Thinking about a cheap fire pit

OK, so my plan is to build a fire pit on my back patio, but cheaply. I was thinking about using cider blocks in a square 2 block by 2 block and start with 5 blocks high. I was thinking about pouring sand to about 3 blocks in height, then leveling it out. Inside I want to use paving stones or small patio bricks in a smaller square to put a round charcoal grate from a kettle grill on to keep the fire elevated from the sand. I also have a cover from a prior fire pit to put on top to keep the embers from flying away. Also, I was thinking if it came down to it I could find a larger grate to put on top and would be able to cook on it. I was mostly thinking about this to have a a fire going while I sit out back and have a cigar and scotch. Most fire pits at stores run a few hundred, and I'm not concerned with it being decorative at this time.

Biggest concern is if cinder blocks can handle the heat from a wood fire. Also, if anyone thinks that something other than sand would be better to load in the bottom I'm open to suggestions and reasons for them.

Paver stones will probably look better and it'd be easier to make a round one.

Cinder blocks contain and hold moisture, nothing i'd want near friends or, family . They will usually crack with a nice 22 sounding report and some miniscule bits flying here and there. If you have an idea and some skill, i have access to lots of sheet steel, sometimes.

Thinking like this?
http://atlantisconcrete.com/yahoo_si...150239_std.jpg
http://lunar.thegamez.net/backyardla...-2560x1920.jpg
http://www.lowes.com/brands/Oldcastl...es/firepit.jpg
http://woodycoinc.com/nss-folder/pic...Fire%20Pit.jpg

Thinking taller, but less patio space being taken up by it hence square.

Unfortunately I have almost 0 skill in sheet metal fabrication, just some MIG welding I learned in my auto body class 16 years ago and have probably forgotten at this point.

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Originally Posted by Irving

Thinking like this?
http://atlantisconcrete.com/yahoo_si...150239_std.jpg

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Sorry to revive an old thread.....but its that time of year and I was going to start one asking about this sort of thing. I was looking for more of a long, semi circular bench with a pit. With something like this, how would you make it permanent so guests don't fall into a pile of bricks? Would the caulk for landscaping be strong enough?

I don't know the answer to that. If all else fails, proper signage may help you.

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/958011...idth=460&qv=90

More worried about the drunk chicks who can't sit down, or still......

Worse case, I could try and use regular old concrete. Also would have to figure out how to make it a propane fueled pit, less work.

Realistically, could you just morter them?

Ya, probably be best. Now to figure out what it might cost me, was looking to do more of a curved bench with a back, but simple might be better.

Check out this picture I took of a display at Home Depot. Not curved, but may give you an idea.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/NG...M=w999-h562-no

Kinda debated that style, looks good with the top open in the center to use as a planter box. Only concern would be the wood. Its built around the 4x4, but concerned on how they'd hold up over the years.

Have enough of a cavity on each side and it'd be easy to slide out to replace.

Attachment 43477


Wife wants something like this, but I'm looking at how pricey that would be.

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Originally Posted by Irving

Have enough of a cavity on each side and it'd be easy to slide out to replace.

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Ya that's very true.

I do like the open space and replacing the seats wouldn't be a huge deal.

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Originally Posted by balyon885

Attachment 43477


Wife wants something like this, but I'm looking at how pricey that would be.

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The golf course is going to be expensive.

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Originally Posted by balyon885

Attachment 43477

Haha, your wife is fancy. You put something like that in, and when you sell the house, other wives will be like "We'll take it!"


Wife wants something like this, but I'm looking at how pricey that would be.

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Originally Posted by blacklabel

The golf course is going to be expensive.

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And lots of maintenance to keep it green.

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Haha, your wife is fancy. You put something like that in, and when you sell the house, other wives will be like "We'll take it!"

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True, though wouldn't add much to value, not in an area we'd get much of a return in money value for a thing like that. Though the tie breaker would go to us [ROFL3]

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Originally Posted by Irving

I don't know the answer to that. If all else fails, proper signage may help you.

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/958011...idth=460&qv=90

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I think i still have the screen work for the original ones..

Truck rims....like truck truck, 22-24" steel. I've seen a pit with the rim for the bowl and rock adornment, the holes in the rim let the ash fall through to clean out the bottom pretty easily and sturdy as heck. stays warm and the shape keeps the flames going up...........and you can get a rim with a damaged bead for free to cheap, and rocks are pretty much everywhere in this state lmao.