How to Build a Barbecue Fire Pit

Lay out a rectangle plot in your backyard that measures 40 by 56 inches. Place a stake in each corner of the rectangle and connect them with string. This structure marks the outside diameter of your fire pit.

Use a shovel to remove any sod and soil from the inside of the rectangle until the pit is at least 8 inches deep.

Pour a 2-inch-deep bed of gravel onto the floor of your pit. Use the trowel and a level to ensure that the gravel is spread evenly.

Mix your concrete mortar according to the manufacturer's directions.

Pour a 2-inch layer of mortar over the gravel. Level the layer with your trowel. This layer will serve as the base for your concrete blocks. Allow the mortar to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Place the first concrete block on the top left footer, or the outer edge of the concrete slab. Arrange it so that the ends of the block go from left to right.

Arrange a row of blocks counterclockwise around the footer, starting with the first block you laid in place. Place each block so its holes face upward. Level each block using a level and then fill the holes of each block with sand. Sand acts as an insulator. You can also use dirt if you do not have sand.

Place a 1-inch thick layer of concrete mortar over the layer of blocks and level it with your trowel.

Place a block in the upper left corner on top of the first row of blocks and then lay additional blocks counterclockwise above the first row of blocks. This positions the second row of blocks in an interlacing pattern with the bottom blocks. Again, position each block so that the holes face upward.

Ensure that the second row is level using the level and then fill the holes with sand or dirt.

Place a 1-inch thick layer of concrete mortar over the second level of block and then level the mortar with the trowel.

Add two more layers of blocks, sand or dirt, and mortar to the pit.

Place a 1-inch thick layer of concrete mortar over the fourth row of blocks.

Arrange one piece of rebar so that it spans the 52-inch width of the fire pit and place it on top of the mortar. The rebar should be placed approximately 10 inches from the front of the pit. Press the rebar into the mortar.

Place a second piece of rebar approximately 10 inches from the back of the fire pit and across the 52-inch span. Press the second piece of rebar into the mortar.

Place the fifth and final row of blocks onto the pit, arranging the blocks around the rebars.

Allow the concrete mortar time to dry and then place the metal grate over the rebar.