Does your backyard look too bare or lack an entertainment area? Here’s a nice idea that you can do to add some life to that space – a fireplace with bench!
Enjoy the outdoors with friends and family during cooler days of the year with this bench area with a fireplace.
Outdoor fireplaces don’t just provide warmth, they also add a cozy ambiance to an outdoor space. They make the backyard a perfect venue for spring and summer gatherings, inspiring lingering conversations and camaraderie.
The project is easier than it looks! You don’t have to be a masonry expert to successfully make one. All you need is this step-by-step tutorial as your guide and about two days to build your own fireplace with a bench.
You can build this exact design if you really like it, but it’s always nice to add some personal touch to your DIY projects. ;)
What would you modify to make it unique and perfect for your backyard?
TIP: You can use limestone gravel instead of sand if you want a stronger base as limestone forms a harder crust when exposed to moisture. Use the finer limestone material to fill in cracks and you’ll have yourself a really solid build!
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Contents
Building a Fireplace with Bench
Materials
- Pressure Treated 4×4 Timber
- Hardwood Timber Slats for the Seat
- Long Pole
- Long String
- Spraypaint
- Gravel
- Sand
- Cobble Stones
- Stainless Steel Screws
- Paint and Sealer for Timber
- Landscape Fabric
Tools
- Measuring Tape
- Spirit Level
- Shovel
- Rubber Mallet
- Router
- Cordless Drill
- Paintbrush
Steps
Digging in: Use a pole to establish the center of the fireplace. This will be a reference point so make sure to use a long pole. Use a string and some spray paint to mark the edge of the fireplace.
Then you can start digging… To find the right height you can add sand and some cobbles. Make sure the height is approved by the appropriate authorities (wife, girlfriend, whoever) and then make sure it stays where it is as it will be another reference point for you.
Adding gravel: Use at least 5-7 cm of gravel and stamp it firmly.
Adding sand: Then you can add some sand. Use your ‘cobble reference’ to determine the amount of sand. I suggest at least 10 cm of sand. Do not stamp it but make sure it is evenly allocated according to your spirit level.
Laying cobbles: Use your spirit level and your ‘cobble reference point’ to make another two or three reference points on the outer perimeter of the fireplace.
Then make the inner perimeter. Again you should use a string on the reference pole with your chosen radius.
To keep the right level at all times, you should lay down a few ‘spokes’ of cobbles which will be helpful when laying the rest of the cobbles.
You should use a rubber mallet when laying the cobbles.
And more cobbles: Use your reference points and take it away as you go along!
I suggest you start from inside and out. Make sure not to add sand between the cobbles yet.
Checking your own work: Use something long and straight to check if you have done your work properly. As long as you did not add the sand you can easily adjust; move, lower, or raise each cobble.
Fireplace: Add sand on top of the cobbles, water it down, and repeat. Hope for some rain and then you can walk on your new fireplace.
And now on to the bench…
Preparing the posts: As you can see the bench has 4 parts therefore I need 10 posts. These are approximately 100 by 100 mm impregnated.
I wanted the height to be 40 cm above the cobbles so I have made each post 1 meter.
I used my router to round off the edges before painting them.
It is not necessary to use cement or something similar when digging them in as the battens will stiffen the entire construction.
Mounting the battens…
I used two screws on each end of each batten.
Gables: From the looks of it I made a small gable on each end. And whenever I look at it, I am happy that I did.
Placing the hardwood rods: Use your reference pole again.
I made this batten my own tool for placing the rods right. Take a good look at the photos to see how it works.
Mounting the rods: I used stainless steel screws to mount the hardwood rods from below. Make sure you pre-drill!
Done! That’s it! Invite your friends over and enjoy the fire as well as their admiration. :)
Thanks to AllanS1 for this great project!
Design Variations for Different Outdoor Spaces
Designing the perfect outdoor space often involves creating a focal point that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. A fireplace with bench is an excellent choice for adding warmth and style to any backyard. This guide will explore various design variations of a fireplace with bench to suit different outdoor spaces, ensuring that every homeowner can find a design that fits their environment and personal taste.
Compact Spaces: Simplified Fireplace with Bench
For smaller patios or balconies, a compact fireplace with bench is ideal. Opt for a straightforward, rectangular design that maximizes seating without overcrowding the area. A narrow bench integrated on one side of the fireplace can save space while still offering the comfort of warmth during cooler evenings.
Medium-Sized Gardens: Classic Fireplace with Bench
In medium-sized gardens, a classic circular or square fireplace with bench provides a communal feel, perfect for gathering with family and friends. This traditional design can be centered with a fire pit surrounded by a wrap-around bench, making it the heart of the garden.
Large Outdoor Areas: Grand Fireplace with Bench
Larger gardens offer the luxury of space, allowing for a grand fireplace with bench. Consider a double-sided fireplace with a bench on each side, providing ample seating and warmth accessible from multiple angles. This setup is perfect for large gatherings, offering an inviting ambiance that encourages conversation.
Minimalist Designs: Modern Fireplace with Bench
For those with a modern aesthetic, consider a minimalist fireplace with bench. Sleek lines and a monochrome palette with a built-in, geometric bench create a contemporary look. This style often uses concrete or metal for both the fireplace and bench, emphasizing clean, sharp lines.
Rustic Settings: Stone Fireplace with Bench
Incorporate a rustic fireplace with bench in gardens that favor a more natural or rustic decor. Use natural stones and rough-hewn wooden benches to complement the natural landscape. This type of fireplace with bench blends seamlessly with the outdoors, enhancing the organic beauty of the garden.
Multi-Functional Features: Fireplace with Bench and Storage
For ultimate functionality, add a fireplace with bench that includes built-in storage. This design is particularly useful for storing firewood, garden tools, or outdoor cushions. It maximizes the utility of the space without sacrificing style or comfort.
By considering these design variations, you can choose a fireplace with bench that not only fits your outdoor space but also enhances your enjoyment of it. Whether your area is small or expansive, there’s a fireplace with bench design waiting to transform your backyard into a cozy, stylish retreat.
Incorporating Weather-Resistant Materials
Selecting the correct materials is crucial for ensuring a durable outdoor fireplace with bench. Weather-resistant materials can greatly increase the lifetime of outdoor features by shielding them from the elements and preserving their appearance over time. This section will cover the best materials for building a fireplace with bench capable of withstanding several weather conditions.
Choosing the Right Woods
For the wooden components of your fireplace with bench, opt for pressure-treated wood or naturally resistant varieties such as teak, cedar, or redwood. These woods are known for resisting decay, moisture, and insect damage, making them ideal for outdoor use. Always apply a weather-resistant sealer to further protect the wood from moisture and sun damage.
Durable Metals for Structural Integrity
Metal elements, such as brackets or reinforcements for the fireplace with bench, should be made of stainless steel or coated with a rust-resistant finish. These materials prevent corrosion and rust, common in humid or wet climates. Using durable metals ensures that the structural integrity of your fireplace with bench remains intact throughout various seasons.
Masonry and Stone Options
Because masonry materials like bricks, concrete blocks, or stone are durable and can resist high temperatures, they are great candidates for the main fireplace construction. Choose a mortar type meant for outdoor use to assist preserve the stability of the construction even during freeze-thaw cycles.
Weatherproof Adhesives and Sealants
Choose sealants and adhesives specially designed for outdoor use. These treatments will help to prevent moisture from leaking in and damaging the materials used in your fireplace with bench. Products that provide flexibility are crucial since they will have to allow the expansion and contraction brought on by changes in temperature.
Selecting weather-resistant materials for your fireplace with bench will help you build a long-lasting and robust outdoor feature that will be loved for many years to come. These items not only offer useful advantages but also help your outdoor living area look better overall.
Conclusion
Building a fireplace with bench enhances your outdoor living space by providing warmth and a cozy gathering spot for friends and family. Using the right materials and following detailed steps ensures your project remains durable and functional through the seasons. Once completed, your new fireplace with bench will become the highlight of your backyard, inviting you to enjoy many memorable moments outdoors.
