I'm installing a large paver patio (approx. 1600 sq feet). It will include a fire pit in the middle of a circle paver kit. I've almost reached the point where the circle will be and I'm starting to think ahead to the firepit. I've been researching online and most places I see have people placing the firepit directly on top of the pavers (usually they pry out most of the center of the circle, under the firepit, first but the firepit itself is sitting directly on top of the pavers). But that will mean the firepit is sloped like the patio (in this case the 50" firepit would slope about 1.25" from one side to the other). I don't think that will look as good as if it was level.
My thought is to create a 50" level circle on the gravel base and install the firepit, then screed in the 1" gravel around the firepit and run the pavers up to the firepit (of course I'll have to cut the ones closest to the firepit). But, since I can't find a single example online of people doing it this way, I'm assuming there are downsides I'm not considering. What do you think?