Sunday, November 18, 2012

Keeping Warm with a Fire Pit

A fire pit is just the thing for the cooler weather ahead.  If you want to build one in a jiff, try using manufactured stone.  This type of stone doesn't required mortar, instead the stones are held together with masonry adhesive.  The stones stack very easily.  Just be sure to get the first level of stones perfectly level.

Our fire pit is 8 feet in diameter with an additional ring of decomposed granite surrounding the fire pit for seating.  This fire pit is a little bigger than standard, but our fire pit will serve double duty for burning brush when the need arises.

The stone I selected is called rumblestone in the color cafe.  I really like the pattern of the trapezoid stones with the standard pavers turned on edge.


These stones were intended for building a smaller fire pit, so the gaps are wider than they would be if the circle was tighter.  This is okay, because the cracks will allow plenty of air intake for the fire.

I wanted to add a capstone to cover the large gaps and create a nice surface for sitting, but the manufacturer does not make a cap for this particular stone.  I planned to used a natural stone, then, my husband found this capstone in the color latte.  After searching high and low for something that would coordinate well with cafe, I thought it was just a little cute that it turned out to be latte.  

The latte capstones come in a rectangular shape.  The stones have to be cut into trapezoidal shapes and pieced together to form a tight circle.  A circular saw with a masonry blade is all that is needed to make the necessary cuts.

The next step in the project was to add the outer ring to hold in the decomposed granite.  To prep the area two inches of top soil were removed and the stones were carefully leveled.  

The fire pit and the completed ring are prepped and ready for the decomposed granite.

The decomposed granite is a good finishing touch to improve drainage and create a clean look.  Once it gets packed down, it will make a nice patio surface for some comfy chairs.  Bring on the smores!





15 comments:

  1. WOW! Looks great. I really like the color and pattern of the stones. It is the perfect time of year to be outside.

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  2. Thanks Steph. I'm very excited with the results. We lit a test fire today and the fire pit works great!

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  3. I love it!!!! That is great! I love fire pits! Too fun!

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  4. Nice job, Ally. Nothing better than toasting your toes around a cozy fire on a cool night.

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    1. Yes siree, I could use a good toe toasting. My little piggies are always a little frosty.

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  5. I love, love love it. How clever. Now you can have the Garden Bloggers over on a winter's day so we can see the pit in action. We can bring our own chairs!

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    1. Great idea! I'll see what I can cook up. Hopefully, I'll have chairs by early December. I plan on ordering some comfy all-weather wicker. I'll post an updated pic when they arrive.

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  6. It's fantastic! Agreed, Jenny ... what a great idea for a go go.

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    1. A go-go marshmellow roast. How fun! I'll see what I can do.

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  7. That looks great, Ally. Nice and big for lots of friends and family.

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  8. This looks so warm and inviting. I'd love to be able to do something like this at my place. You are so talented. I love reading your blog, it's funny and informative and the pictures say it all. Jill

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  9. Just by looking at it, I already feel warm and cozy! I'd love to have a fireplace as big as this where I can sit around at night and make some smores with my kids. I love your reading your blog! It’s so fun and informative! :)

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  10. what is the approximate cost to make this?

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    1. I'm guessing somewhere in the vicinity of $400-$500. If I find the receipts, I'll provide an update.

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