When it comes to outdoor entertaining, there’s nothing like a fire pit. If you’d like to add a fire pit to a hardscape area of your backyard, save money by building one yourself. This fire pit comes together in just a few hours with some basic tools and materials.
Here’s what you’ll need for this satisfying project:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Circular Saw
- Impact Driver
- Concrete Mixing Tub
- Shovel
- Phillips Bit
- Pencil
- Tape Measure & Quick Square
- Two 12″ Clamps
- Rubber Mallet
- Two 1″ x 6″ x 96″ Melamine
- 1 5/8″ Coarse Threaded Screws
- 3/4″ Screws
- Four 3″ Screws
- 29″ Fire Bowl
- Waterproof Caulk
- 2′ x 4′ x 3/4″ Plywood
- Large Shallow Plastic Bowl
- 4 Metal Casters
- High Strength Concrete Mix (3 Bags)
- 2′ x 4′ Melamine Shelf
- Miter Saw (Optional)
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. Throughout the video. We’ll alert you regarding when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Measure and cut wood. Using a circular saw, cut your two by four plywood down to 18 by 42 inches. Take your one by six melamine, measure two 48 inch pieces and two 22 1/4 inch pieces. Then cut with a circular or miter saw.
STEP TWO
Assemble frame. Align the melamine into a two by four formation so that the flat edges of the short pieces are flush with the ends of the long pieces. Use an impact driver to attach them together with 1 5/8 inch threaded screws. Repeat on the other side to create a rectangular frame. Place your melamine shelf on top and secure with threaded screws. Then drive 10 threaded screws halfway into your 3/4 inch plywood. This will help your fire pit adhere to the concrete you’ll be mixing in step five.
STEP THREE
Attach plastic mold bowl, measure and mark 18 inches from the long end of your frame and 12 inches from the sides. Then set the bowl in place with two to three pieces of scrap wood or melamine underneath. Using threaded screws, fasten the bowl through the scrap pieces into the bottom of your mold.
STEP FOUR
Seal seams with caulk. Seal gaps and joints with waterproof caulk and let dry per manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP FIVE
Mix and fill concrete. Using a mixing tub and shovel, mix one bag of concrete at a time according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once mixed, pour until the bowl is covered by about one and a half inches of concrete. Place your 18 by 42 inch plywood on the concrete and fill in the rest of the mold as needed. Release any air bubbles in the concrete by tapping the sides of your frame with a rubber mallet. Then let dry per manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP SIX
Release mold and attach casters. Once your concrete is dry, fasten your casters to the plywood base with 3/4 inch screws. With a helper, flip over the mold. Remove the screws and set the bowl in place. Your build is complete. Step back and admire your new fire pit.
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