A block fire pit kit is one of the easiest ways to turn a patio or backyard into a place to gather. The kits are sold as a pallet of heavy blocks and a steel ring, and the box makes it look like a quick afternoon project. In practice, the quality of the finished pit comes down to the details: how the blocks get moved, how level the courses are, and how well they are held together.
A recent fire pit build
On a recent job, the kit blocks were delivered to the curb on a pallet. I moved them to the patio, laid out the circle, leveled and glued each course, and set the steel ring on top. You can see the photos and a short video on the Fire Pit Installation page and in the gallery.
Step 1: Choose the right spot
- A solid, level base. A patio, paver area or properly prepared pad works well. Soft or uneven ground leads to a leaning pit.
- Clearance. Keep the pit well away from the house, deck, fences, sheds and overhanging branches. Follow the kit’s instructions and your local fire rules.
- Wind and seating. Think about which way the smoke will drift and how much space you want around the pit for chairs.
Step 2: Move the blocks safely
A full kit is a lot of weight. Individual blocks are heavy, and a pallet can hold dozens of them. Carry blocks close to your body, lift with your legs, and use a hand truck or wheelbarrow for longer distances. This step is the one that surprises most homeowners, and it is part of the job when I assemble a kit.
Step 3: Dry-lay the first course
Before any adhesive comes out, lay the first course in a circle without glue. This lets you check that the circle closes evenly and that the steel ring will sit properly, and it lets you pick the blocks that fit together best.
Step 4: Level every course, then glue
The first course sets the line for everything above it. If it is off, the error grows with every course. I check each block with a level, adjust, and then glue it with masonry adhesive. The next courses are staggered so the joints do not line up, and each is checked again before the glue sets.
Step 5: Set the ring and fill
The steel ring goes on last. It protects the blocks from direct heat and finishes the top of the pit. Many people add lava rock inside for a clean look and to help spread the heat.
Safety basics before the first fire
- Check your local burn rules, and any HOA restrictions, before you light it.
- Keep a way to put the fire out nearby, such as a bucket of water or a garden hose.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and let the ashes cool completely before you clean the pit.
- Use only dry, seasoned firewood.
How much does installation cost?
Every fire pit job is priced individually after a free estimate. The price depends on the size of the kit, how many blocks there are to move, how far they have to go and the condition of the build spot. You buy the kit; I move, level, glue and finish it.
Need a fire pit kit assembled?
I assemble block fire pit kits across Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina and Raleigh. Get a free estimate or call (919) 704-0373.