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A fire pit is a great addition to your backyard, providing a cozy spot to entertain friends and family all year round.
Bunnings Workshop community members have shared many inspiring fire pits. Get inspiration for your outdoor entertaining area from their clever and creative projects. Here are 12 ways to build a fire pit outdoor entertaining area.
1. Use Besser Blocks to build seating
Consider pairing Besser blocks and timber to create built-in seating around your fire pit. Workshop member @sannear created a backyard fire pit with bench seating using Besser blocks, pavers and timber, complemented by decorative rocks and stepping pavers.
Experienced member @Peggers has shared a step-by-step guide How to build a Besser block bench seat based on a wildly popular project by @sandy_d.
2. Utilise decking boards
Many community members have utilised decking boards to build custom bench seats for their outdoor entertaining areas. For example, @jessejujitsu used Merbau decking boards to create built-in bench seats in an outdoor entertaining area with fire pit, as did @frediynewbie in his backyard makeover with garden bed and fire pit.
3. Incorporate planter boxes into the design
Integrating planter boxes with seating adds greenery and functionality to your fire pit area. Community member @raymond265 designed bench seats that include built-in planter boxes.
Other examples of seating with integrated planters include @jessejujitsu's outdoor entertaining area with fire pit and @Tinker_Bell's fire pit area with planter box and bench seat.
4. Create a sunken fire pit
A sunken fire pit creates an intimate atmosphere and can be a striking focal point for your backyard. @ashleesellen built a sunken fire pit with Merbau panel seating on a base of concrete blocks. Contrasting white pebbles provide the base.
5. Add hanging chairs
Incorporate hanging chairs into your fire pit area for a laid-back and contemporary feel. Workshop member @cmp3121 wanted somewhere quiet and relaxing to have an after-work drink, so built an outdoor fire pit area with hanging chairs suspended using Pine posts.
6. Combine firewood storage
Seating can double as firewood storage to keep your outdoor entertaining area tidy. Check out how @tony1989 constructed a gabion bench seat filled with decorative stones and firewood storage.
7. Create a circular design
A circular layout can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. @DNDiy built an outdoor entertaining area featuring eight raised planter boxes along with built-in bench seating and a central fire pit, replacing a trampoline the kids had outgrown.
8. Repurpose unused space
Look for opportunities to convert under-utilised or wasted areas of your yard into an inviting spot for your fire pit. @bennybennybenny transformed a corner of his garden by compacting, installing garden edging, and laying weed matting under cottage stones to create a backyard fire pit area.
9. Use a sloped yard to your advantage
A sloped backyard can accommodate a fire pit area with thoughtful design. Experienced member @Codey cut into a slope when creating a unique paved fire pit area with built-in bench seating on a sloping block, utilising rendered brickwork, concrete and cobblestones.
10. Add privacy with screening panels
An outdoor screen is a great way to hide unsightly views, add privacy, and create a stylish feature for your outdoor entertaining area. Workshop member @lcooksey88 converted a kids play area into a stylish space using Merbau screening and Un-Readh hedge panels in her fire pit entertaining area project.
11. Consider a timber surround for your fire pit
A timber surround can look fantastic around a circular fire pit, especially when filled with decorative gravel or pebbles. Workshop Legend @Adam_W demonstrates in his step-by-step guide How to build a fire pit.
12. Create a portable fire pit
If you are renting or don’t have the space for a dedicated fire pit area, you can consider portable options. @swynne created a portable fire pit using concrete masonry pavers to protect the deck and added wheels for mobility.
