How to build a fire pit in your backyard this weekend

SUPPLIES & REFERENCES (please ensure links are included)

• Scandia Firebricks – Bunnings
• PGH Common Bricks
• Bastion General Purpose Cement – 20 kg
• High Strength Concrete Mix – 20 kg
• White Washed Sand – 20 kg
• Cement Mixer Hire – Coates 3 ft³
• Brick Saw with Blade (4 hr hire) – Bunnings Bunnings Warehouse
• Davco Off-White Render – 20 kg

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILD

1. Base Preparation

• Dig out the base area to 1200mm wide x 100mm deep.
• Level the ground using a spirit level.
• Mix concrete:
• In a wheelbarrow, combine 1 part water (10L) with 1 part cement (20kg bag).
• Mix two bags at a time (any more is too heavy).
• Turn with shovel until thoroughly mixed.
• Pour the mix into the base well.
• Compact with a trowel to remove air bubbles (or use a hired vibrator unit).
• Flatten evenly with a level.

2. Build the Fire Pit Walls

• Lay bricks short edge to short edge, splaying outward.
• The circle size is determined by brick size.
• Use a brick saw (hired from Bay to Bay Rentals) to trim bricks for circumference fit.
• Place bricks with front edges touching.

Mortar Mix:

• Combine 1 part cement : 3 parts sand in a mixer (Bay to Bay Hire cement mixer used for consistency).
• Mortar should be workable and bond securely to bricks.

Laying Bricks:

• Apply 10mm mortar to brick base and between each brick.
• Build the circle and continue upwards for three layers.
• Use Sanda via fire bricks vertically on the inside of the wall:
• Apply 5mm mortar to back.
• Align with brick corners.
• Cut top fire brick to flush with top surface.
• Fill all gaps with mortar, smoothing with trowel.

3. Safety Requirements

When cutting or handling bricks/cement:

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Gloves

4. Finishing

• Once mortar is fully dried, apply an even coat of render to seal the top and outside surface.