How To Build A Fire Pit Bench Seat – It’s a known fact that fire pits are becoming more popular every day. They make it possible to bbq season all year round while spending time with family and friends around nice, warm fires.
But what do you do when the ground is covered in snow? It would be too tiresome to shovel out a pit on each chilly weekend evening, right? Or even tough to use your gas grill on those chilly spring or fall nights where everything is wet?
That’s why a fire pit bench seat with wood burning fire pit is a perfect idea. It will allow you to have a bbq fire year-round anywhere from the comfort of your own backyard.
Materials & Tools Needed:
So let’s look at what tools and materials are needed for this project. Remember, these instructions are only a guide, so feel free to adapt the design to suit your needs or desires.
- 1″ x 12″ board
- 1/2″ plywood paneling (1′ x 6′)
- 3 pieces of 2×4’s (cut to fit under seat)
- Circular saw, or chop saw
Optional:
- Drill and drill bit set
- Measure tape or ruler
- Angle grinder with metal cutting blade
Note: This project can be adapted for outdoor use. Make sure that the materials you use are suitable for this purpose.
Step By Step Guide Of How To Build A Fire Pit Bench Seat
Step 1:
Cut your wood into the following lengths: 2 pieces, 3’7″; 2 pieces, 4′; 2 pieces 2’5″ (length of center divider); 7 pieces, 24″. Now, using your drill or an awl, make three quarter inch holes along with each 2’5″ piece as pictured above. Before moving on to the next step, make sure you have at least two holes on either side of your center divider. This will later serve as a pivot point for the bench seat to swing from.
Step 2:
Take your five 4′ pieces and lay them flat as shown in the picture below, making sure that they are flush with one another and perpendicular. Next, take your 5′ piece and place it directly over top of these first five boards evenly spaced out across their width. Make sure that this 5′ board is perpendicular with the other four 4′ boards before securing all five to one another by screwing through from underneath using 1 1/2″ screws.
Note: These steps can be reversed. Just make sure that the 5′ piece is flush with the top of the 4′ boards and perpendicular before securing all five pieces together.
Step 3:
Take your dividers and place them within your newly created 24″ space between both sides, as shown in the picture below. Secure these dividers in place by screwing through from underneath using 1 1/2″ screws. Note: Make sure to leave a gap at least two inches wide so you can swing the seat up later on in this project when we get to that point.
Step 4:
Take your plywood paneling and cut out a 30″ x 42″ rectangle from it, taking into account where your center divider will be when you cut. Also, don’t forget that the seat swings open, so saw accordingly.
Step 5:
Since you will be putting this in an outdoor environment, take whatever time you need to protect your plywood with paint or sealant so it won’t warp or rot later on down the line.
Step 6:
Once done painting or sealing your plywood, insert it into the hole where your center divider is, as shown in the picture below. After doing so, screw from underneath using 1 1/2″ screws and secure from all four sides, being careful not to go too tight as you’ll still want to be able to swing this seat up later once all steps are complete.
Note: In this step, make sure to leave a gap large enough so you can swing the seat up when needed.
Step 7:
At this point, your fire pit bench seat is complete and ready to be used. You will notice that it swings open from underneath, allowing you to add additional logs or kindling around your not-yet-lit fire without having to get out of your seat once erected in a desirable spot overlooking a bbq or campfire.
Tips & Warnings about building fire pit bench seat
- Measure twice cut once
- Use appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves when operating power tools, especially an angle grinder.
- Take your time; this is a pretty straightforward project but can be tedious at times.
- Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for the safe operation of machinery. If you are unsure, ask someone who works in construction or with tools often for advice before attempting carpentry work yourself.
- Don’t forget to leave gaps large enough to swing the seat up, as shown in step 6 above.
FAQs
Q. What kind of wood should I use?
A. The type of wood you choose is up to you, but the woods you select must be both rot and warp-resistant.
Q. How do I secure the bench seat to the ground?
A. You don’t have to secure the bench seat to the ground as it will be sitting on top of your pit’s fire ring. However, if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can use metal L-brackets screwed into the ground on each corner of the bench seat.
Q. Can I use another material besides plywood?
A. If you so choose, of course! However, we chose to do this entire project with plywood because it is waterproof and will not rot when exposed to weather elements such as rain, snow, etc.
Q. Can I paint or seal the bench seat after construction?
A. Yes, you can paint or seal the bench seat however you like. However, we would recommend using a water-resistant sealant or paint if you will be leaving the bench seat outside.
Q. How many people can fit on the bench seat?
A. The bench seat is designed to seat two adults comfortably. If you have children, they may be able to sit on the bench seat, but it is not recommended that more than two adults sit on the bench at one time.
Q. What is the weight limit of the bench seat?
A. The weight limit for the bench seat is 500 lbs
Conclusion: How To Build A Fire Pit Bench Seat
Now that you know how to build a fire pit bench seat, your outdoor gatherings will be even more enjoyable! This project is a great way to add extra seating to your outdoor space and with your patio fire pits, and the best part is, it’s easy to construct and doesn’t require any special tools or skills Thanks for reading our article on how to build a fire pit bench seat. We hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below. Happy building!
