Can You Build a Fire Pit on Top of Pavers | Sequoia Stonescapes (2024)

Can You Build a Fire Pit on Top of Pavers | Sequoia Stonescapes (1)

A patio built out of paving stones – or pavers – is a very pleasant addition to any garden, an alternative to decking which is harder-wearing and endlessly customizable. Once it’s in place, you can add more or less what you want. This includes patio furniture, heaters, potentially a water feature, maybe a barbecue grill… and for an increasing number of people, it’s a good idea to add a fire pit. In keeping with the look of the patio itself, a great fire pit can be built from stones.

DIY Fire Pit

It is possible to take the DIY approach when building a fire pit. With the correct materials – which can be as simple as just a collection of wall block stones and some flat ground – you can build a fire pit on your paved patio in as short a space of time as one hour.

The first decision you need to make is where you want to have the pavers fire pit. Not to be too obvious, but you have to remember you’ll be lighting a fire within it, so it needs to be located somewhere that you can safely do this. Keeping it well away from your patio doors and any windows is essential, and it should be a safe distance from any furniture too. Even when well-controlled, fire will give off a level of heat that can melt or warp furniture. By all means, when the fire is at an acceptable level, you can arrange furniture close to it and sit nearby. It simply needs to be the case that the pit itself is not close to the permanent location of anything that can be harmed.

Best Stone for Outdoor Fire Pit

You will also need to decide on the kind of stones you want to use for the fire pit. Usually, a good choice will be to pick stones that somewhat match the patio stones. They do not need to be identical in color but should provide a pleasant contrast that is easy on the eye and will look good both when the firepit is in use and when it is not. Most importantly of all, they need to be able to stand up to the flames and temperature of the fire, so it’s important to check the best types of fire pit stones that can do this.

Build it Yourself or Hire Fire Pit Builders

The final element is to choose a way of building the fire pit, and at this point, a key decision is to decide whether you are going to build it yourself or leave it to expert fire pit builders. If you do go your own way, you’ll need to decide whether you are going to use mortar to hold the stones together or whether you favor a simple dry-stone approach. Bear in mind that the latter may allow more scope for stones to expand when heated, and may therefore be the safer option.

Leave it to the Professionals

Ideally, though, it would be best to leave it to the professionals who can build not only a fire pit but a patio around the fire pit. Companies like Sequoia Stonescapes have years of experience in creating wonderful garden accessories from stone material. They can guarantee a finished job that is both stunning to look at and guaranteed to be safe – and will be able to offer advice on the best options when it comes to materials and placement. If you’d like a stone fire pit on top of your patio, why not give us a call today!

At Sequoia Stonescape, we’re passionate about outdoor hardscaping

With over 10 years of experience, our family-ownedpaver installation companywould love to help. We also provide peace of mind with a 5-year warranty. Get in touch with us at(503)-932-7605. We’ve got an eye for practical solutions and can help you create beautiful outdoor esthetics for your front or backyard.

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Can You Build a Fire Pit on Top of Pavers | Sequoia Stonescapes (2024)

FAQs

Can I build a fire pit on top of pavers? ›

With the correct materials – which can be as simple as just a collection of wall block stones and some flat ground – you can build a fire pit on your paved patio in as short a space of time as one hour. The first decision you need to make is where you want to have the pavers fire pit.

Will a fire pit damage pavers? ›

There is a chance that wood burning fire pits might damage your pavers, but it depends on the type of paver and the material that they are made of. If they are made of a softer material, like brick or stone, then they are more likely to be damaged by the fire pit than a harder concrete paver.

Can you have a firepit on a covered patio? ›

If you purchase a gas-powered fire pit for your covered patio or deck, make sure that you keep it a safe distance away from any walls and windows. Generally, a perimeter of 10 feet around the fire feature to the structure of your home is recommended to keep things controlled and safe.

Can I burn wood on pavers? ›

Follow these general tips when using your brick paver fire pit to ensure you keep yourself, your family, and others safe: Only use seasoned, very dry firewood. Clean debris off your fire pit before lighting a fire. If you're burning real wood, put up a pop or smoke screen.

Can pavers withstand heat? ›

Sadly, pavers that resist 100% of heat don't exist. Every paver will absorb some amount of sunlight and warmth. Some pavers will retain more heat than others, though.

What surface can you put a fire pit on? ›

We built our fire pit on the lawn from regular retaining wall blocks lined with clay fire bricks, but you can also build your pit on a cement or stone patio.

What bricks should not be used for a fire pit? ›

Bricks that shouldn't be used in fire pits

Limestone, sandstone, gravel, and river rocks hold a lot of water. Because of the water retained by them, they shouldn't be used in a fire pit in order to avoid an explosion.

Can you use pavers as fire bricks? ›

Are concrete pavers safe for a fire pit? They're large and some have a helpful bevel to them, but they're not made for high heat.

How big should paver patio be for fire pit? ›

In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.

Can I build a fire pit on my patio? ›

Finally, you need to consider the type of flooring you have on your patio. Stone, brick, and concrete flooring are the safest options for your fire pit. If you have wooden, composite, or vinyl flooring, you'll need to place your fire pit on top of noncombustible material, such as a concrete slab.

Can you build a fire pit on top of a concrete patio? ›

You can indeed build a fire pit on your concrete patio if you have the right materials. Using concrete to construct the fire pit is okay, but it's crucial to line the pit with fire bricks. When building a concrete fire pit, make sure to incorporate heat-resistant ready-mix mortar.

How much clearance above a fire pit? ›

Don't place your fire pit under an overhang or beneath trees. You'll also want to keep the immediate area clear of yard waste and other flammable materials. This will prevent any sparks from blowing out and catching fire. Most places require a clearance of 21 feet above the fire pit to allow for overhead branches.

How do you protect pavers from a fire pit? ›

Fire bricks are specifically made for fire pits so they can endure scalding hot temperatures and laying them on top of each other beneath the fire pit and over the pavers is the best protection for your patio.

Are paving stones fire-resistant? ›

They are inherently non-combustible due to its composition, making it an ideal choice for outdoor areas where fire safety is a concern. Brick pavers are made from clay or shale that undergoes a firing process, resulting in a dense and durable material.

Can you use block pavers for a fire pit? ›

They're large and some have a helpful bevel to them, but they're not made for high heat. They will crack and spall over time. If you make a somewhat larger fire pit with the pavers, but then make a lining of one layer of fire bricks on the inside of the pavers, the pavers will last a lot longer.

Can you put a fire pit on slabs? ›

To protect your concrete surface from heat damage, it's advisable to place a heat-retardant mat or pad under your fire pit. These fire-resistant mats are designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent heat from damaging your concrete or wooden deck.

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