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Cement Blocks For Fire Pit

Why We Love Cinder Block Fire Pits

#18 Build A Large Square Fire Pit With Concrete Block

Fire pits arent essential for back yards, but they are lovely to have during summer evenings and help light up your night so you can feel the evening.

Cinder block fire pits are also affordable even when the price of everything else is skyrocketing. Theyre also low-maintenance, and easy enough for any new DIY enthusiast to take on!

We hope you find inspiration and funky new ideas for your next DIY fire pit project.

Good luck!


And if you have any cinder block fire pit building questions, fire away below.

Thanks for reading!

Can I Build An Outdoor Fireplace Out Of Cinder Blocks

Yes, you can! Cinder blocks are a popular material for building outdoor fireplaces because theyre inexpensive and easy to work with. Heres how to build one:

Start by measuring the area where you want your fireplace to be. Then, use that measurement to determine how many cinder blocks youll need. Next, start laying down bricks starting with one corner. Make sure theyre straight before you continue by using a level tool or ruler!

Then, lay out another layer of cinder blocks on top and fill in any gaps between them so there arent any holes left behind when finished . Once all layers are complete, use a trowel or other sharp object to make the top of your fireplace nice and smooth.


Finally, set up your grill grate or cooking surface and enjoy! Just be sure to keep an eye on things while its burning, as cinder block fireplaces can sometimes get pretty hot.

Why Did My Fire Pit Explode

The most common cause is using too much lighter fluid or accelerant when starting the fire. This can cause the fire to spread too quickly, leading to an explosion. Other potential causes include a build-up of ash and debris in the fire pit, or using flammable materials like gasoline instead of lighter fluid.

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Stone Topped Cinder Block Fire Pit

If youre going to put in all the time and effort it takes to make your own fire pit from scratch, would you actually prefer to use both cinder blocks and stone, so you get the best of both worlds? In that case, wed absolutely suggest taking a better look at this tutorial featured on Carole Knits that shows you how to make a squared pit from reliable blocks but also how to top it with more visually pleasing stone.

How To Build A Modular Concrete Block Fire Pit

Cinder Block Fire Pit Design Ideas and Tips How to Build It

My concrete block fire pit is a serious pit. I designed it for performance. I can do everything with this pit from enjoying a simple evening fire to using it as a big outdoor cook station. I wanted a fire pit that could do whatever I needed it to do. Those needs vary.


Concrete blocks are great. Theyre cheap and versatile. Ive made a concrete block raised bed garden before, and plenty of people have also used them for fire pits.

There are plenty of fire pit options available. You can buy the Solo Stove fire pit that many people like or you can just assemble some rocks in a circle. That has worked for centuries. I wanted something more.

I have cooked over a Solo Stove and over a fire in a ring of rocks. Both can be done, but I wanted a better blend between a fire pit and an outdoor cook station. I wanted options.

Not finding any fire pit close to what I wanted on the commercial market, I decided to design my own fire pit. One big, modular concrete block fire pit.

Concrete blocks are like Legos for men. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be stacked in various ways for many different projects beyond basic building construction. Given that they are rugged and fire proof, they are an obvious choice to build a custom fire pit.


Do they have their downsides? Of course. Everything does.

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Are Concrete Blocks Fireproof

Concrete blocks, a.k.a. cinder blocks, are a masonry product primarily used to build foundation walls and structures. Theyre stacked along side and atop one another held together by mortar or cement. Because they dont contain flammable materials, blocks are extremely fire resistant and dont catch fire. However concrete blocks are not fireproof. If a fire is hot enough a concrete block can fail. Under extreme heat they can crumble or even explode. But fire pits dont usually get hot enough to damage a concrete block if you build it correctly.

Concrete blocks are made even more fire resistant when theyre installed using refractory mortar. A special type of mortar which can resist temperature of over 2000F. Standard cement and mortar can only resist temperature of around 600°F-700°F.

The design of a building is just as important in containing a fire as the materials used to build it. However materials make a huge difference. This is why builders construct concrete block walls in between apartments in most modern buildings. A concrete block wall acts as a fire-stop between apartments. If a fire starts in one apartment, its slowed and generally stopped by the concrete wall. Fire walls made from concrete block are a very important safety feature found in commercial construction.


In this article well discuss more about concrete block and its fire-resistant qualities.

Super Simple Square Metal Firepit

You dont always need to use bricks and concrete to make a firepit. Sometimes, you can do so using pieces of metal. All you need to do is secure the metal sheets in a square and place mud inside the square, and around it as well. If you like, you can also use square tiles to make a base around the pit.

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How Much Weight Can A Concrete Cinder Block Hold

Concrete cinder blocks are a popular building material because they are strong and relatively inexpensive. A concrete cinder block can typically hold between 400 and 500 pounds, making them ideal for building an outdoor fireplace. The weight of the cinder blocks will help to keep the fireplace in place, while the fireproof coating on the blocks will help to protect the structure from the heat of the fire.

When building an outdoor fireplace with cinder blocks, be sure to use a level to ensure that the blocks are evenly spaced and that the fireplace is stable. You may also want to use mortar to hold the blocks together and create a more finished look. Once the fireplace is complete, be sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. Enjoy your new outdoor fireplace!


How Many Cinder Blocks Does It Take To Build A Fire Pit

How to Build a Fire Pit With Cinder Blocks DIY

The average fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches measured at the inside diameter. This assumes the pit is either round or square which are the best shapes.

The average fire pit is about 12-24 inches tall which is about 2 blocks high. A standard concrete block is 8 inches tall, 16 inches long and 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches wide. I use either 8 or 12 inch blocks to build my fire pits.

Concrete blocks also come in 4 heights. You can use these to make a variety of heights. Or you could bury the first block course partially underground.

I generally bury the first course under ground on a gravel base. But you can also stack the blocks right on top of earth.

  • A 36 square fire pit thats 16 tall built on top of the ground requires just 16 12 blocks.
  • If you bury the first course underground you need 24 blocks.
  • The same 36 fire pit thats 16 tall out of 8 blocks still requires just 16 blocks.
  • If you bury the first course underground you need 24 blocks.

I dont recommend building a fire pit much bigger than 44 inches inside. A bigger inside diameter means a bigger potential fire. The fire inside the pit should be similar to a small camp fire not a bon fire.


I also dont recommend building much higher than 24 inches. Building too high negates some of the benefits of the fire.

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Can You Build A Fire Pit On Grass

Since fire pits are designed to contain fires and prevent their spread, you can build a fire pit on top of grass. However, it is important to consider the safety implications and how this will affect your lawn in the long term. There are alternatives to placing your pit directly on the grass that can help to preserve the health and aesthetic of your lawn.

An inexpensive option to consider is adding sand to the base of your retainer wall pit. Sand helps to hold the heat and make sure that it distributes evenly throughout the base of the fire. It also helps by absorbing some of the heat that would otherwise go into the metal pit liner or retaining bricks.

There are other materials that will work well in your pit, including lava rock, dirt, gravel, and even a thin layer of cement. Just make sure to double-check that the material doesnt contain air pockets, which could cause it to explode and project hot material into your space.

When Did They Stop Using Cinder Blocks

Im not sure, but it was probably a good decision. Nowadays, there are much better choices for building an outdoor fireplace. For example, you could use stone or brick. Both of those materials look great and will last for many years. Plus, theyre relatively easy to work with.

If youre still interested in using cinder blocks, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure the blocks are in good condition. If any of them are cracked or broken, they wont be very sturdy. Youll also need to use mortar to hold the blocks together. And finally, youll need to make sure the blocks stack up properly.

Cinder block fireplaces are very popular because theyre easy to build and look great. They also last a long time, so its worth your while if you plan on using it regularly. However, there are some important things to consider before building one yourself. You can find more information about building a cinder block fireplace here.

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+ Cinder Block Fire Pit Ideas And Fire Pit Design Tips

Posted on Last updated: June 27, 2022

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We all know that summer evenings are the epitome of being alive! So now that summer is just around the corner here in Australia, we cant resist the idea of friends, a couple of beers, and delicious steaks grilled over an open fire!

Building a DIY cinder block fire pit is a quick and easy project that you wont regret taking on this summer.

Cinder blocks are inexpensive, easy-to-use building materials great for fire pits. Your initial decision is choosing between a temporary or permanent cinder blocks fire pit. After that, you can gather your supplies and start construction.

Heres how to start!

First, remove 4 to 6 inches of soil. Then, adjust each with the holes facing skyward, ensuring that the corners of the blocks touch and seal with mortar.

Weve also been exploring the Internet for some easy, low-costing, fire pit ideas and tutorials made from cinder blocks, so you dont have to research by yourself. Lets work together, shall we?

These simple DIY projects will make a great addition to your backyard!

Can Cinder Blocks Be Used For A Fire Pit

Build a fire pit from cement landscape blocks  DIY projects for everyone!

You can easily construct an outdoor fire pit out of cinder blocks. A cinder block fire pit is quick, easy, cheap, and doesnt require special DIY skills to make.However, you do not want to use a compressed cinder block thats too dense to build your fire pit. Instead, ensure that the cinder blocks are porous enough to vent steam that forms inside.

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Safe Sand Filled Cinder Block Fire Pit

Are you feeling very intrigued by the concept of filling your simple cinder block fire pits centre with the intention of making your fire space a little safer, since you have kids? Well, you dont have to make a rounded shape with a tire centre in the middle if you dont have access to one. Instead, take a look at how Horsey Peeps made this square cinder block pit that they filled with sand to stop any chance of spreading.

What To Put In And Around Your Fire Pit

A wall block fire pit could just be set on the ground, but there are other materials that could be used inside a fire pit. Gravel, lava rock, dirt, sand, or a layer of refractory cement are common materials used at the bottom of a fire pit. Avoid pea gravel as they can have air pockets inside that could explode when exposed to high heat.

You have more choices when it comes to what to put around the outside of your fire pit. Any fire-resistant material would work, including all of the ones listed above, plus cement, pavers, and flagstone. Of course, nothing is also an option if you are wanting to keep things simple. Avoid wood mulch as it could easily become a fire hazard when embers land on it.

Another great option for the area around a fire pit are pavers like the ones shown below. They are modular and easy to install, but the irregular shapes and crevices that allow for sand and grass give you the look of a natural material.

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How To Join Cinder Blocks Together

Using a cinder block is convenient, but they can easily be separated. This doesnt have to be the case when you need them for a specific project or building because there are ways that you can use these blocks together. Here are some of the best methods:

Is it necessary to glue the blocks? You dont have to theyre heavy enough to stay put as long as no one tries to push them apart on purpose. However, if you have small children, it is safer to glue them together.

Based on my research, I discovered two adhesives that would be ideal for connecting Cinder blocks when building a firepit: Liquid Nails FuzeIt and Quikrete Fireplace Repair Mortar. In the store, a good question to ask is which one holds up better near the fire.

What Is The Best Fire Pit Ring Insert To Use

Cinder block Fire pit

There are a couple things you should look for when selecting the perfect fire ring insert.

The first aspect you should consider is how big you want your fire pit to be. Ask yourself how many people need to comfortably sit around the fire and how much yard space you have. After you’ve decided, measure what would be the inner diameter of the fire pit to determine what size insert you’ll need.

Another thing to keep in mind when looking for the perfect fire pit insert is how many pieces it comes in.

The fewer pieces needed to assemble it the better because there is less of a chance that pre-drilled holes won’t line up, causing the insert to assemble unevenly.

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Are Concrete Blocks Safe For Fire Pits

How to Build Concrete Fire Pits Safely?

Let’s look briefly at some basic steps that help to minimize operational risks. It bears mentioning that with fire, as with water, there is always a threat factor and with every remote possibility in mind, it is impossible to design. The fact is, sometimes people do things that lead to accidents. That said, we can still set up things so that people who use their features correctly are less at risk.

Fire-Ready Materials

A big problem we see in fire pits is that they are often designed using only CMUs that are not intended for fire use. The heat-up and expansion of the aggregates could theoretically pop or blast. Fire bricks and fire clay mortar should lined all fire pits. The materials used in a kiln and different types of furnaces are the same. During the production process, they are fired and are designed to provide insulation over a range of temperatures.

The same applies to the materials used to fill the fire pit. Whether you’re using stone or glass, you should always use high temperature materials. Keep in mind that not all recycled glass is appropriate for fire pit construction.

Manual Control

Proper Spacing

The pit measurements will go a long way in assessing people’s proximity to the fire. At least 4 inches clearance should always be preserved between the burner assembly and the bottom of your coping. A minimum 12-inch coping for rings where people are going to put up their feet or set drinks.

Burner Installation

How Do You Build A Fire Pit With Cinder Blocks

What is a cinder block fire pit? A cinder block fire pit is an outdoor fireplace made from concrete blocks, also known as cinder blocks. Cement and aggregate are poured into molds to create the bricks. The finished product is a stackable, solid building material that can be used in place of traditional bricks or stone.

Cinder block fire pits are popular because they are easy and inexpensive to build. In addition, cinder blocks retain heat well so your fire will last longer. You can find detailed instructions on how to build a cinder block fire pit online. The following steps provide a general overview of the process:

Select a location for your fire pit. Consider the following factors:

  • Is it a safe location? Will any animals or people get hurt if they accidentally fall into the flames? Also, is there enough room to build your fire pit without obstructing access to other structures or areas of your property? Keep in mind that you need proper drainage when choosing where to place your pit.
  • Does the location have a natural windbreak? This will help to keep your fire going strong.
  • Is it close to an outdoor outlet so you can plug in your grill or other appliances?

Dig a hole that is at least two feet deep and the same width as your cinder blocks. If you are using standard sized bricks, this should be about four feet wide by three feet deep.

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