Backyard fire pit with checkerboard paving

Myk

🖼️

The project:

We transformed an unused patch of lawn into a modern, low-maintenance outdoor entertaining area featuring large charcoal pavers laid in a diamond checkerboard pattern with decorative pebble infill. The project involved excavating the site, preparing a compacted base, installing steel edging, laying over 100 pavers and creating a dedicated fire pit area with matching wood storage beside our new shed. The result is a practical, durable and stylish backyard space that has completely changed how we use our yard, providing the perfect place to relax and entertain family and friends.

- Materials:

• Brighton Masonry 400 × 400 × 40mm Charcoal Mypave 444 Paver
• https://www.bunnings.com.au/brighton-masonry-400-x-400-x-40mm-charcoal-mypave-444-paver_p3451984 

ANL 1 Tonne Loose Road Base

• https://www.bunnings.com.au/anl-1-tonne-loose-roadbase_p0124988

BC Sands 1 Tonne Bulk Bag Paving Sand

• https://www.bunnings.com.au/bc-sands-1-tonne-bulk-bag-paving-sand_p0760315

Saxon 1.8 × 10m Non-Woven Weed Control Mat

• https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-1-8-x-10m-non-woven-weed-control-mat_p0831168

Jack Weed Mat Pins (20 Pack)

• https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-weed-mat-pins-20-pack_p3048532

Jack 1180 × 130mm Galvanised Steel Interlock Garden Edging

• https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-1180-x-130mm-galvanised-steel-interlock-garden-edging_p3321458

- Tools:

Digging & Preparation

• Shovel
• Mattock
• Wheelbarrow
• Garden rake
• Tape measure
• String line & stakes
• Spirit level

Compaction

• Plate compactor (hired)

Installation

• Rubber mallet
• Screed board (straight timber)
• Trowel
• Angle grinder with masonry blade (for any cuts)
• Broom
• Garden hose

- Step 1:

Measured and marked out the project area using string lines before excavating the lawn to the required depth.

- Step 2:

Compacted the existing soil and installed weed mat across the entire area to minimise future weed growth.

- Step 3:

Installed galvanised steel garden edging around the perimeter to create a strong edge restraint and keep the finished project flush with the surrounding lawn.

- Step 4:

Spread and compacted the recycled road base to create a stable foundation.

- Step 5:

Screeded a level bedding layer of paving sand over the compacted base, then carefully laid the charcoal pavers in a diamond pattern, checking levels and spacing as we progressed.

- Step 6:

Filled the gaps between the pavers and the surrounding feature area with decorative pebbles.

- Step 7:

Checked the finished levels to ensure the pavers and pebble areas were flush and free from trip hazards. Cleaned the entire area and made final adjustments to the spacing and levels.

Finally I stepped back and enjoyed a modern, low-maintenance backyard that completely transformed the space!

EricL

Hello @Myk

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your back yard fire pit project.

What a fantastic backyard transformation! The checkerboard pattern created with the charcoal pavers and decorative pebbles gives the space a striking modern look, while the fire pit creates a wonderful focal point that invites everyone to gather around. The matching wood storage is a thoughtful finishing touch that ties the whole design together beautifully. It's easy to imagine this becoming a favourite spot for relaxing with family and entertaining friends for years to come. If you have any progress photos from when the area was still lawn through to the finished result, we'd love to see them too, they're always inspiring and give other members a great insight into how a project like this comes together.

Again, thank you for sharing your fantastic project.

Eric