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How to build a fire pit

Fire pit that is lit up 

Overview

Channel the charm of a campfire in your own backyard by creating your own built-in fire pit. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, mask, boots and gloves, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

 

Steps

1Mark out and clear the area

Position a peg at the centre of the zone. Attach a string line to mark out a 4m-diameter circle with marking paint. Clear the area with a rake, then spread road base with a shovel and use a small compactor to pack it firmly to a 50mm-thick layer.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: You could pack the road base by hand with a tamper, but a small compactor from our Hire Shop will do the job faster and more efficiently.
A round patch is cleared from a lawn area

2Prepare blocks by removing the retaining lips

Before building the fire pit wall, remove the retaining lips from the back of the blocks by positioning them face down, holding steady with one gloved hand while tapping along the lip at an angle with a club hammer.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Wear eye protection and work on cardboard to protect the front from chipping.
A person uses a club hammer to remove the retaining lips from retaining wall blocks

3Lay the blocks and ensure they are level

Reposition the peg at the centre and set out 14 angled blocks in a round with a 1080mm-diameter inner circle, checking the distance between the peg and blocks. Check the tops are even using a level, tapping with a hammer as needed.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: The wall is designed with 14-block courses to minimise the gaps.
A person taps a hammer on retaining wall blocks to level them out

4Secure blocks together using landscaping adhesive

Working in sections, apply landscaping adhesive over the first course, then set out a second, staggering the joins in a stretcher bond pattern. Angle the blocks with even gaps, applying adhesive between them, and repeat for a third course, leaving to dry.
A person applies landscaping adhesive to retaining wall blocks

5Fill and secure the fire pit bowl

Cover the area within the edging and wall with 30-50mm pebbles. Assemble fire pit bowl with a screwdriver and position it inside the wall, checking that it sits flat and maintains clearance underneath.
Large pebbles fill a fire pit space within flexible garden edging

6Fire pit safety tips:

  • Check with your local council for regulations around fire pits and their use in your area, and stay informed about fire bans in your area.
  • To keep the area safe from flying sparks, ensure the fire pit bowl is positioned well away from combustible structures including fencing, decking and overhanging trees. Always check your fire pit manufacturer’s safety and set-up advice.
  • Before lighting, put a 25mm-thick layer of dry sand in the base of the bowl to help radiate the heat upwards, then start the fire slowly with crumpled newspaper or fire starters under a couple of untreated logs, lighting with long safety matches.
  • To manage the fire, wear heat-resistant gloves while using the supplied poker, then replace the spark guard.
  • Ensure lit fires are never left unattended and that children and pets are supervised at all times.
  • Always attend to the fire as it burns out, or douse it with sand.
  • Always have a hose and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Adding lights around the area creates ambience and highlights any trip hazards.

7Keep in mind...

  • Prior to excavating, contact before U dig (beforeudig.co.nz) to check the location of underground pipes, cables and utilities and avoid damaging them.
  • When moving heavy materials, enlist a second pair of hands to help out, and wear rigger’s gloves and protective footwear.

8Choose your favourite metal fire pit

Browse our wide range of fire pits to find one that suits your style and budget.

 

Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.