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Pine was used to help transform this back garden into a fire pit area with built-in seating and planters.
The project
With the kids having outgrown the trampoline, we set about redeveloping the rear section of our garden. With a roughly circular space of 4–5m diameter available we designed the garden to have eight planters, seating for four and space for additional seats if required. Using sized-to-suit Bunnings treated Pine sleepers, cut to stand vertically, we were aiming for a semi-rustic look. The seating was made using treated Pine decking, and with the addition of four 'Jack – Black Zen' plant trainers and our two-year-old Mimosa fire pit the project was complete.
Steps
Step 1
I measured the area available and then hand sketched and designed the layout of the planters and seating. The units were sized to suit the 200mm width of the sleepers, keeping the front face of each section to three sleepers width. Working out the required quantities of wood we then ordered these for delivery, at the trade desk of our local Bunnings.
Step 2
Prepared the site, removed the existing rock retaining walls and pushed back the garden soil. Flattened the existing deco granite using a long piece of wood as a float and to check the level, then marked out the locations of each unit.
Step 3
Step 4
Position each unit and screw together, to create each of the three main sections, aligning these to ensure the positions are correct to allow for the retaining walls between these.
Cut and fit the pine decking to make the seating areas, this was done after the rest of the work on each section was complete to allow these to be custom cut to provide a neat finish on the joins.
Step 5
Build and install retaining walls between the main sections, again using offcuts to reinforce where required. Oil the seating to provide weather protection and to provide a contrasting colour.
Step 6
Using the 140mm x 22mm plinths, create a base in each of the raised planters, using the frame of the units as the support for these. Leave gaps between the planks, and drill sufficient holes in these to allow for adequate drainage.
Line the sides of the planter units with pond liner, to ensure that these will be safe for use for edible plants by preventing any leaching of the pine treatment into the soil. Add a 50mm thick layer of scoria in the base of the planters to allow for drainage, and to prevent the soil from blocking the drain holes.
Step 7
Back fill garden beds to the retaining walls, use sleeper offcuts to create the curved garden entrance, then smooth and compact the deco granite.
Fit the plant trainers, fill planters with a combination of soil, compost and potting mix, and plant a range of seasonal vegetables, herbs etc.
Step 8
Add solar lights, locate fire pit in the centre, light fire and enjoy.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
- 200mm x 50mm Treated Pine
- 70mm x 35mm Treated Pine
- 140mm x 22mm Treated Pine
- 90mm x 22mm Treated Pine
- 10-8 x 65mm External timber screws
- 8-10 x 35mm External timber screws
- Aquapro pond liner
- Volcanic decorative scoria
- Compost, Potting mix and Garden soil
- 1600mm x 600mm Jack “Black Zen” plant trainers
- Solar lights
- Mimosa 70cm fire pit.
Tools used in the project:
How to build a fire pit
Experienced Bunnings Workshop community member Adam shows you how to build a fire pit with a step-by-step guide and a full list of tools and materials.
More inspiration for your fire pit area
Community member Benny created this backyard fire pit area using weed matting under cottage stones.
Workshop member Tinker_Bell designed this fire pit area with planter box and bench seat.
Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular fire pit projects shared by Bunnings Workshop community members.
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