Fire pit entertaining area with seating and planter boxes

[raymond265]

This space for year-round outdoor entertaining includes bench seats with built-in planter boxes and a fire pit lid that doubles as a small table.

• The project
• How to build a fire pit
• More fire pit projects

The project

Being a first home buyer, this was my first chance to build something and I'm surprised it actually turned out ok.

The bench seats with planter boxes were easy to make. I used H4 treated Pine sleepers with a height of four sleepers. The bottom two boxes measure 3 x 1m and the top two measure 3 x 0.5m

 

I pre-built all the pieces in my garage, added supports for the seat base and the base of the planters and then painted all the pieces.

 

 

I then stained decking boards.

 And took it all out to the yard to piece it together.

 

After that, it was just a matter of creating a boundary to contain the pebbles, and put pavers and a fire pit in.

 

I built the lid for the fire pit so that we can use the area for entertaining year round as it doubles as a small table.

The area has already had a good workout as we had our wedding reception in the backyard and it was where everyone wanted to be.

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.

Workshop member Ian added this eye-catching D.I.Y. fire pit to a paved area for outdoor entertaining.

[newhobby]

Looking great raymond. Inspiring

[EricL]

Hello @newhobby

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us.

Let me tag @raymond265 to make them aware of your kind comments. It's great to hear that this project has inspired you. Were you thinking of building a similar project? My number one tip for this project is if you're planning on making your own fire pit make sure to use Kiln-fired bricks/refractory bricks. Don't use landscaping bricks as they are not rated for fire pit use. 

There are a ton of inspirational projects to see and our members are more than happy to provide assistance, please don't hesitate to post if you need a hand.  

Eric

[Bibs]

Amazing job @raymond265 ! 
Can I ask how you filled the planter boxes? 
Did you fill the base/close off the base or inserted a pre made planter box? 

[EricL]

Hello @Bibs

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining the discussion.

Let me tag @raymond265 to make them aware of your question. That's a very good observation, unfortunately, the photos don't reveal if the plants are in another container. Are you planning on building something similar? Any updates you can provide would be much appreciated. Should you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[Jason]

Hi @Bibs,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We're so pleased to have you join us and look forward to reading about all your own projects and plans for around the house and garden.

One of our experienced members @Noelle has shared a wonderful step-by-step guide you might be interested in - How to fill a raised garden bed. I trust you'll find it useful. 

Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand. 

Jason

[Noyade]

Hi Raymond!

"The area has already had a good workout as we had our wedding reception in the backyard and it was where everyone wanted to be."

Congratulations, all the best for the future!

Backyard looks great! Possibly an optical illusion - but is the corner positioned lower than the ends?

What hardware did you use to attach all the sleepers?

Cheers!

[Baytown1]

That looks great. Well done!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Baytown1. It's wonderful to have you join us, and great to see you've enjoyed this project.

Let me mention @raymond265 so they are alerted to your kind feedback. 

Are you planning your own fire pit area? We'd be keen to hear all about it, and I trust our helpful members will be able to provide advice and encouragement along the way.

Make sure to check out our other Fire pit outdoor entertaining areas for inspiration.

We look forward to hearing all about your project plans around the house and garden. Please reach out anytime you need assistance or have something to share.

Mitchell

[DesRigby]

You have done an outstanding job here @raymond265. The area looks fantastic and very functional!