9 Amazing Fire Pit Ideas for Your Backyard (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good outdoor fire pit? ›

Ideally, you want a fire pit that is durable and easy to clean, and possibly even easily moved around, and above all, one that fits the look and atmosphere of your yard design. Popular fire pit materials include: Aluminum. Cast Iron.

Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches, sheds, stacks of wood, and even fences or decks, as these are all considered combustible. If you are concerned about the safety around your campfire, consider placing your fire pit on a bed of sand or beneath ground level.

You can make a DIY fire pit using inexpensive or repurposed materials such as stone, bricks, pavers, concrete, and retaining wall blocks. Most the DIY fire pit ideas below cost between $50 and $150 (and a little elbow grease) to make.

The round shape, when combined with a circular seating arrangement, allows for the most even dispersal of heat among everyone. Round fire pits are suitable in both traditional and contemporary landscape designs depending on their materials.

Bricks. Fire-rated bricks or half bricks at the base of a fire pit will allow oxygen to fan the flames. Bricks can also withstand high temperatures, making them a suitable material for your fire pit.

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

Given its small footprint, this Outland Living fire pit has a respectable heat output (58,000 BTU). It performed the best of the gas fire pits we tested with noticeable warmth (we felt it about 4 feet from the pit) and almost no smoke.

The heat output of wood-burning fire pits is largely determined by the type of wood used. Hardwoods (think maple and oak) burn hotter and longer than softwoods. The moisture content of the wood also matters. Dry wood burns more efficiently and generates more heat.

Stainless Steel fire pits

Stainless steel is an ideal material for withstanding head and weather—as well as resisting rust. Stainless steel fire pits are generally higher priced—but this is due to their high quality and durability. You'll typically find stainless steel fire pits in brushed or powder-coated finishes.

And remember that real wood fire features should be bigger than gas ones, giving you the room necessary to generate the embers needed for warmth. Above ground fire features should typically be 12-14″ tall – a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height.

The best materials to put in the bottom of your fire pit are gravel, paver base or fire bricks.

Are backyard fire pits worth it? ›

Are fire pits worth the money? In short - yes, absolutely. The main reason they're worth the investment is that they've got multiple uses and they make your patio a multi-season space.

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

Limestone fire pits are made from natural limestone and make a stunning choice for a natural stone outdoor fire pit. Limestone is strong enough to withstand years of exposure to fire and absorbs heat moderately, making a comfortable fire pit to sit around for extended periods of time.

If you have a portable pit, set it up downwind from the house or other structures on your property. Keep an eye out for anything flammable, and make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear for at least 10 feet. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends checking the area above the fire pit.

If your landscape really shouldn't be dug around in, it's probably best to go with an above-ground fire pit. Terrain also can come into play. Adding an in-ground fire pit where the ground is rocky and hard to clear may take more energy than you want to expend.

Yes, a fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard because it adds value to your home. Also, it creates a beautiful and functional area of your home.

Small fire pit dimensions should measure 3 feet wide, while a large pit can go up to 6 feet wide. Ideally a fire pit should be between 36 and 44 inches wide (including the width of the walls) in order to comfortably seat multiple people around it whilst still maintaining an intimate setting.