9 Amazing Fire Pit Ideas for Your Backyard (2024)

Readers like you help support BackyardBoss. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

A fire pit is a great addition to a backyard, adding warmth and ambiance. It also serves as a focal point for outdoor gatherings. However, with so many options available, you may want some help choosing the right one. To aid your search, explore these nine amazing fire pit ideas rangingfrom functional and stylish to low-maintenance.

Modern Circular Design

A modern fire pit adds style and sophistication to your backyard. With its sleek design and contemporary look, it makes a statement and becomes a focal point for outdoor gatherings. Its circular shape creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for cozy evenings with friends and family. You can customize it to suit your taste with concrete or metal surrounds and decorative tiles or stones for added flair.

Rustic Touch

Are you looking for a more natural vibe for your backyard? Consider a rustic fire pit! The natural materials in the design make it an excellent addition to many outdoor settings. Moreover, Adirondack chairs create a cozy, woodsy atmosphere, perfect for roasting marshmallows and enjoying warm drinks. This idea is worth considering if you want to add a touch of wilderness to your backyard!

Fire Pit Table

A fire pit table is a versatile and functional option. It provides warmth and ambiance while serving as a dining or coffee table. This type of fire pit is perfect for those who love to entertain and want to maximize their outdoor space. It's also great for family meals, board games, or relaxing with a good book. Fire pit tables come in many sizes and styles, so you can easily find the one of your dreams.

Portable Fire Pit

If you have limited space, a portable fire pit is a great solution. With its lightweight and compact design, you can move it around and set it up wherever you want. You can find portable fire pits made from metal or ceramic. They are easy to clean and stow away when not in use. It is perfect if you want to enjoy the warmth of a fire pit without committing to one of the more permanent ideas.

Sunken Living Area

A sunken fire pit is a unique and cozy solution. It involves creating a natural-looking area where you and your guests can gather. This design brings an intimate atmosphere and provides privacy and seclusion to your patio. It is also a perfect option to keep the fire contained and minimize the risk of sparks flying.

Built-In Seating

A fire pit with built-in seating is practical and saves space by incorporating benches or seatsinto the design. This type of fire pit is excellent for those who love to entertain and want to maximize their seating capacity. Built-in seating also adds a stylish touch to your yard and eliminates the need for additional outdoor furniture. Plus, everyone can gather around and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire.

Gas-Fired Option

Instead of burning wood, a gas fire pit uses propane or natural gas to create a flame, which you can control with a switch or knob, meaning you don't have to worry about gathering wood, cleaning up ash, or dealing with smoke. Gas-fired options come in various designs, such as tabletop, bowl, or column styles. They are easy to install, and you can use them year-round, making them a practical and versatile choice for your backyard.

Fire Pit With a Cooking Grate

A fire pit with a cooking grate allows you to grill your favorite food, making it a highly functional choice. It is an ideal solution if you want to cook while entertaining outdoors. Fire pits with cooking grates come in various sizes and styles, such as stone, metal, or brick designs. They are easy to clean and maintain.

Fire and Water

A fire pit with a water feature combines the warmth and ambiance of a fire with the tranquil sound and visual beauty of flowing water. You can incorporate water features into the design of the fire pit in various ways, such as a fountain, waterfall, or pond. This combination creates a relaxing and inviting outdoor space perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a romantic evening.

LightUpYourYard

Adding a fire pit is an excellent way to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space. Whether you opt for a classic, modern, or unique design, a fire pit can enhance the ambiance and functionality of your backyard, helping you transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis.

Remember to share this article with your friends and family and leave a comment below to let others know which fire pit ideas you liked the most.

9 Amazing Fire Pit Ideas for Your Backyard (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good outdoor fire pit? ›

Fire pits can be made from a variety of materials that are hardy enough to withstand the heat. Stone fire pits are a popular choice. For DIY fire pits, pavers and blocks made from clay brick or concrete are common. Different metals are used in a range of fire pit styles.

Where is the best place to put a fire pit in your backyard? ›

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.

What is the best thing to make a fire pit out of? ›

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.

What should be at the bottom of a fire pit? ›

An inch of sand at the bottom of a metal fire pit can help to protect the bowl from the intense heat of the fire. Whether your fire pit is portable or permanent, having sand at the bottom is a handy precaution. If you ever need to smother the fire in a hurry, you can grab a nearby shovel to use the sand.

What is the best rock for a fire pit area? ›

Natural Stone Options
  • Sandstone. Sandstone is a popular choice due to its natural beauty and durability. ...
  • Limestone. Limestone is another common choice for fire pit construction. ...
  • Granite. Known for its strength and durability, granite is an excellent choice for a long-lasting fire pit. ...
  • Slate.
Jun 2, 2023

What fire pit puts out the most heat? ›

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.

What fire pit gives off the most heat? ›

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.

What is the most durable fire pit? ›

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.

How high should a fire pit be above ground? ›

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.

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.

What size should a fire pit be in the backyard? ›

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.

How to make an inexpensive fire pit? ›

  1. Plan Location and Layout. A fire pit should be built at least 15 feet from any structure and close to a water source. ...
  2. Determine the Size. The size of your fire pit will be determined by your metal fire ring. ...
  3. Dig a Hole. ...
  4. Line Hole With Sand. ...
  5. Add Base Row. ...
  6. Place Metal Ring. ...
  7. Insert Bricks Into Fire Pit Floor. ...
  8. Add Pea Gravel.

How far should fire pit be from house? ›

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.

What is the cheapest way to make a fire pit area? ›

Find a bunch of stones and make a big ring out of them… mine is about 6 feet (2 meters) across. Take away all the grass / burnable stuff around the ring out about another 6 feet all around, so any embers that might escape don't find anything burnable.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a fire pit? ›

The fire pit's size, fuel source and materials used all affect its cost, as does whether it's built in-ground or above-ground. DIY-ing a fire pit installation can save half the cost, though pros may be needed to connect gas- or electric-powered pits.

Is it cheaper to build your own fire pit? ›

DIYing will always be cheaper for you monetarily, but not in time. DIYing a fire pit could cost you $300-$1000, depending on the tools and materials you have available. If you hire a contractor, you will pay between $1000-$1500.

What wood is best for fire pits? ›

Seasoned wood will burn more efficiently and keep your fire pit clean. Usually, choosing the best wood for fire pits comes down to hardwoods vs softwoods. Due to their density and dryness, we'd recommend using hardwoods, like beech or ash, since they will ignite a low-maintenance fire that can burn for hours.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 6096

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.