Brick Outdoor Fire Pit Plans

Building an outdoor fire pit is a great way to enjoy your backyard with friends and family. You can use a fire pit to cook s'mores, tell stories, and simply relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you are looking for a project that is both fun and functional, building a brick fire pit is a great option.

There are many different ways to build a brick fire pit, but the basic steps are the same. First, you will need to choose a location for your fire pit. Once you have chosen a location, you will need to excavate the area and create a level surface. Next, you will need to lay a foundation for your fire pit. The foundation can be made of gravel, sand, or concrete.

Once the foundation is in place, you can begin to build the walls of your fire pit. The walls can be made of any type of brick, but firebrick is the best option because it can withstand high temperatures. When building the walls, be sure to leave an opening for a door or grate. You can also add a chimney to your fire pit to help with smoke removal.

Once the walls are complete, you can finish your fire pit by adding a cap or coping. The cap or coping can be made of brick, stone, or concrete. You can also add a bench or seating area around your fire pit to make it more comfortable and inviting.

Building a brick fire pit is a great way to add value to your home and enjoyment to your backyard. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and functional fire pit that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Materials You Will Need

To build a brick fire pit, you will need the following materials:

Firebricks - Firebricks are the best type of brick to use for a fire pit because they can withstand high temperatures. You will need enough firebricks to build the walls and floor of your fire pit.
Mortar - Mortar is used to hold the bricks together. You will need a fire-resistant mortar that can withstand high temperatures.
Gravel - Gravel is used to create a foundation for your fire pit. You will need enough gravel to fill the bottom of the excavation.
Sand - Sand is used to level the foundation. You will need enough sand to fill the gaps between the gravel.
Concrete - Concrete can be used to create a more permanent foundation for your fire pit. You will need enough concrete to fill the bottom of the excavation and create a level surface.
Cap or coping - The cap or coping is used to finish the top of your fire pit. You can use brick, stone, or concrete to make the cap or coping.
Door or grate - The door or grate is used to provide airflow to the fire. You can use a metal door or grate, or you can make your own from brick or stone.
Chimney - The chimney is used to help with smoke removal. You can use a metal chimney, or you can make your own from brick or stone.
Bench or seating area - The bench or seating area is optional, but it can make your fire pit more comfortable and inviting. You can use brick, stone, or concrete to create a bench or seating area.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To build a brick fire pit, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Choose a location for your fire pit. The location should be away from any structures or trees. It should also be in a well-drained area.
Excavate the area for your fire pit. The excavation should be large enough to accommodate the fire pit and a 1-foot perimeter around the fire pit. The excavation should also be deep enough to accommodate the foundation and the walls of the fire pit.
Create a level surface at the bottom of the excavation. You can use a level to check for levelness.
Lay a foundation for your fire pit. The foundation can be made of gravel, sand, or concrete. If you are using gravel, fill the bottom of the excavation with gravel and tamp it down. If you are using sand, fill the bottom of the excavation with sand and level it off. If you are using concrete, pour a 4-inch thick layer of concrete into the bottom of the excavation and level it off.
Lay the first course of bricks on the foundation. Start by laying the bricks in a circle around the perimeter of the fire pit. Be sure to leave an opening for a door or grate.
Continue laying courses of bricks until the walls of the fire pit reach the desired height. Be sure to stagger the joints between the bricks. You can also add a chimney to your fire pit at this point.
Finish the top of your fire pit with a cap or coping. The cap or coping can be made of brick, stone, or concrete. You can also add a bench or seating area around your fire pit at this point.
Enjoy your new outdoor fire pit!