How do I build a Cinderblock burn pit ??

For21664265
by For21664265

I need to build a pit to burn yard waste and small trees in. I wantHow do I keep it straight and even ? to use cinderblocks and stack them 2 levels high. The depth is a 5 foot deep hole and the area is 18 feet by 25 feet.How I keep is straight and even ?

  2 answers
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 17, 2018

    You need to look at some videos and do some serious reading before you start this burn pit.


    From your description, it seems you are going to have the "pit" with dirt sides below grade and stack the blocks 2 high at outside at the top of the pit...is that correct?


    It seems you are making a rather large pit so you need to make sure the dirt walls do not collapse from rain. Also, you are going to have to stake the blocks into the ground using rebar hammered down through the opening in the blocks and secure filling the hole with concrete.


    Unless you are very careful in loading burn items into this pit, you could very easily topple your wall.


    Since it appears the blocks are not for securing the pit, but rather to keep the fire in check, why not clear off an area some 5' around this pit and fill with crushed rock. Any sparks escaping from the pit would land on a non-flammable surface...it would serve as a fire break!


    You could even wet down the rocks before starting the fire. Just a thought.


    I may have your concept wrong, so if I do, please forgive me.


    P.S. I don't know the kind of property you have, or if there are kids in the area, but it might be a good idea to put a non-flammable fence around the pit with a double gate for easy access.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Aug 17, 2018

    You don't have to dig a pit if you build the cinder block several layers high. Stacking them in a staggering pattern and matching the corners and edges will automatically give you a straight rectangular shape that is even. Just throw the debris in the center to burn. Be sure to check the zoning regulations for your city if you live in city limits. Some towns do not allow open fires. Hope this helps.