Thinking about a cheap fire pit

[Dave]

OK, so my plan is to build a fire pit on my back patio, but cheaply. I was thinking about using cider blocks in a square 2 block by 2 block and start with 5 blocks high. I was thinking about pouring sand to about 3 blocks in height, then leveling it out. Inside I want to use paving stones or small patio bricks in a smaller square to put a round charcoal grate from a kettle grill on to keep the fire elevated from the sand. I also have a cover from a prior fire pit to put on top to keep the embers from flying away. Also, I was thinking if it came down to it I could find a larger grate to put on top and would be able to cook on it. I was mostly thinking about this to have a a fire going while I sit out back and have a cigar and scotch. Most fire pits at stores run a few hundred, and I'm not concerned with it being decorative at this time.

Biggest concern is if cinder blocks can handle the heat from a wood fire. Also, if anyone thinks that something other than sand would be better to load in the bottom I'm open to suggestions and reasons for them.

[Irving]

Paver stones will probably look better and it'd be easier to make a round one.

[Great-Kazoo]

Cinder blocks contain and hold moisture, nothing i'd want near friends or, family . They will usually crack with a nice 22 sounding report and some miniscule bits flying here and there. If you have an idea and some skill, i have access to lots of sheet steel, sometimes.

[Irving]

Thinking like this?

[Dave]

Thinking taller, but less patio space being taken up by it hence square.

Unfortunately I have almost 0 skill in sheet metal fabrication, just some MIG welding I learned in my auto body class 16 years ago and have probably forgotten at this point.

[balyon885]

Thinking like this?

Sorry to revive an old thread.....but its that time of year and I was going to start one asking about this sort of thing. I was looking for more of a long, semi circular bench with a pit. With something like this, how would you make it permanent so guests don't fall into a pile of bricks? Would the caulk for landscaping be strong enough?

[Irving]

I don't know the answer to that. If all else fails, proper signage may help you.

[balyon885]

More worried about the drunk chicks who can't sit down, or still......

Worse case, I could try and use regular old concrete. Also would have to figure out how to make it a propane fueled pit, less work.

[Irving]

Realistically, could you just morter them?

[balyon885]

Ya, probably be best. Now to figure out what it might cost me, was looking to do more of a curved bench with a back, but simple might be better.