This client contacted me after seeing a blog I had posted about a fire pit we had constructed in Mount Merrion. On visiting his garden in Rathfarnham he had a beautiful back garden with a 3M circular Indian sandstone seating area. After discussing budget, materials and requirements we came up with the idea of a semi-circular seat surrounding two thirds of the circle and a central fire pit built with Donegal Quartz natural stone to tie in with the colour of the Indian Sandstone.
The semi- circular seat was constructed using 4” solids laid on there flat to a height of 40cm capped with 300x300mm brush hammered Oatmeal granite slabs. The blockwork was then plastered with waterproofed cement render for future painting. The fire pit was constructed using a 550x550mm mild steel collar which was 300mm deep, heavy duty 1” steel mesh, 8mm ri-bar for stand and stainless steel Weber grill. The collar was placed in the centre of the Indian sandstone circle 200mm above level of patio. Donegal quartz was then built around the collar. 3 holes were left for air flow to feed the fire. The final stones surrounding were specially chosen to overhang by 5mm and give a nice circle finish to the feature. The centre of the paving on which the fire pit was built was then broken, dug out and replaced with pea gravel to allow for drainage. To bring up the central level we used concrete with central 50mm hole to allow water away, the level of the concrete finished just below the 3 air holes. The hearth was then installed using the ri-bar and the heavy duty mesh cut to size. The circular Weber stainless grill was then installed onto 4 protrusions included in the steel collar.
The contrast between the Donegal Quartz, Oatmeal granite and Indian Sandstone went well and would be further enhanced with the painting of the semi-circular seat. This feature made a great focal point in the garden and will be ideal for burning logs or barbecuing with friends or family in the future. The client was delighted with the result and the effect achieved. The project came in within budget and cooked perfectly
