?
Depending on your location, the size of the fire pit you want to build, and the type of fuel you will use, you may need to secure a permit before attempting to build a pit in your backyard.
Just to be safe, ask your local authorities and your homeowner’s association beforehand.
How Much Will I Need to Hire a Professional to Build a Fire Pit?
There are many things you need to consider for the costs of hiring a pro to build your fire pit. The average expense is usually around $750.
Curate a Lovely Area Where You Can Bond with Family and Friends
Having a fire pit in your backyard just gives you and your family a chance to grow even closer.
If you want to create a fire pit or even install a retaining wall in Raleigh NC to make your lawn more appealing, all you need is a reliable contractor and leave the matter to the pros.
After they are done, you will be left with a property that will not only be appealing but will also be investing in a project with a high ROI.
