5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (2024)

Belgard / Outdoor Living Blog / Outdoor Design / / 5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit

By Christi Simoneaux

August 7, 2019

15

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (1)

A fire pit instantly becomes the spot where everyone wants to gather. If you’re planning on adding this must-have element to your backyard, these tips will help you create a welcoming outdoor living space with a fire pit as a focal point.

Location, location, location…

Unless you’re going for a contemporary symmetrical look or you’re working with a lot of space, don’t place the fire pit in the center of the patio, but offset to one side. You can balance the design with other heavy elements, such as an arbor, tree, water feature or outdoor bar. You will also want to pay attention to the wind patterns in your yard to place the fire pit in the location that will most likely draw any smoke away from the center. This is particularly important with a wood-burning fire pit. It’s also wise to investigate whether there are any regulations in your neighborhood or municipality regarding fire feature placement. It should be easily accessible, but not too close to the home. A good rule of thumb, especially with wood-burning pits, is to place the pit ten feet or more from any structure.

Make room for everyone

Once the fire is lit, people will tend to gather around it. In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides. Seat walls are a great way to both visually define the space and allow for lots of seating. But don’t enclose the space completely with walls. It’s nice to leave room for chairs, standing and foot traffic. Also think ahead to how you plan to decorate. For example, if you’re choosing low-slung seating such as Adirondack chairs, realize that they will take up extra real estate and plan accordingly.

Create conversation zones

It’s highly unlikely that people will sit around the fire pit to eat on a regular basis. You will want a separate dining space for that. Plus, for better entertaining, it’s a great idea create multiple conversation zones around the patio where separate groups can gather for more intimate conversation. Some people will feel comfortable picking a spot where they can stay all evening, while the social butterflies will flit from zone to zone engaging in multiple conversations throughout the night.

Gas or wood? Why not both?

Some people prefer gas — fewer code restrictions on placement, no ashes to contend with, no smoke, no wood to buy or chop. Other’s prefer wood — earthy smell, more robust flames, more warmth, more traditional campfire aesthetic. For those who enjoy the pros of both scenarios and live in a community that doesn’t restrict wood-burning features, consider a hybrid fire pit that allows for both gas and wood. The gas can be used as a starter and can even be hooked up to a smart system, which makes it easier to get the party going. Plus, the fire doesn’t have to go out when you run out of wood.

Soften the space

To make your space comfy and cozy, soften the space with pillows, throws, decorative accessories and organic design elements. Landscaping or a water feature behind seating adds wonderful dimensional texture to the design and adds a sense of privacy. Decorative elements add personality to the space and help create an outdoor living room aesthetic. Pillows and throws soften the space both visually and physically, also allowing you to tie in with the colors used elsewhere on your patio to make the overall design more cohesive. You can also use paver patterns to create a faux rug paver design.

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Tags

fire pit ideas fire pit patios patio design ideas

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (7)

Christi Simoneaux

Christi is a professional writer who has been writing about outdoor living and design for magazines, websites and blogs since 2009. A lifelong resident of south Louisiana, she is immersed in a culture that is a gumbo of music, food and outdoor activities. With her husband Pierre, she especially enjoys spending time with their two sons in their Belgard backyard. The Simoneauxs regularly entertain guests in their outdoor kitchen where the specialties are craft cocktails, grilled meats, garlicky dressings, and Cajun and Creole creations. Thanks to the local climate, there's always something interesting in their herb garden to enhance the recipes.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (8)

Henry Killingsworth

I thought you made a good point when you talked about how it is important to create a dining space that is separate from a fire pit. My wife and I want to build a deck onto our house soon so that we can have a place to relax in the evenings. It would probably be a good idea to find the right kind of furniture to put on the deck as well.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (9)

CPR Outdoor Centre

Dec 9th, 2019 at 09:16 am

Excellent explanation, it’s simple & focus. Keep up the great work!

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (10)

Ron Booker

Jan 6th, 2020 at 11:30 am

It was essential when you recommended making a dining space that is separate from a fire pit for better entrance. My family and I just moved into a new house that doesn’t have a patio, so we really want to get one built so we have a place to spend time together outside. I will definitely keep all of your great tips and information in mind when trying to have the perfect patio built for my home.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (11)

Oscar Morrison

Jan 29th, 2020 at 11:41 am

I appreciate the ideas for making it a cozier space by using pavers and pillows to decorate it and make it feel nice. We’re thinking of upgrading our yard this year and want to include a firepit we could sit at in the evening. Talking about what sort of design we each enjoy would help us get something we’ll be satisfied with for a long time.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (12)

Greta James

Feb 13th, 2020 at 04:10 pm

I really love your advice to add some pillows and colorful decorations to help add a personal touch and a sense of coziness. I would love to create a fun, fancy outdoor patio with a firepit. I love your designs, but I think I want more color. I wonder if I could get a decorative outdoor stool and some pillows to help add to my space to create that fun mood you talked about.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (13)

Outdoor Living By Belgard

Feb 14th, 2020 at 10:25 am

Great idea!

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (14)

Mark

Apr 9th, 2020 at 12:08 am

I’d like to know more about the gas wood burning hybrid fire element. I can’t find anything comparable using internet searches.
I love the seating area and fire pit shown for “gas or wood” section of article. Does it have a name?

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (15)

Outdoor Living By Belgard

Apr 9th, 2020 at 11:53 am

The only way to do this is to install a gas log lighter. This is definitely something you need a plumber for and it MUST be stainless steel. Click here for an example.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (16)

Rebecca Gardner

Aug 28th, 2020 at 02:12 pm

I like your suggestion to create “conversation zones” around the patio since people won’t usually gather around the fireplace to eat dinner. My husband and I just purchased a ranch-style home with a large backyard and we like the idea of having a patio and firepit added to help us enjoy the space. Thanks for teaching me these general tips to keep in mind as we start the process of designing the space with a custom landscape service soon!

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (17)

Jordan

Jun 6th, 2022 at 09:52 pm

These comments are all fake.. it’s ridiculous that you are creating fake reviews for your article.. I thought it was a good article, but the reviews don’t help make it better. Good day

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (18)

Outdoor Living By Belgard

Jun 9th, 2022 at 02:21 pm

We’re sorry you feel the comments are fake. They are all from actual visitors just like yourself.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (19)

Allen

Oct 10th, 2022 at 03:09 pm

In the upper left hand corner of 5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING A PATIO AROUND A FIRE PIT, what were the products used for the pavers, bar, and fire pit.

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (20)

Outdoor Living By Belgard

Oct 11th, 2022 at 01:20 pm

The fire pit is natural stone, but the wall and bar are Ashlar Tandem Wall

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (21)

AJ

Feb 15th, 2023 at 10:27 pm

I’m wondering where should I have a firepit with seating areas – 1) opposite to Gazebo – which will be in the center of my backyard and seating area facing back of turf (mini golf design) or 2) At the far end left corner which will be about 50ft far from Gazebo, My backyard is 60ft x 100ft. I’m doing 50% pavers and 50% turf.

Can you please suggest a location?

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (22)

Outdoor Living By Belgard

Mar 7th, 2023 at 02:18 pm

That depends on how much you entertained. Opposite the gazebo would create a nice balanced look, but might create an issue with flow if you host large gatherings. The far left corner would provide a focal point for that side of the patio and would provide more open space. If you plan to have a wood-burning fire pit, be sure to keep wind patterns, overhanging tree branches, and location of any structures in mind as these elements could affect placement.

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5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit (23)

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FAQs

5 Tips for Designing a Patio around a Fire Pit? ›

In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.

How big should a patio be around a fire pit? ›

In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.

What is the best surface around a fire pit? ›

Pea gravel is great to add to a fire pit area because you don't have to be precise, it's comfortable to walk on, and it doesn't cost much per bag. Cover the entire weed block fabric with the pea gravel. Be sure that there is enough to cover the fabric without it showing through.

What to put around a fire pit? ›

Putting gravel on the ground around your fire pit creates a nice, level base for seating. Plus, it protects the ground and surrounding area with a non-flammable material in case any embers make their way out of the fire pit.

Where should a fire pit be placed on a patio? ›

To use a fire pit on a deck, start by placing it at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, including furniture, cushions, roof overhangs and deck rails. Next, create a fire pit safety base, an area for the fire pit to sit on that's not flammable.

How much space is around a fire pit? ›

When you are planning your outdoor living space, you will want to carefully plan your fire pit to make sure there is enough room around it for everyone to be comfortable. A good guideline is to have about 7 feet of space around the fire pit.

How far should seating be around fire pit? ›

On a calm day, it's safe to sit 2-3 feet from your fire pit. However, if the wind picks up, ensure you move your chairs back. In windy conditions, it's advisable to maintain a safer distance of at least 7 feet from the fire pit for your comfort and safety.

How to put pavers around a fire pit? ›

To surround the firepit with pavers, create a 6-inch gravel base topped with 1 inch of coarse concrete sand. Lay the pavers in the pattern of your choice. After the pavers are in place, install a plastic or aluminum-edge restraint. Sweep concrete sand into the joints until the joints are full.

What is the best material for the ground around a fire pit? ›

Cost-Effectiveness and Easy Maintenance. Compared to other materials like concrete or pavers, gravel is a cost-effective choice for your fire pit area. Bags of gravel are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners.

What is the best bottom for a fire pit? ›

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

What shrubs to plant around a fire pit? ›

Create a lush, vibrants space with plants and materials such as palms, ferns, and bamboo. These plants provide verdant atmosphere and can also provide privacy around the fire pit area.

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

Inorganic mulches such as decomposed granite, gravel, or rocks offer superior fire-proofing as landscape mulches and should be used when mulch is needed within five feet of buildings or any combustible structural materials such as siding or decking.

What is the ideal patio size for a fire pit? ›

The ideal patio size for a fire pit ultimately depends on the size and shape of the pit, as well as how many people can comfortably sit around it. In general, a good rule of thumb is to plan at least six feet of room on all sides, between the fire pit and the edge of the patio.

How do I protect my patio from a fire pit? ›

Choosing a floor protector compatible with the surface on which you plan to place your fire pit is essential. For example, a fire-resistant mat or a deck protector may be the best option if you use your fire pit on a wooden deck. If you are building a fire pit in the garden, then gravel may be the ideal solution.

How to arrange patio furniture with fire pit? ›

Consider using a rounded sofa, tree stumps, or backless picnic benches to create a circular seating arrangement. You can also add a hammock or swivel patio chairs to provide extra seating options and enhance the comfort and coziness of your fire pit seating area.

How many feet do you need around a fire pit? ›

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 a good size for a backyard patio? ›

We recommend a minimum of 25 square feet per person. So, if you plan to host 15 people- plan for a space around 375 sq. ft. We recommend a patio around 550 square feet for comfortable entertaining.

Can I put a fire pit under my covered patio? ›

You can absolutely have a natural gas or propane fire pit under a covered patio if the overhead height of the ceiling meets CSA requirements for distance from appliance. This is usually 80 inches. Check your appliance manual for required distances.

How do you calculate pavers for a fire pit? ›

The length of the paver fire pit multiplied by the width gives its total area in square footage. A 15 foot long patio that is 10 foot wide is (15×10)150 square feet. Dividing this total square footage with the surface area of each paver you intend to use gives the total number of pavers required.

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