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Placing this fire pit on concrete masonry pavers and adding castor wheels protected the deck, reduced fire risk, and made it mobile.
The project
We purchased a cement grey and black Machu fire pit and decided we wanted to have it on our deck. To avoid fire risk and damage to our decking, we placed it on four concrete masonry pavers.
This worked, but we wanted more space and insulation between the fire and decking boards, and we wanted the fire pit to be mobile. The solution: a fire pit on wheels! It's great for getting an active fire to the best location, even on decking.
How to create a fire pit on wheels
Materials
- Five heavy duty castor wheels, secured to a square of marine ply with the stainless steel screws provided – one wheel in each corner and one in the centre.
- Thick marine ply 610mm x 610mm
- Four concrete pavers 400 x 400 x 40mm
- 12 Ramset 6 x 40mm DynaBolts – I used 50mm, but they were too long and almost went right through the pavers.
Step one
Gently clamp the four pavers together on a flat surface. Place the inverted marine board over the centre. Space the attachment points out evenly and mark the drill holes on the marine board near the corners of the pavers and two more holes per paver.
Step two
Remove the marine ply and drill through all marked holes. Replace the marine ply and mark the pavers through these guide holes, and then remove the marine ply and use a masonry bit to drill the 12 holes.
Step three
Attach the marine board with the DynaBolts.
Step four
Tip the trolley over to stand it on its wheels. The Glow 80 x 80 x 23cm Cement Grey and Black Machu Fire Pit now sits securely on the mobile solid heat-resistant concrete trolley.
Optional
We drilled four more holes in the fire pit bowl to increase airflow, and we added an old metal grill from a disused barbecue to place in the bowl, allowing air to circulate under the hot coals, creating less smoke. We also placed an old metal tray underneath the fire pit on the pavers to collect ash that may fall through the small drill holes.
The mat is a deck protector mat for a barbecue cut down to size. I originally had the four pavers directly on the mat, but have since got rid of the mat and now move the fire pit stand around directly on the deck. We use quality kindling and Redgum to minimise sparks and embers. We have used it about a dozen times or more since making it a month ago and have not yet seen a mark on the deck.
How to build a fire pit
Experienced Workshop member Adam Woodhams shares step-by-step instructions for creating your own fire pit area with a removable rustic fire-bowl in this guide: How to build a fire pit.
More fire pit projects
Using Merbau screens as fencing and in a custom bench seat design, Workshop member lcooksey88 created an outdoor haven dedicated to gatherings around the fire pit.
By building a lid for his fire pit that matches his bench seats, Workshop member Raymond’s fire pit doubles as a small table for year-round entertaining.
Workshop member Ian added this eye-catching D.I.Y. fire pit to a paved area for outdoor entertaining.
Saw this one while out and about yesterday. It screams "wheels required!" to me, but it's designed to be bolted in place.
Massively heavy. Background car gives scale...
