I'm building a small 4'x4' paver base for a fire pit...

[blurredvision]

The wife bought me a fire pit for an anniversary present, and I'm going to head to Lowe's tomorrow to pick up some pavers (I'm looking at these, 6x9 and 6x6 pieces) to make a base for it, as I don't want to just set it on the ground. The size for the base will be a simple 4'x4' square, so not too big at all. I plan on digging down a couple of inches to make the top of the base level with the ground, then using the black edger staked into the ground with dirt up to the edge of the base to hold the small square together.

I saw a show on the DIY channel where they used some kind of mix where you swept it into the crevices between the pavers, then you sprayed water on it to have it harden. Should I be using this stuff (I don't even know what it's called), or will regular sand work with the size of the base that I'm doing? It's not going to be used as any kind of walkway, just a base for the fire pit.

Thanks.

 

[Spg]

When I did my paver patio I swept cement into the cracks, hosed it down to have it set, then used paver sand to fill in the rest. The cement helps keep grass and stuff from growing between the pavers. If you do not sweep the cement in the cracks you will probably want weed barrier cloth to put under the pavers.

I just looked at the Lowes site and they have paver sand for $4. Every few years I put fresh sand into the cracks to make it look nice. I guess you could use any sand as long as it is small enough to fit between the pavers.

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks for the tips. Sweeping cement mix into the cracks then wetting isn't a bad idea, but not sure if I want to do that or not, I'll give it consideration. I'll definitely look into the weed barrier, though, as I actually thought about what I could do to prevent anything from growing and making it look bad.

 

[SoulAssassin]

http://www.packagepavement.com/joint_lock.html

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
http://www.packagepavement.com/joint_lock.html

Thats not really sand but cement with a additive. You can do this by getting a topping mix (sand + portland cement in right % mix) and add the additive. Probable cheaper.

 

[Throckmorton]

Why would you put anything between the bricks? Why cares if grass grows up? That will just look rustic and nice, and then it will burn off when you use the pit. Stop watching those house shows!!

 

[DrPizza]

Here's another idea for shape (rather than square/rectangular)
I just quickly tossed it together while unloading the blocks from the van (and I have more blocks than I'm going to need, I'm only going 2 blocks high, else 3 blocks high.

I'm not a concrete paver expert, so my advice may be wrong, but I'd dig out a sufficient depth (as you've suggested), put down an inch or so of sand, then put the first layer of blocks in such that they were below ground level; deep enough to help roots/runners from grass from getting under. After a layer or two of blocks, I'd backfill a few more inches of sand into the pit area, to make it easier to shovel out stuff after fires. (Then, add a couple bushels of sand every year or so, depending on how much you end up removing each time you clean the firepit out.)

The blocks I'm using aren't quite rectangular. I believe it takes 15 or 16 of them to make a complete "circle". These were just tossed together to get a rough idea. I picked them up at Home Depot on clearance for 40 cents each.
this is what I'm doing... sort of)

 

[DrPizza]

Oh, and another idea, more like what Throck is suggesting: go around the perimeter of your firepit with 1 layer of blocks that are flush with the ground. (if it's going to be surrounded by grass) You'll thank me when you can just go around the firepit with the lawnmower and don't have to get out the weed eater

Oh, and if you want practice laying bricks for a patio, there are five and a half pallets of 4x8 pavers behind the firepit that have to be put down first. Feel free to drive up to NY. I'd have my kids around to help, but they seem to always be gone to their girlfriends' houses whenever I'm looking for them.

edit edit: oops, I misread your first post. I thought you were building the firepit from bricks.

 

[HomerSapien]

just spread a few layers of newspaper underneath all of it and that should stop grass from growing. I used similar paver stones in a small area for my trash cans in the back yard and have not had a problem with grass since i put it in last year.

At my parents house, i used the cement/sand mixture between flag stone for a hammock area. It turned out nice and very little grass grew into it.

If any weeds/grass does grow, just use a little roundup to spray 'em.

 

[jaqie]

Why every single time I read the title to the thread I see "I am building a ... prayer base ..."
LOL, sorry for the off-topic post, OP...

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
Why would you put anything between the bricks? Why cares if grass grows up? That will just look rustic and nice, and then it will burn off when you use the pit. Stop watching those house shows!!

the sand help keep the patio level by locking the pavers in place and keeping the bricks from moving. wheather or not you use the cement is personal taste, but sweeping the sand between the pavers will make the patio last longer.

 

[iamwiz82]

Preperation is the most important part of this. I have put down a lot of stone and retaining wall now and this is my procedure, it's worked perfectly for me so far.

Dig down at least 8" or so and add 2-3" to the width and length. Do not include the sod in your measurement.
Fill in the new hole with a few inches of gravel. I usually shoot for 4".
Tap the entire thing down with a hand tamper.
Fill in 3-4" of sand.
Tap the entire thing down again.
Lay pavers

Do you have a good level? I use two, one 12" and one 48", I use the smaller one on a stone by stone basis, and the big one is to judge the long runs. You will also what to keep a slight slope to the entire paver setup to keep the water from pooling.