How to Build a Paver Fire Pit That’s Easy and Affordable

It’s the time of year for crisp weather, cozy sweaters, and toasty apple cider. What better time than to curl up by a fire and enjoy the charms of the season? With an outdoor fire pit, you can enjoy the natural beauty of autumn and the inviting warmth of a fire—the best of both worlds!

A fire pit doesn’t have to be expensive for it to be beautiful and inviting. A paver fire pit is the perfect weekend DIY project; with the right tools, materials, and know-how, you can build a beautiful fire pit in an afternoon. Our guide will walk you through all the steps you need to know so you can start enjoying your outdoor space as the weather cools.

Before You Begin Building Your Fire Pit

Before you buy materials and begin building, it’s important to check your local regulations regarding fire pits. Some areas have no regulations, while others like HOAs might not allow them. If you don’t comply with local safety rules, you may be at risk for incurring unwelcome fines.

Simple paver fire pits are designed to safely contain a wood-burning fire. However, responsible management of recreational fire is still important and there are safety precautions to consider. Place your firepit at least 10-25 feet away from your home or other flammable materials like sheds, trees, or decks. Be sure to remove any overhanging branches from your firepit. Lastly, avoid building your firepit too close to your property line.

Gather Your Tools and Materials to Build a Fire Pit

You don’t need much to build a fire pit. Before you begin, it will be helpful to have all the tools and materials on hand. You will need:

• A rake for clearing any debris from the area
• A trench shovel for leveling
• Your favorite patio/retaining wall paver
• Gravel, lava rock, or sand for the base
• A metal fire ring (optional)

How to Build a Paver Fire Pit

Once you’ve checked your local ordinances, found a safe place to construct your paver fire pit, and gathered your materials, it’s time to start construction.

Step 1: First, decide how big you want your fire pit to be and stake out the area. Typically, the diameter for round fire pits is between 36-44 inches. A perfect height for fire pits tends to be between 12-14 inches.

Step 2: Next, use your rake to clear the area of any debris. Then, using your shovel, remove any grass or growth from the area.  Next, excavate the floor of your fire pit to about 8 inches deep. If the ground is not level, you may need to dig deeper on one side. Finally, pour your non-flammable flooring (sand, gravel or lava rock) into the area.

Step 3: Now it’s time to start building! Carefully surround the floor of your fire pit with the first layer of pavers. Be sure to leave at least a small gap between each paver to allow air flow and oxygen to your fire. Continue to lay a second ring and a third of staggered pavers on the first. Some people opt to use fire-safe construction adhesive to bond the blocks together, but the weight of the pavers alone should be sufficient to keep the structure sound.

You may consider finishing your fire pit with a metal fire ring. This protects your pavers from drying out prematurely. If you think you will use your fire pit frequently, a fire ring may be a good option for you.

ACME is your trusted source for Fire Pit Materials

Now is the perfect time to build a fire pit for your outdoor space and enjoy it all year long.  ACME Block and Brick is proud to offer a full product line of high-quality pavers and excellent customer service. Our experienced professionals are standing by to help you with your next project. Stop by one of our 7 convenient locations or contact us to get started.