How to Make a Round, Stucco Fire Pit

Fire Pit Construction

• 1

  Drive a metal stake into the ground where the fire pit is being built. Cut a string that is half the diameter of the fire pit. Tie one end to the post and the other end to a can of spray paint. Extend the paint can straight out from the pol, and walk around the pole, spraying the ground as you go to mark the outline of the fire pit.

• 2

  Excavate a 1-foot-deep hole inside the circle. Rake the soil at the bottom of the hole smooth.

• 3

  Lay a row of concrete stones around the perimeter of the hole. If necessary, cut a brick with a hammer and chisel to fit in the circle. Score the inner edge of the stones in the soil with an edging shovel, then remove the stones.

• 4

  Dig a trench 6 inches deep between the side walls of the hole and the score line. Smooth the soil in the bottom of the trench.

• 5

  Add 6 inches of gravel to the trench, then rake it smooth and tamp it down.

• 6

  Place a concrete stone on top of the gravel in the trench. Check to make sure it is level, tapping it down with a rubber mallet if needed.

• 7

  Set the next stone into place adjacent to the first stone. Lay the level across both stones and adjust the second stone to match the height of the first stone. Finish setting the rest of the stones into the trench, following the same process.

• 8

  Apply a thick, zigzag bead of masonry adhesive on top of the first course of stones. Lay the second course of stones, staggering them so that the joints between them don't line up with the joints between the stones in the first course.

• 9

  Pour 6 inches of gravel into the hole and rake it smooth.

• 10

  Add two more courses of concrete stones, staggering each course and using the masonry adhesive between each course.

• 11

  Slide an iron fire ring into the gravel, centering it inside the fire pit. Rotate the fire ring and press down on it until it is flush with the top of the last course of stones. If there's a gap between the fire ring and the stones, fill it with gravel.

Applying the Stucco

• 12

  Dampen the surface of the concrete blocks by spraying them with a hose. Spraying the blocks prevents them from drawing moisture out of the stucco as it dries, which can cause cracking.

• 13

  Mix a batch of stucco consisting of 1 part mortar and 4 parts sand, stirring it until it's about as thick as mashed potatoes.

• 14

  Scoop stucco onto the hawk, which is a metal tray with a handle on the bottom used for stucco and plaster.

• 15

  Spread the stucco onto the blocks, beginning at the bottom and spreading it with an upward motion. Run up the entire length of the wall, and over the top edge of the fire pit, then move onto the next section. Cover the entire fire pit with a layer of stucco 1/4-inch thick.

• 16

  Wipe the stucco with a sponge trowel, using circular motions, to prevent the stucco from cracking as it dries.

• 17

  Scratch grooves in the surface of the stucco with a scarifier, which is a tool that resembles a metal comb. This will help the top coat adhere to the base coat.

• 18

  Mix the top coat of stucco, using 1 part cement and 3 parts stucco sand. Add pigment to the mix to make the stucco the color of your choice.

• 19

  Spread the top coat of stucco onto the fire pit, using the same method you used to apply the base coat. Apply the top coat to a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inches and create texture in the stucco with a brush or sponge if desired.

• 20

  Cover the fire pit with a plastic sheet as the stucco cures. Lightly mist the surface of the stucco every few days over six to eight weeks, replacing the plastic when you are done. This prevents it from cracking.