Outdoor Seating Area

JackOfAllTrades

I have a fire pit and I am looking to do a cinder block wall that will be used as a seating area around the fire pit. Similar in style to this seating area:




The seating area will be 16" wide, 20" tall, by 6' wide. Curved like in the picture above.

I live in Phx, AZ, so the area doesn't have a "frost" depth. I was looking to doing a 4" deep concrete base, using 4,000 psi concrete, with rebar.

#1 - Will this be a sufficient base for my block seating area?

#2 - How far should the seating area be in relation to the fire pit?

The pic shows it being finished off in stucco.

#3 - What other "finishing" techniques can be used on the block seating area besides stucco?



Here is a pic of my firepit (90% completed):

sdsester

You could use an expoxy coating designed to go over concrete block. You can add textures and so forth. I am not sure how well it will hold up to the heat on the firepit though. Stucco may be your best bet.

If you wanted a less textured surface and a more finished look for the firepit ledge and seating surfaces you could have something fabricated out of concrete. Look for a concrete countertop artisan in your area.

As far as distance, you will want enough room for people to be able to get seated comfortably but I would guess you would want them to be able to reach the firepit ledge for drinks, snacks and so forth?

http://www.concretenetwork.com/-cont...FSENDQodDmMxrQ

JackOfAllTrades

I was thinking of using SLATE for the top of the seating area. Either 16" or 18" squared slate.

Could I just adhere that to the top with mortar or would I have to use a thinset mortar designed for tile?

JackOfAllTrades

Here is the completed fire pit and seating area:

JackOfAllTrades

Another side shot:

DUDE!

Well, you didn't linger around with that project! Looks very nice, good job

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LIVING THE DREAM

bob22

Looks good; well done. I was thinking of slate for your seats but was thinking that they might absorb too much heat from the sun in your area and make them uncomfortable to sit on baking your butt. How have they worked out?

JackOfAllTrades

THANKS! I appreciate it.

This was my 1st fire pit and 1st seating area. I was surprised on how much mortar I needed. The seating area also took over 2,000 LBS of concrete.

gma2rjc

Nice work! I really like the look of the seating area.

How much space did you end up putting between the fire pit and the seating area?

JackOfAllTrades

Thanks!

A little over 2'. That gives enough room to walk through but still close enough to the fire pit.

ArizonaLandscap

Looks good! The only problem with slate in Arizona is the heat. Fortunately, in the winter you won't have to worry about it but in the summer watch out. An alternative is flagstone on the seat with a stucco side. We built the one in the top picture you were trying to resemble

Custom built Fire Pits or BBQ's