Outdoor living
Fire Pits & Seat Walls
The gathering spot every backyard needs. Built in stone. Built to last.
- Designed and built in-house
- No subcontractors
- Free on-site consultation
Gather Around the Fire
A fire pit is the absolute easiest way to make a backyard a place people actually want to stay. When the sun goes down, it naturally draws everyone in. We build heavy stone fire pits wrapped in curved seat walls, illuminated with low-voltage lighting so the space works perfectly after dark. We set these into custom paver patios to tie the whole outdoor living area together.
We do not drop in cheap metal rings that rust out in two years. We build solid, permanent hardscape structures. Whether you want a large circular pit for a crowd or a sleek square design that matches a modern aesthetic, we build it the right way. We use high-heat firebrick interiors and premium stone exteriors. The walls are solid block construction, faced in beautiful masonry and capped with heavy limestone or concrete capstones.
We also build the walls around the pit. A curved seat wall defines the space, blocking the wind and giving your guests a permanent place to sit and set their drinks. With under-cap lighting casting a warm glow on the stone, the fire pit area becomes the centerpiece of your evening entertaining. We handle everything locally from the base excavation to the final capstone installation.
How We Build It
- Base Preparation and Drainage: We dig deep and establish a compacted aggregate base. For wood-burning pits, we ensure proper drainage underneath so water never pools inside the structure.
- Solid Core Construction: We frame the pit and walls using heavy concrete block to ensure structural rigidity. This prevents shifting or sagging as the ground freezes and thaws.
- Refractory Interiors: We line the inside of the pit with fire-rated block and refractory mortar to protect the outer stone from intense heat.
- Curved Seat Walls: We build freestanding or retaining seat walls that wrap the fire pit. These provide immediate seating and visually separate the fire zone from the rest of the patio.
- Capstone Finishing: We cut massive pieces of limestone or precast concrete to cap the seat walls and the fire pit itself. We pitch the cuts perfectly for a seamless look.
- Integrated Lighting: We install low-voltage LED hardscape lights directly under the wall caps, hiding the fixtures while casting a warm wash of light down the stone face.
- Gas Line Installation: For gas setups, we coordinate the trenching and plumbing. We install heavy brass burners topped with fire glass or lava rock for a flawless burn.
Featured Projects
Why JS Lawn
In-house Design-Build
Our crew manages the entire project. We layout the footprint, dig the base, and cut the stone. We control the quality.
Engineered Base Work
Beautiful stone means nothing if it sinks. We spend serious time compacting the base so your seat walls and fire pit remain perfectly level.
Family-Run Local Team
We live and work in the Metro East. When you hire us, you are hiring craftsmen who stake their reputation on every job.
Built to Endure
Heavy freezing and heavy rain destroy poor masonry. We build with premium adhesives, specialized mortars, and deep stone layers to outlast the elements.
Where We Build
We construct hardscape fire features in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Maryville, Caseyville, and right here in Granite City.
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple standalone pit is a modest investment. A full fire pit area enclosed with curved stone seat walls, pillars, and integrated lighting requires a larger budget, quoted directly after we review your property.
Gas is clean, instant, and requires zero cleanup. Wood provides the traditional fire smell and crackle. We build either option to the highest standards.
Yes, adding a curved seat wall and built-in low-voltage lighting is what turns a basic pit into a true outdoor gathering room.
We handle the coordination for all underground utilities. The gas line will be safely trenched and properly stubbed up into the pit before the stone is laid.
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Space?
Call (618) 560-4959 or schedule a free consultation.