Firepit Base

I recently purchased a cast-iron fire pit which is essentiially a large metal bowl. Laying very low to the ground, it was clear from looking at it that I was in store for a nice dead spot in my lawn if I even tried to use this in the back yard. The solution for me was to make a small fire circle out of pavers.

This is roughly 3’-4’ circle made of seven concrete pavers. I had to dig down about six inches, pack the dirt with a weighted stamper, fill and pack with a paver gravel/sand mixture, and then make a thin bed of just sand¹ to lay each of the pavers in. That made sure that the pavers were flush with grade² so that I could safely mow right over it.

The end result has been rained on for two weeks and looks pretty good so far. Time will tell if it holds up!

¹ Salvaged playground sand is what I used – I’m not entirely sure that playground sand will provide the level of drainage I want. I kind of concerned that it will hold moisture up against the pavers and quickly break them down from below. Any insight or suggestions would be appreciated!

² Fancy way of saying level with the dirt, not the top of the grass.

-- Dominic, Maryland - DIY-junkie