How to Make Cinder Block Fire Pit in 3 Easy Steps

Wanting to have a fire pit? How about a cinder block fire pit? We’ll guide you step by step on how to make cinder block fire pit in this article.

Summer nights, as we all know, are the best times to be alive! We can’t help but fantasize about spending time with friends, enjoying a few drinks, and grilling some mouthwatering steaks across an open fire.

You won’t regret putting on this summer’s quick and simple homemade DIY cinder block fire pit project.

It could require a fast trip to the store as well as some hard labor in the afternoon to construct your cinder block fire pit. But do not worry! You’ll be able to host a gathering with your guests all around new fireplace before the end of the week!

Cinder bricks are a cheap, practical building material that work well for fire pits. The first choice you have to make is whether to use a temporarily or permanently cinder block fire pit. Afterwards when, you can collect your materials and begin building.

Step by Step Procedure on How to Make Cinder Block Fire Pit

STEP 1: Select the Site for Your Cinder Block Fire Pit.

Finding out whether fire pits are permitted in your neighborhood and whether permits or inspections are required is the first step. If you’re unsure, visit your local fire department or municipal office to get the information you need or you can give them a call!

Also Check our Fire Pit Safety article.

Then, before we begin, choose the location and specifications for your fire pit. For instance, some people favor a fire pit close to their home, certain garden spots, or a centerpiece in the middle of their patio.

A minimum of 20 feet should separate the chosen location from shrubs, sheds, trees, garages, or your home. Take into account the size and style of the fire pit you imagine.

Additionally, check to see whether there are any potentially fire-starting overhanging trees above the position of the prospective fireplace (sparks easily ignite dry foliage).

STEP 2: Choose a Cinder Block Fire Pit, Permanent or Temporary.

The simpler of the two is a temporary design. Your cinder blocks will need to be packed into a ring in about an hour (adjust each so that the corners of the blocks touch).

In order to arrange your cinder blocks properly, it is best to remove 4 to 6 inches of earth. Make sure the cinder block holes point upward.

You can choose to turn one cinder block every 3 feet to make a draw hole that will let air flow through.

If you want a permanent design, you’ll need to be a little more patient and go through a few extra stages or steps to make sure the fire pit lasts for a long time.

  1. Four to six inches of topsoil must be dug up.
  2. Your new fire pit’s center should be filled with gravel or sand (to prevent accidental fires).
  3. Below the surface, place your first row of cinder blocks.
  4. Cement blocks should be stacked higher till the necessary height is reached.
  5. Ensure that your cinder blocks are positioned such that they span the joints in the row below.
  6. The blocks should be mortared together.
  7. Before utilizing your fire pit, give the mortar about a week to cure.

Here is my best advice if you’re still unsure of the ideal size for your cinder block fire pit.

Three to four persons can easily fit in a circle that is three feet in diameter. For each additional person, add a foot!

STEP 3:  Give Some Finishing Touches for Your Cinder Block Fire Pit

Consider adding a flat concrete block coping to the top of your cinder block fire pit, or use lovely bricks, tiles, and stones to complete the look.

You’re ready to enjoy your outdoor fire pit—just add a grill and move those benches closer!

Here’s a useful video on how to make a cheap and easy DIY cinder block fire pit

FAQs

Now that we have some ideas for cinder block fire pit. Let’s answer some of the common questions and misconception regarding on the cinder block fire pit.

Do Cinder Block Fire Pits Work?

Answer: Cinder blocks are excellent for building DIY fire pits since they are lightweight, affordable, and heat-resistant. For less than $100, cinder blocks may also be sprayed with heat-resistant paint to make a beautiful fire pit.

Yes! It actually works. Cinder brick is a low-cost construction material that works well for fire pits. Cinder brick fire pits are simple to construct, and you may design them as you choose.

Are cinder blocks resistant to fire?

Answer:  The fact that cinder blocks can tolerate such high temperatures is one of the reasons they make excellent fire pits. They are made of aggregate ash, primarily coal cinders, making them lighter than concrete blocks. Although they are highly durable, cinder blocks lack the tensile strength of concrete blocks (don’t use them to build a retaining wall!).

For fire pits, porous cinder blocks are preferable over dense concrete blocks because they allow steam to escape, lowering the possibility of moisture buildup and subsequent explosions. Pick a fire-rated cinder block to keep you safe from sparks and absorb heat without the risk of it being harmed or unsafe. To find out if the blocks are fire-rated, ask the retailer.

Do Concrete and Cinder Blocks Differ from One Another?

Answer: The answer to this question is absolutely, NO, actually. The two blocks are different from one another while appearing to be formed of the same materials and having a similar appearance.

What makes cinder blocks preferable to concrete blocks? Cinder block is inexpensive and much simpler to carry and move around than other materials. This lighter, more porous structure makes it a more effective option for fires, as we covered above. Instead of allowing moisture to accumulate inside the block, which could eventually build up to such a high pressure that the stone explodes, the lighter texture escapes steam.

We enjoy utilizing it for various yard jobs as well. It’s a quick and simple technique to construct a wall or fence to protect your patio or vegetable gardens. A small team can construct a cinder block wall since they are easier to move around than concrete blocks.

How Many Cinder Blocks Do I Need?

Answer: For a decent-sized fire pit, a small number of cinder blocks are sufficient. Only 24 cinder blocks were used to construct the example we’ll use (see the section below this one). Since you’re creating a little fire pit for your backyard rather than a huge bonfire, you wouldn’t really want to go any bigger than this. Keep your fire pit at a size that is reasonable. Avoid building it too high because doing so will reduce the benefits the fire itself will provide.

CONCLUSION

Fire pits are nice to have during summer nights and help light up your nighttime so you can feel the evening, but they are not necessary for back yards.

Cinder block fire pits are also inexpensive, despite the fact that the cost of everything else is increasing rapidly. Additionally, they require little upkeep and are simple enough for a novice DIY enthusiast to complete.

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