I just built a DIY paver fire pit and want to make sure I did it right, especially if I’m aiming for a smokeless setup. It’s about half in-ground and half above, with three layers of 3.5” tall pavers. I’m planning to add a 1” or 2” topper, and then a steel insert that rests on top of that, leaving about a 0.5”-1” gap between the ring and the paver wall. For the base, I have a 2 sq. ft. limestone stepper block with two bags of lava rock going on top.

I also left two gaps at ground level for airflow, but I’m not sure if they’re too big or just right. Another thing I’m debating is whether I should mortar-seal the inside wall or leave it as is.

Does this sound like a solid setup for a smokeless burn? Should I be making any adjustments to improve performance? Appreciate any advice from those who’ve built similar pits!

I'm looking to put down a paved area for a fire pit in the back yard, and a moderate circular size would be nice,preferably in something like recycled brick. Taking a quick look around, it doesn't look like many places do curved paving at all, let alone in different diameters, for making nice circular areas.

Any tips for how I can do this fairly easily?

I can source a brick saw pretty easily, but I don't want to have to cut a million bricks myself if it can be avoided. I could just lay the pavers square, and cut the outside ones to a circle, but I don't love that design. Other ideas? Am I just looking in the wrong place for suitable pavers?