INSTALLING
THE BLOCK
(FOR BOTH INSTALLATION METHODS)
Now set the next course of block in place. Position
each course so the blocks are centered on the joint
between two blocks beneath it. This will stagger the
joints of the block providing stronger, more stable
construction as well as a more pleasing appearance.
Continue to lay block in this manner. It is optional
to apply heat tolerant adhesive toward the outside
edge of the exposed, horizontal, flat surface of each
block as the block being placed on top of it is laid.
Use a level to align the block vertically on the
inside face of the wall. The outside fire pit face
profile will vary due to the split face and deeply
textured surface of the blocks. If the blocks are being
glued, make sure any alignment adjustments are
done quickly because the adhesive will set up in a
short amount of time and the block will be
permanently set in place.
Backfill the exposed compacted stone in the overdig
area with soil or decorative stone. Wood chips,
mulch, and other flammable materials should not be
used in or around the fire pit to cover disturbed soil
or the excavation overdig.
SETTING THE BOWL
AND CAPPING THE
FIRE PIT WALL:
After the fire pit wall has been constructed to your
desired height or the maximum height, place the
metal bowl in the center of the opening. Then dry
lay the four wall caps around the bowl. Overlap the
inside lower surface of the capping units on top of
the bowl flange and butt the sides of the capping
units tightly together. Check to see if the circular cap
overhangs the fire pit wall in a fairly uniform fashion
and is not off center.
Fire Bowl Drainage and Construction Options –
The fire bowl is a solid unit and does not have a
drain hole in the bottom of it. As a result it may fill
with rain water and overflow, causing ash or debris
left in the fire bowl to float out on to the
surrounding surfaces. To reduce the problems caused
by ash being blown out of the fire bowl or washed
out by rain, it is recommended that all ash and debris
be removed from the fire bowl after each use.
Make
sure all embers are completely burned out and no longer
a fire hazard and that the ash is cool before removing
it.
Dispose of all ash properly.
If you want the fire bowl to drain into the fire pit
well below, drill a hole in your fire bowl to allow
drainage. Use a drill bit suitable for metal and drill a
hole 3/8” to 1/2” in diameter on the side of the fire
bowl above the level of the lower grate. This will
allow water to flow out of the bowl above residual
ash and carry less of it into the fire pit well below. If
you opt to drill the drainage hole, the filtration
membrane and sand needs to be installed in the
bottom of the fire pit well to capture ash, debris, and
any cooking residue that drain out. Ash should be
cleaned out and properly disposed of after each use
when all embers have burned out and are no longer
a fire hazard and the ash is completely cool.
To allow for the clean out of the filtration membrane
or to easily dump rain water out of the fire bowl do
not glue or mortar in place the four (4) semi-circular
charcoal colored caps that are placed over the fire
bowl flange. Instead set those units in place so they
fit tightly together and can be removed when
needed. This will allow you to remove the fire bowl
to remove water or clean out the filtration membrane
below it, and is the recommended practice.
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| FIRE PIT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
ephenry.com | 800-444-3679