How to Make a Concrete Fire Feature (page 2 of 3)

Instead of throwing out an old fire pit, reuse the metal bowl. By creating a square concrete frame and filling it with gravel, you can set the bowl in place, surround with decorative rock, and enjoy a beautiful new fire feature.

Here's How To Do It:

Step 1: Grade Area page 1
Step 2: Build Concrete Exterior Form page 1
Step 3: Build Concrete Interior Form page 1
Step 4: Add Reinforcement current page
Step 5: Add Wire Mesh or Matting current page
Step 6: Pour Concrete current page
Step 7: Strip Forms current page
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches to Concrete Frame page 3
Step 9: Fill with Gravel page 3
Step 10: Set Bowl in Place page 3
Step 11: Add Decorative Rock page 3

Step 4: Add Reinforcement

Drive 20-inch pieces of rebar into the corners of the square as well as along every foot inside the frame (Image 1). Make sure the rebar is securely in the ground and sits below the edge of the frame.

Run 4-foot pieces of rebar horizontally between the vertical rebar. Tie together with steel metal wire. This will make a grid (Image 2). Cut wire with wire cutters.

- Image 1
- Image 2

Step 5: Add Wire Mesh or Matting

For extra reinforcement, add wire mesh or matting. Cut pieces to fit inside the form. Tie to the rebar grid with wire.

Step 6: Pour Concrete

Pour concrete inside the frame (Image 1). Tamp down the concrete so all holes are filled; you don't want any spaces inside the form. Smooth off the top with a trowel. Tap forms while concrete is still wet — this releases the concrete from the forms while drying. Let dry overnight (Image 2).