General Concrete work questions

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Simpleman

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Jan 15, 2015
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I am bored and decided to rebuild our firepit. I want it to have a concrete foundation. It will have a concrete ring that had a 48” inside diameter and 53” outside diameter and 6” deep. I estimate 10-11bags of concrete. I will also add 1 piece of 3/8 rebar (16’). Can I just keep adding bags (by hand-mixing in a wheelbarrow) Or will that be too slow and screw up the pour time/drying time? Should I rent a mixer? Why type of concrete should I get for a fire pit? I am using field stone from our property for the walls.
 

Big Dummy

Cream of the Crop
Dec 15, 2018
8,319
12,755
The wheelbarrow should work just fine but you could rent a mixer if it make you feel better about life. You can always flick a bit of water on it if you think the concrete is getting bit stiff. Any of the sack concrete will work and you could spend a little extra a get the 5000 stuff ( I think it sets up a little stronger). I would advice grabbing a couple extra bag though, they’re cheap enough and you can always return them. Don’t forget to post pics.
 
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I am bored and decided to rebuild our firepit. I want it to have a concrete foundation. It will have a concrete ring that had a 48” inside diameter and 53” outside diameter and 6” deep. I estimate 10-11bags of concrete. I will also add 1 piece of 3/8 rebar (16’). Can I just keep adding bags (by hand-mixing in a wheelbarrow) Or will that be too slow and screw up the pour time/drying time? Should I rent a mixer? Why type of concrete should I get for a fire pit? I am using field stone from our property for the walls.

Grab a mixer

Don't waste time with a barrow...Use same ratio for each mix...Ill add any more info you may seek tomorrow...Just going to bed
 

FINGERS

TMMAC Addict
Nov 14, 2019
16,510
19,577
Add some washing up liquid to the mix sonut doesn't harden too quickly and you are pouring it
 

jason73

Yuri Bezmenov was right
First 100
Jan 15, 2015
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rent a mixer. it will make your life easier and it should only be about 50-60 bucks for the day
 

Simpleman

First 100
First 100
Jan 15, 2015
1,157
1,662

Had to bend strips of plywood. By spraying it with water and wedging it against parts of fence and house in small increments.
 

ThatOneDude

Commander in @Chief, Dick Army
First 100
Jan 14, 2015
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I forgot to update:
This was a one and done (Never again project). The look (mortar and stone) isnt as rounded/clean as I imagined but it all came off my land so I couldnt be too picky.
That looks really nice!