Paved firepit area with built-in seating

[Codey]

A unique paved fire pit area with built-in bench seating for a sloping block created with materials including rendered concrete, cobblestones and Pine sleepers.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• How to build a fire pit
• More inspiration for your fire pit project

The project

This is a fire pit I made from scratch on a sloping block.

Steps

Step 1

The backyard was incredibly overgrown, so a fair but of clearing was needed before I could start building.  

Step 2

Once cleared, I started cutting into the slope and levelling out the ground. The back of the firepit seat will also act as a retaining wall. I then used a whacker packer so I could start with a firm surface.

Step 3

I then dug out the trenches which would be filled with concrete for the footings.

Step 4

Once the bricks were laid I prepared the top slab with reinforcing mesh and the rods were drilled into the brickwork to prevent sinking.

Step 5

Once the slab was set. I then finished the back rest and started rendering.

Step 6

I didn't want to risk paint dripping on the new pavers, so I decided to paint the rendered brick first, before starting laying the pavers.

Step 7

I placed down black plastic before a layer of paving sand. Then I started laying the cobblestones. The paving is laid on a gentle angle to allow water run off.

Step 8

After filling the gaps with sand and cement, I sealed the pavers with two coats of sealer.

Step 9

Finally, I inserted the metal fire pit bowl, put down the top soil around the edges, and sprinkled some grass seed to help the lawn grow.

I also added a heap of plants around the outside which should look great when they are established.

Step 10

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Render 
• Cobble stones
• Sealer
• Concrete
• Mortar
• Reinforcing mesh and rods
• Paint
• Sand
• Black plastic
• Render trim
• Treated Pine sleepers
• Ag pipe.

Tools used in the project:

• Orbital sander
• Trowel
• Level
• Wheelbarrow
• Mallet
• Angle grinder.

 

How to build a fire pit

Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam shows How to build a fire pit in this step-by-step guide with a full list of tools and materials required.

More inspiration for your fire pit project

Community member Raymond created a fire pit entertaining area with seating and planter boxes.

Workshop member Tony made his bench seat with firewood storage for the fire pit area.

Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular fire pit projects shared by Bunnings Workshop community members.

[Benskimo]

Outstanding! 🤩 This is next-level fire-pit gathering space, with that curved James Bond retro-futuristic bench... Amazing.

[Stuardo]

Hey @Codey  that is a big job with a stunning result that will look great for many years to come.

One to be proud of mate!

[mich1972]

Gee whizz @Codey that is fantastic mate !!!!!! 

[ivona]

Amazing work 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ivona,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community.

Please allow me to tag @Codey so he is notified of your kind words.

Jacob

[Donk72]

Great work @Codey - love your work.  Just wondering what bricks you used to build the seating?  Looks like you were able to get pretty smooth curves - any tips?

[EricL]

Hello @Donk72 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us. It appears to be a traditional PGH brick but of an older model, the new set which is the Pgh Common Brick Qld Only 230x110x76mm only has three holes in it. But let's wait for @Codey to confirm the type of brick used. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Codey]

@Donk72 

Thanks mate, 

These are standard house bricks. I built the entire thing around that Reo bar sticking out of the center on the fire pit. I just tied some string to it and followed the curve as I laid each brick. The render was what gave it the real smooth final finish.

Cheers,

@Codey 

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

Wow!....love it @Codey Can very easy see myself kicking back and having a beer or two around that fire pit 👍👍

[mmryan]

Hi Codey,

how did you make the backrest slightly on an angle rather than straight up?

thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @mmryan 

Let me tag @Codey to make them aware of your question. I suspect that they used the same string line guide that they placed in the middle of the firepit to create the leaning angle. But lets wait for Codey's confirmation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric