Firepit and Tree Stump Removal All in One!

When we moved into our home we asked the previous home owners to remove a dead tree that was in the back yard that was close to the house. With the removal I guess we should have been more specific meaning remove the whole tree including the stump. SO we called around to see how much it was to remove two stumps we have in our yard. $250 each tree! We had another idea instead...and this is how our firepit was born!

So for around $60 we have a fire pit and a stump removal process!

Step 1: So Its Simple

The original idea we had was to get rid of an old tree stump that was in our yard. soooo we made a fire pit on top of it to burn the stump and get a great fire pit out of it as well. Stump removal is pricey so why not make it a cheaper more efficient way of getting rid of it!?

First lay out how large you want the fire pit to be with the retaining wall blocks. We ended up using 15 blocks on the first layer.

Once it is laid out start digging out about 4 to 5 inches of sod and dirt where you laid the blocks out so that you can get the circle correct.

After you dig out the sod and dirt lay down a layer of pea gravel then a layer of sand. all together about 4 to 5 inches deep.

that was the hard part!

Now begin laying your blocks. Make sure each layer you start as an over lap on the previous layer so that it is offset to make is sturdier. We ended up using 60 blocks but originally we used 75 because we thought 5 layers high was correct but it was too tall as you can see in the picture. We used about 2 bags of sand and 4 bags of pea gravel. 2 bags for the base and then 2 bags in the center once everything was laid out!

Saved us money for sure. A typical fire pit kit is around $250 and the stump removal is around $250 so a $500 job turned into a $60 fix!

Happy Instructables!