Fire Pit Patio

Designed and built a hilltop fire pit patio using concrete pavers, bricks, and heat-resistant materials for safe, long-term use. Transported and installed over 4,000 lbs of materials by hand, ensuring durability and proper drainage. 

In the summer of 2014, I built a patio and fire pit seating area at the top of my parents’ property. The goal was to create a functional and attractive space for gathering, using 2' x 2' concrete pavers for the patio surrounding a custom-built fire pit. This area sits at the top of a hill, requiring extra planning and effort for site preparation, material transport, and heat safety.

My responsibilities included sourcing and delivering all necessary materials: concrete pavers, bricks, pea gravel, and sand. Since I didn’t have access to a truck, I moved nearly 4,000 pounds of materials using a lawn tractor and trailer, carefully navigating the hill without damaging the yard or equipment. I began the project by digging a 4' x 4' x 2' fire pit, then shaped and leveled the surrounding patio area to create a solid, even foundation.

The fire pit itself was lined with bricks and filled with gravel and sand to promote drainage and durability. I laid out the concrete pavers to form a wide seating area and filled the gaps between them with moss and foot-tolerant plants to create a natural look and help with erosion control. I also created a seamless, visually appealing connection between the brick fire pit and the paver seating area, ensuring that the two elements looked unified while remaining structurally independent for longevity.

Although the space at the top of the hill was naturally flat, it still required careful grading to ensure proper drainage and long-term stability. I focused on fine-tuning the surface to avoid water pooling and to create a level, comfortable feel for people moving around the seating area. Each paver and brick was set with precise alignment to achieve a clean, professional finish.

The patio and fire pit area is still in regular use today. The pavers remain level and uncracked, and while some bricks in the pit have developed minor cracks from long-term exposure, an upgraded design is being planned for next summer. This project demonstrates my ability to manage large material loads, plan for environmental conditions, and create durable outdoor structures with both form and function in mind.