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Materials

  • 40 retaining wall blocks (16 x 6 x 8 inches)
  • 1 steel fire ring (36 inches diameter)
  • 1 smaller steel grill grate (18 inches diameter)
  • 1 large grill grate (24 x 18 inches)
  • 2 bags of gravel (50 lbs each)
  • Shovel, level, and tamping tool

Instructions

  • Choose a flat area with at least 8 feet of clearance around it. Mark a circle 4 feet wide for the main pit and another smaller circle (2 feet wide) slightly overlapping it for the grill section.
  • Dig 4 inches deep in both circles and fill the base with gravel for stability and drainage. Tamp the surface until firm.
  • Begin stacking the larger circle first. Place the first ring of blocks snugly, then add two more layers, staggering the joints for strength.
  • Build the smaller side pit in the same way, connecting it slightly to the main pit so heat can flow through.
  • Insert the steel fire ring inside the main pit and place your grill grates securely on top of both openings.
  • Test the setup by lighting a small fire and adjusting the cooking grates’ height as needed for heat control.