Modern fire pit DIY—here’s how to build it from a concrete ring
A fire pit will bring a special atmosphere to the yard. This streamlined hearth is built from a concrete well ring and cover, and protected with fireclay tiles. The concrete parts are painted on the outside with heat-resistant paint.
Fire pit from a concrete ring—supplies:
- Concrete well ring (Ø 80 cm, height 25 cm)
- Concrete well cover (Ø 80 cm)
- 35 fireclay tiles (230 × 114 × 25 mm)
- Masonry mortar
- Silicate paint and a brush
- One piece of 6 mm rebar mesh
- An angle grinder
- Work gloves, safety glasses, a respirator, and hearing protection
Fire pit—instructions:
1. Place the 6 mm rebar mesh on top of the well ring. Then mark the edge of the ring’s female groove on the mesh with tape.
2. Put on your work gloves and safety glasses. Place the rebar mesh on a flat surface and cut along the outside of the tape lines with an angle grinder. The finished circular mesh piece will stay in place inside the groove of the well ring.
3. Put on your protective gear. Lift the well ring onto its side and use an angle grinder to cut a five-centimeter-wide notch in the ring’s male joint at the bottom so rainwater can drain out. Make three notches in the edge, then remove the pieces with a hammer and chisel.
4. Lay the cover on level ground, then carefully place the ring on top with the help of a couple of assistants. You can paint the outside, top, and a bit of the inside with heat-resistant silicate paint.
5. Protect the concrete from heat by lining the inside edge with fireclay bricks or tiles. Use an angle grinder to remove one corner from two of the bricks. Attach them to the inner wall of the ring with masonry mortar so the gap lines up with the ring’s notch. Then attach the rest. If you’re using thicker fireclay bricks, you can simply stack them along the edge without mortar.
6. Lay fireclay tiles on the bottom to protect the concrete well cover from heat. You can set smaller grill grates or foil pans on top of the rigid mesh in the groove for cooking.
