Step 3: Create a Level Trench for the Blocks

Create a Level Trench for the Blocks of the Fire Pit
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Using a spade, dig a straight-sided trench, 12 inches deep and as wide as one block, within the circle marked out on the ground. Then dig down 6 inches in the area encircled by the trench.

Lay the ring of blocks in the trench to see if all the pieces fit in a circle. If not, dig more to widen the trench. Remove blocks.
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    Tools List

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    • brick hammer
      Brick hammer
    • cold chisel
      Cold chisel
    • square spade
      Spade
    • masonry hoe
      Hoe
    • metal garden rake
      Steel rake
    • tamper
      Tamper
    • two-foot level
      2-foot level
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • mallet
      Mallet
    • caulk gun
      Caulk gun
    • brick trowel
      Trowel
    • angle grinder
      Grinder

    Shopping List

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    1. CAST-CONCRETE WALL STONES

    2. CAPSTONES

    3. STEEL CAMPFIRE RING
    The one we used here is from MARKSTAAR

    4. 3/4-INCH DRAINAGE GRAVEL

    5. PATIO BASE
    (stone dust)

    6. MASONRY ADHESIVE

    7. READY-MIX MORTAR
    (if needed) to cement a natural-stone cap onto the wall. A 40-pound bag is enough.

    8. CONCRETE BONDING ADDITIVE
    (aka "milk") to make the mortar more flexible.