[djmn]

I'm installing a 500 sq ft paver patio that is bounded by the house and garage (see pic). At the end of this patio will be a freestanding courtyard wall (Allan Block Country Courtyard) and attached raised fire pit. The slope of the patio will run directly to the middle of this wall. I assume I need to provide some form of drainage for this area? I was thinking of 4" surface grates in the small nook areas on both sides of the fire pit. You guys think this is the best option?
If so, I would run the pvc straight down under the base material and wall and run it out approximately 30 feet to a pop-up emitter by the curb.
Does the raised fire pit also need some form of drain?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Stonehenge]

Other option 1

[Stonehenge]

Other option 2

[Stonehenge]

Other option 3

And yes, you'll need a drain in that fire pit, unless it's just concrete block, which will weep water out (but may crack or even explode on you).

[skahuna]

on this project I just evenly spaced gaps in the wall

[skahuna]

if you set the height right its not very noticeable

[skahuna]

.

[djmn]

Thanks guys,
Stonehenge- I'm liking your other option 1 or 3, I'd like to stay away from putting a drain right in the middle of the patio. For option 1 and 3 I assume you're just crowning in those specific areas to direct the runoff. I'm just concerned that crowning it like your diagrams would still lead to it running along the foundation of the house and garage. Probably a stupid question, but do you want to crown the base material AND sand layer, or just the sand layer?
Also, the distributor thought it would be fine to have just the allan block as the fire pit ring. I asked about lining it with fire brick and he said I don't need it. I am going to line it with a metal fire pit ring they sell though just to be safe. What do you suggest for a drain in that situation? Maybe just a gap in the back wall?
Skahuna- Looks good. Never really thought of that as an option until I saw your pictures. Like you said, from the front you can hardly tell. I'm just wondering how much it will stand out on the back of the wall seeing this will be installed in a backyard that will be highly used. Also, do you think a couple of those holes would drain enough water? According to the equation on NDS website I should be looking at a drainage solution that could handle up to 13 gallons per minute (worst case scenario). Do you think that's overkill?
Thanks again

[skahuna]

I think if your careful to make evrything even and consistent it looks okay. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and weve been having some pretty bad t storms and customer reports no problems. thats about 450 square and i have 5 slots.
stonehenge's #1 solution is a good one. I've used it on pool patios that are close to a house. Having two or more grades will wreak minor havoc with your string lines when you lay your pavers

[AZTLANLC]

That is a nice job skahuna.
Wouldn't it be better to separate the fire pit more from the wall?
and use it as a sitting wall.

[djmn]

I was originally going to have the fire pit seperate from the wall, but I saw this picture online and really liked the way it looked. Still not exactly sure how I'll do the drainage. It looks like the spacing a few holes in the wall would be the easist route (just don't know if I'm liking how it would look in my case).
I don't know if I'm experienced enough to try a 500sq ft patio with 3 different grades to it.

[mark allen]

why can't you dig a really deep hole and fill it with rip-rap or a larger type cobble. That way you have drainage straight down throught the frost line and good air flow for the fire. With good air flow you do not have ashes building up, because it burns hotter and complete. you can also install an iron type sewer pipe from daylight 15'-20' away to the base of the fire to supply the fresh air to burn it complete.
good luck