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The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved seat

DIY- Header- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat
Imagine turning a sloped, unused part of your backyard into a paved D.I.Y. firepit with seating that looks like something straight out of a Greek island? It’s possible, here’s how one D.I.Yer did it.

 

Project creator: Codey Anderson

Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW

The project: D.I.Y. firepit

The budget: Around $1500

Codey’s top tip: “Take your time on the prep — getting the ground level and drainage right from the start will save you a lot of headaches later.”

We’ve probably all got spaces around the house or outdoor area that could be transformed into something special.

But imagine turning a sloped, unused part of your backyard into a paved D.I.Y. firepit with seating that looks like something straight out of a Greek island?

That’s just what illustrator and Army veteran Codey Anderson did – and the results are inspiring for anyone seeking a better outdoor entertaining area.

“I wanted to create a little escape in the backyard,” he explains. “A place to gather around the fire, with that kind of clean, timeless look that blends into the garden.”

DIY- Step 1- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat

The build

Codey pulled ideas from Pinterest, architecture blogs and even some travel photos.

“It was about working with the space I had. The curved seat doubles as a retaining wall, so it’s structural, too. I was inspired by resort-style outdoor areas that had that smooth, rendered look – like built-in lounge seating you see by the coast in Greece or Spain.

Clearing the ground and levelling it was one of the biggest challenges. “It wasn’t just a simple flat build,” says Codey. “I had to cut into the slope to level everything out, and the retaining wall part had to be structurally sound from the ground up.”

That meant digging trenches, compacting the soil and getting all the levels spot on. “I had restricted side access to the yard, so I couldn’t bring in any machinery. Everything was dug by hand. It was a serious workout, but worth it.”

Another challenge: the curved seat. “Laying bricks in a curve, especially with an angled backrest, took a lot of patience,” remembers Codey. “I used a corflute template to help maintain the correct angle as I built it up.”

DIY- Step 2- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat

The budget

Although Codey had a rough budget of around $1500, a few extras added up.

“I splurged on quality materials where it counted, like the paving sealer and render products. I wanted the finish to last and still look good years down the track, so I figured it was worth spending a bit more there.”

He saved by doing absolutely everything himself – no hired labour or machinery. “That made a big difference in keeping costs down,” he says.

DIY- Step 3- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat

The tools

Although mostly self-taught, Codey’s mum has really inspired his D.I.Y. mindset. “She was never afraid to pick up a tool or take on a project and that’s rubbed off on me,” he explains.

For this project, he did have to learn a few skills around rendering and working with curved forms. He relied on online tutorials, asking questions at Bunnings and used his illustrator skills to visualise and plan. He also invested in new tools.

“I bought a whacker packer for compacting the soil and some masonry tools for the brickwork and rendering,” he says. “I try to only buy what I’ll use again. Also, having the right tools makes such a difference – it saves time and usually leads to a much better finish.”

DIY- Step 4- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat

The final result

Not surprisingly, the new firepit area has brought serious wow factor to Codey’s entertaining.

“Before, that corner of the yard was just dead space – sloped and overgrown. Now it’s like an outdoor living room.” Codey’s even used it to host an outdoor movie night. “I set up a projector and screen, which was a huge hit with the kids in the family,” he says. “It’s been great having a space that draws people together – that’s exactly what I hoped it would do.”

DIY- Step 5- The ultimate D.I.Y. firepit and curved floating seat

Codey’s five tips for success

1. Plan thoroughly: “Break it down into manageable steps – it’s less intimidating.”

2. Map it out: “Sketch it, use tape or string in the space, and figure out materials early.”

3. Visit Bunnings: “Get hands-on with products and chat to staff. They’re super helpful.”

4. Take your time: “Prep work like levelling and drainage makes all the difference.”

5. Phone a friend: “Having a mate to lend a hand now and then wouldn’t hurt!”

Looking for more details?

Check out Codey’s step-by-step post on the Bunnings Workshop Community, complete with a list of materials and tools he used.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.