Your Weekend Project #thequickfirepit
Hey Pioneer Family! We know that you’ve probably been cooped up all week, and we’re excited to share with you a quick project you can do THIS weekend. Take some time to stretch your legs, work your biceps, and get your heart pumping with this quick wood-burning fire pit tutorial.
HOW TO INSTALL A WOOD-BURNING FIRE PIT 101
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Cast Concrete Wall Stones & Cap Stones
- Check out Techo-Bloc (in CO), Belgard (in AZ), Phoenix Pavers and more at our 35 stores
- Pre-measured 48” fire pit kits are also available
- Sand
- Shovel
- Tape Measure
- Level
- Tamper
- Chopped Wood
STEP #1: CHOOSE A LOCATION
Before you begin, make sure that you check the building codes in your area! You’ll want to get the proper specs and regulations to ensure that your community governing body will not make you deconstruct your beautiful, newly built fire pit.
Once you have this information, you’ll want to choose a spot far enough away from your home, away from free-standing structures, as well as away from any shrubs or low-hanging trees.
Also, take precautions where you dig - you don’t want to hit any utility lines! If you’re worried about this, you can call 811 before you dig. This phone number will help you locate any utility lines underneath the surface – before you cause yourself, or your neighbors, any major headaches.
STEP #2: LAYOUT YOUR DESIRED FIRE PIT SHAPE
Next, layout your pavers in the approximate shape and size that you would like your fire pit. This could be square, rectangular or circular – just make sure that the diameter of your fire pit is at least 36 – 44 inches.
STEP #3: ROUGHOUT THE HOLE & COMPACT THE DIRT
Once you have the location and shape of your fire pit determined, it’s time to rough it out. Complete this step by first removing the pavers, and then digging a 12-inch deep hole in your desired shape. Once this is complete, compact the dirt at the bottom all the way around with a hand tamper.
STEP #4: POUR SAND
Now, pour sand into the bottom of the hole at a depth of 5 inches. Make sure that the sand is compact and level before moving onto the next step. Calculate how much sand you’ll need using our materials calculator - but make sure to check out Step #6, too!
STEP #5: LAY THE PAVERS
Around the perimeter of the hole, begin laying your pavers. Stack the pavers until they are at least 12 inches high off the ground, making sure to stagger the joints. During this process, you will want to utilize a level to make sure that the height stays consistent. If necessary, you may need to add leveling sand or tap down the blocks to make each row even.
Once this process is done, you will have a decent barrier between the open flame and its surroundings.
STEP #6: POUR ANOTHER LAYER OF SAND
Now that you’re done stacking your pavers, pour another layer of sand into your fire pit. Approximately 4 inches deep.
STEP #7: ADD WOOD
It’s time to add wood to the center of your fire pit. It’s best to use a natural hard wood, such as oak and maple, and it’s imperative that the wood is thoroughly dry. Do not use painted, stained or pressure-treated wood, and avoid driftwood, particle board and plywood, as all of these can release toxins into the air when burned.
STEP #8: TAKE A PHOTO!
The final step! Take a photo of your completed project and tag us on Instagram and Facebook with #PioneerWeekendProject. We may just feature your project on our page!
Be on the lookout for more #PioneerWeekendProjects arriving in your inbox. We want to make sure that we’re all safe during this uncertain time while being mindful of social distancing. (You can read more about our response to COVID-19 here.) We’re always ready to help if you have any questions. Find and call your local store by visiting www.pioneerco.com/locations, or chat with us online!
Wishing you the best,
Your Pioneer Family