Roasted marshmallows, S’mores, spending quality time with friends and family. We can think of many reasons to build a DIY concrete fire pit this summer. Fire pits are an affordable way to add cozy ambiance to any outdoor setting, and extend the use of your outdoor space well into colder months.
Things to consider when building a concrete fire pit are: permanent vs. portable, budget, location, safety* and style. Design can be as simple as a concrete fire pit bowl filled with lava rocks or gel candles, to more elaborate set ups with decorative concrete finishes and built-in seating. Design possibilities are endless. Consider the design of your home and landscaping when deciding on the style and size of the concrete fire pit.
Tools, materials and concrete accessories will vary depending on the type of fire pit you’re building. Intermountain Concrete Specialties can help you decide the best products and tools for your concrete project. Typically, a DIY concrete fire pit project will require marking paint or chalk, tape measure, shovel, level, pointing sand, general purpose sand, a bowl for the form or lumber for the framework, nails, L-brackets, fire bricks or a fire box, sealer, and of course, concrete. Additional products may be needed for your particular project.
One of our sales reps recently built this backyard fire pit using stone, Quikcrete Polymeric Pointing Sand, Quikcrete General Purpose Sand, and Creto Masterseal Stone Sealer. This permanent structure has plenty of area for seating, and a flat stone finish. A similar look can be achieved using decorative concrete for the surrounding platform.
The basic steps for any DIY concrete fire pit project include:
- Determining location
- Marking out the fire pit dimensions
- Leveling the ground to create a solid foundation
- Building concrete form boxes (or shaping a concrete bowl)
- Reinforcing the form with rebar
- Pouring, curing and finishing concrete
- Adding lava rock to get the fire pit ready for use
Stop by any Intermountain Concrete Specialties location with your design idea, and we’ll help you choose the right products and equipment to build a concrete fire pit that will have friends and family gathering, and building memories, for years to come.
*Check with your city or county for ordinances prior to building a fire pit, and practice proper fire safety when using a fire pit.