Do-It-Yourself Brick Fire Pit Design

Remove the sod and rocks from the area where you want to build the fire pit. Smooth the area, using a level ruler to make sure the ground is flat.

Lay the bricks in a ring, pushing them together tightly. Cut the ending bricks to make them fit, if needed. Use a sharp spade to cut around the outside and inside edge of the brick ring to mark the placement.

Remove the brick ring and dig a 12-inch-deep trench between the two markings. Make sure the trench remains the width of the bricks, so they fit properly inside. Remove 6 inches of soil from the center area of the fire pit to set the burning are below the soil level.

Pour 1 inch of pea gravel into the bottom of the trench and pack it firmly. Fit the bricks into the trench so the sides fit snugly against each other. Check to make sure the fire pit remains level with each brick row. Use a rubber mallet to pound the bricks in place, or pound the bricks flat to keep the ring level.

Add a second layer of bricks, using masonry adhesive to hold the two layers together. Masonry adhesive dries quickly, so apply it to a small area at a time. Add one or two more rows until the fire pit reaches a desired height.

Pour about 5 inches of pea gravel into the center of the fire pit. Fit the metal fire ring inside the brick wall, using a rubber mallet to pound it securely into the gravel so it is the same height as the brick wall. Pour gravel between the metal ring and bricks to close the gap.

Add a decorative top layer of brick to the fire ring to cap off the structure, if desired. Use masonry adhesive to hold the bricks together.