How to Build a Fire Pit With Rocks

Build your own fire pit as a more natural, rustic alternative to metal dish-style fire pits. Before building the pit, check with the fire department or city hall to ensure fire pits are allowed in your community and to ensure the planned location is a safe spot to build one.

Before preparing a spot for a fire pit, contact authorities to find out about fire-safety regulations specific to your community. Most communities specify that a fire pit must be a safe distance from nearby structures and plants, and this distance varies from one community to the next. Some require that the fire is kept at least 25 feet from nearby structures, and some communities do not allow fire pits at all.

Once you're certain your plan meets local requirements, pick a location away from nearby trees, shrubs and other plants because wind may carry sparks quite a distance from the fire.

Rod or stake

Hammer

Scissors

Pebbles or marking chalk

Shovel 

Hoe (optional)

Mark out a circle for the fire pit by hammering a rod or stake into the center of the designated area.

Tie a loop in a piece of string, place the loop loosely over the rod, then cut the string at half the width proposed for the fire pit. For instance, if the fire pit will be 4 feet across, cut the string at 2 feet.

Hold the end of the string and walk around the post, marking the entire perimeter of the fire pit area as you walk, using small pebbles or marking chalk designed for use on ground cover.

Remove 6 to 8 inches of soil from the fire pit circle using shovels; loosen the dirt with a hoe first, if necessary.

Dial 811 several days before digging to ensure there are no underground utility lines buried beneath the designated area; a professional will mark the location of any buried cables or pipes to ensure safety.

The circle of stone nearest the fire must be completely dry and fire-resistant to prevent cracking, splitting or even shattering. Create the ring from retaining-wall stones or fire bricks for optimal safety; if you like, add a layer around it of natural stone blocks. Avoid using any type of stone that has crystals, air pockets or cracks to ensure safety.

Another way to keep the stone safe is by placing a metal fire ring down first, adding the stones around it. The metal prevents most of the heat from reaching the outer stones.

Sand or fine gravel

Fire ring (optional)

Retaining wall stone or desired stone material

Cement (optional)

Trowel (optional)

Fill the pit area with two inches of sand or fine gravel, then set the fire ring down, if using one.

Create a circle of retaining wall stone or the chosen stone material around the perimeter of the fire pit and add another layer atop it, staggering the stone brick-style. Leave small gaps between some of the stones to allow air flow.

Add one more layer of stone, if desired, then pour another inch of sand or gravel inside the pit area. For a more permanent structure, set a ring of fire brick into wet cement, and use mortar to hold each layer of bricks together.

Allow the cement and mortar to cure for at least a week or as recommended on the package before lighting a fire.