The Sand Core method of anchoring the concrete blocks is NOT recommended.
You may see references to anchoring the blocks with sand and 2x4’s. Field experience showed that this can lead to cracks in the veneer as temperatures and seasons change.
Updated 6.26.24
Did the details for this method ever get posted? Just purchased the kit and looking forward to the build with the kids. I’m in upstate NY, so I think I’d like to use this method, but am new to most things, so I assume it’s not so simple as just filling the blocks with sand. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Respectfully,
Kevin C.
Hi Kevin,
Congratulations on the kit!
@BrickWood does not recommend the sand core method. He found that eventually blocks will split because the sand anchors them in one spot too firmly. When things shift, something has to “give.”
Hello Kevin,
When I first tried this method, it proved to be an excellent way to secure the blocks using readily available and inexpensive 2x4 scraps and sand. After 7 years with my Fire Pit Grill, one of the bottom corner blocks developed a minor crack (though it didn’t separate or break off). We’ve since moved, so I can’t provide a picture. I’m not sure if the sand, core, 2x4 method prevented movement in the blocks (thus the crack), or if one of my kids caused the crack.
We’re planning to build a new one at our current location and film the process for an instructional video on YouTube. I’ve accepted that I’m not going to lose 30 pounds, so I can’t delay our instructional series any longer. I’ll send you more details soon, as soon as I locate the original project photos.
But for a project of this size, I don’t think the sand, core, 2x4 method is necessary - especially w/ a crack risk.
That makes absolute sense…I had wondered about the movement, but when I saw the method listed, wondered if maybe there was a technique or something to it. Looking forward to getting started on this project! Thanks again.