Average Fire Pit Dimensions & Sizes - Landscaping Network (2024)

What is the standard size of a fire pit?

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    The size of this fire pit will comfortably accommodate six adults. Zaremba and Company Landscape in Clarkston, MI.

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    The size of this fire pit will comfortably accommodate six adults. Landscaping Network in Calimesa, CA.

Fire Pit Design, Spacing & Size

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Learn how much space is needed to accommodate a fire pit & chairs.

The size of your fire pit is something that must be considered beforehand. If your fire pit is too small, it won't put off enough heat and it will be hard for more than a few people to circle round. If your fire pit is too large, the fire could easily get out of hand and guests will have difficulty conversing because the distance across the pit will require raised voices.

Width

Smaller, more intimate fire pits are around 3 feet wide; while, larger fire pits suited for entertaining groups can be up to 6 feet wide. These measurements include the thickness of the walls, so realize that the total width of the fire pit is not the same as the width of the burning area.

Height

If opting for an above ground fire pit, height is an important consideration. If your fire pit is too tall, you won't be able to prop your feet comfortably on the edge. If your fire pit is too short, people will be bending and squatting to get closer to the flames.

A good rule of thumb is to make an above-ground fire pit 12-14 inches tall. This is a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height. If you want to be able to sit on the edge of the pit itself go a bit higher, 18-20 inches will be comfortable. A fire pit any taller will actually hold heat in and make it hard to enjoy while sitting in chairs.

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Average Fire Pit Dimensions & Sizes - Landscaping Network (2024)

FAQs

Average Fire Pit Dimensions & Sizes - Landscaping Network? ›

Smaller, more intimate fire pits are around 3 feet wide; while, larger fire pits suited for entertaining groups can be up to 6 feet wide. These measurements include the thickness of the walls, so realize that the total width of the fire pit is not the same as the width of the burning area.

What is the average size of a fire pit? ›

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.

What size should a fire pit area be? ›

To create a spacious area for gatherings of 6 or more people, choose a large fire pit size of 4 to 5 feet in diameter. This provides ample room to add chairs and benches around the fire. For wood burning pits, allow a total space of 10-16 feet wide to incorporate safe clearances from the flames and smoke.

What is the average size of a fire pit circle? ›

A typical fire pit is 36 - 44 inches in diameter with wood & 22 inches in gas. Square fire pits average interior length between 34 inches to 34 inches in wood and 20 inches in propane. In most instances the external wall should be extended 12-20 cm.

How to measure fire pit size? ›

How to Measure. First make sure your fire pit is sitting on an even surface before you take your measurements. If your fire pit has flat sides as in a square or rectangle shape, simply measure the height, width, and length. If you have around or bowl-shaped pit, you'll need together height plus the diameter.

How big should a fire pit be for 6 people? ›

For a more intimate gathering space, a 3-foot-wide fire pit would work. Or, you go up to 6 feet wide (including the thickness of the walls) to accommodate six or more people. Fire pit size also includes the depth (in-ground) or height (above-ground) of the fire pit.

How deep should a backyard fire pit be? ›

As explained earlier in this article, a hole for the fire pit should only be 15 to 20 centimetres deep, with a few more inches added in case you want to put gravel at the bottom. This is easily within the range of most able-bodied people.

What should the bottom of a fire pit be? ›

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.

What shape should a fire pit be? ›

“Firepits can be round, square, rectangular, or broken up into multiple pits,” say LaPlante and Grohl. Eckley prefers to use round firepits, because they allow you to seat the most people around them. (The straight sides of a square or rectangular firepit, on the other hand, determine where you place seating.)

What are the dimensions of an outdoor fireplace? ›

Outdoor fireplaces can be as small as four feet tall, three feet wide and two feet deep. While larger fireplaces, complete with mantel and hearth, built-in seating and wood storage boxes, can be as large as 15 feet tall, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep.

How far should a fire pit be from a structure? ›

Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from all buildings or combustible materials. Combustible materials are things such as wood, paper, and plastics [MSFC Section 307.4. 2].

Should a fire pit be round or square? ›

Round fire pits are better for giving off a more uniform distribution of heat. Likewise, they're favored for their organic, soft design that's a classic throwback to the round campfire. A great example of this shape would be to make it a ceramic fire pit.

How big is a fire pit on a deck? ›

The diameter of the fire pit should be no less than 3 feet, and 5 feet is more than enough. Ring it with stone or other fireproof material. The height of the stone should be about 1 foot above the ground level where you stack the wood that will make the fire.

Should you put sand in bottom of firepit? ›

Considering the primary function of a fire pit is for burning wood or charcoal, the material at the bottom should have good ventilation and heat resistance. Whether you have a homemade fire pit or a professionally made one, it is recommended to place sand at the bottom.

What is the best thickness for a fire pit? ›

​You should get a fire pit with a minimum of 4mm thick steel. Anything less than 3mm thick will not last more than a season or two. The quality of welds on a fire pit is also important. Cheaper fire pits can come apart under the heat of the fire and/or rust through at the joints.

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