How to Install Lannon Stone Fire Pits

Drive the stake firmly into the ground directly in the middle of where you want to build the fire pit. Attach a 20-inch string to the stake so that it rotates freely around the stake. Tie a large marker or spray paint can to the other end of the string and, by pulling tautly on the sting, mark a circle around the grass with the stake in the middle. Pull the stake up and this is where you will dig out the dirt with the shovel to a depth of 6 inches.

Hand tamp the soil in the bottom of the circle until it is firm. Check the level of the soil with the carpenter's level and correct any slope if necessary by digging away the excess soil and retamping. Pour a 2-inch layer of sand across the bottom of the pit when finished and smooth with the shovel.

Place the first row of blocks in a circle around the pit with the broadest side downward, leaving a two-inch gap between the dirt and the blocks. The blocks should be snug against one another on the sides, and the tops should be just a little higher than the soil. Check the level of the blocks every few feet around the circle to try to keep the blocks as level as possible. Because you are dealing with native stone, this is not going to be as critical as with manufactured blocks.

Pour pea gravel into the gap between the back of the blocks and the soil to the top of the soil. Work the gravel into any spaces between the blocks, especially in the back where there may be larger gaps.

Select the next largest group of blocks for the second level. Set the blocks on top of the first row, with an eye toward using a slightly smaller block on a lower block that is taller than the blocks around it. This helps balance the level of the top row of blocks. Stagger the blocks as you set them so that where the blocks join on the first row is roughly in the middle of a second row block. Leave a gap of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch between the blocks of the second row. As you place the blocks, keep an eye on the where the blocks join together on the first row so that you don't have two joints on top of one another. Adjust the second row of blocks as necessary to avoid this. When you are finished, use the carpenter's level to ensure it is reasonably level at the top.

Lift each stone up from the second row and trowel on a 1/4-inch layer of mortar onto the top of the block below it. Keep the mortar an inch away from the block edge so that it doesn't squeeze out the sides when replacing the upper block. Seat the upper block firmly by wiggling it around on the mortar. Continue to mortar the remaining second row blocks the same.

Lay a third row in the same fashion if you desire the fire pit to be higher.

Place the capstones on the final row with the widest part of the stone downward and centered on the blocks below, paying attention to ensure that the joints do not line up on top of one another. It is not necessary to leave gaps between the capstones as with the lower rows, but if they are necessary to presenting a good fit for the stones around the circle, then it is acceptable. When you are satisfied that the capstones are reasonably level, mortar them into place the same as the other stones.