If you enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, you may be wondering if you can use cinder blocks to make a fire pit. The answer is yes!
Cinder blocks are a great material to use for a DIY fire pit. Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re also easy to work with. With a little bit of effort, you can have a beautiful fire pit that will last for years to come.
Can You Use Cinder Blocks to Make a Fire Pit?
Yes, cinder blocks can be used to make a fire pit. The main difference between cinder blocks and concrete is that cinder blocks are made of small pieces of coal that have been treated to protect them from fire. Cinderblocks will not ignite if they come in contact with an open flame, so they are ideal for use in fireplace pits or other outdoor fires.
The benefits of using cinder blocks for fire pits include their fire resistance and the fact that they are much easier to work with than concrete. When making a fire pit out of cinderblocks, it is important to place them in a sheltered area so that they do not get too hot or too close to the flame.
Determining the amount of cinder blocks needed
Once you’ve determined the size of your cinder block fire pit, it’s time to determine how many blocks will be needed. Typically, a cinder block fire pit will be 24″ wide by 36″ long sides. A good height for a fire pit wall is between 12″ to 14″ inches.
After you have selected your cinder blocks, it should be a simple task to divide your wall lengths by your block size.
How to Build a Fire Pit From Cinder Blocks – Step by Step
Step 1: Decide Where You Want To Build Your Cinder Block Fire Pit
There are many different places to build your cinder block fire pit, depending on what you want it for. If you want a small fire pit that can be easily built in a few minutes, go with a cinder block range or fireplace. If you want a larger, more complicated fire pit, choose one with more pieces and create the design yourself.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Want a Permanent or Temporary Cinder Block Fire Pit
One of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to a cinder block fire pit is whether you want it to be permanent or temporary. Permanent cinder-block fire pits are the most common, and they can take up very little space. They’re also easy to build, but they do require some additional materials and time. Temporary cinder block fire pits, on the other hand, are more versatile and can last for a longer period of time. They’re also less expensive to build, but they may not be as popular because they don’t offer as many features.
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches to Your Cinder Block Fire Pit
If you’re looking to make your cinder block fire pit even more special, you can add finishing touches. You can choose to add a built-in grill, or you can get a charcoal grill that attaches to the top of your cinder block fire pit. Either way, it’ll give your guests a great experience while they cook their burgers or hot dogs.
Related Article:
Fire Pit Safety
Can You Paint a Cinder Block Fire Pit?
Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or simply want to protect your cinder block fire pit from the elements, painting is a quick and easy way to do so. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a freshly painted fire pit in no time!
Start by cleaning the surface of your cinder block fire pit with a mild detergent and letting it dry completely. Next, use painters tape to protect any areas that you don’t want painted, such as the ground around the fire pit. Once everything is taped off, apply a primer designed for use on masonry surfaces.
After the primer has dried, it’s time to start painting! Use a brush or roller designed for use with latex paint and apply evenly to the surface of the cinder blocks.
You can expect to have to recoat your fire pit often because of the exposed nature of its position and the high temperatures it will be exposed to.
There are paints designed to withstand high temperatures. They are generally designed for metal but if the wear on your masonry is high it may be worth trying these.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cinder blocks can be used to make a fire pit, but it is important to consider a few things first.
- Make sure the cinder block is made of concrete and that it is not cracked or broken.
- Also, make sure to line the bottom of the fire pit with sand or gravel before building the cinder block structure.
By following these tips, you can safely build a cinder block fire pit that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Sources:
www.patuxentnursery.com
