One way to add both style and functionality to your gazebo or pergola is with a fire pit. Fire pits are a great centerpiece underneath your Backyard Discovery gazebo or pergola. Not only do they provide a chic addition, they create a natural gathering space for family and friends.
You may want a fire pit but are struggling with how to set it up. Here are just a few creative ways you can set up a fire pit under your gazebo or pergola, from professional tips to inspiration we’ve gathered from others just like you.
Add a Focal Point for Hosting Friends and Family
Putting a fire pit under your gazebo or pergola surrounded by various seating options creates a natural focal point for entertaining. Never will the saying “gather around the fire” be more true than when you have guests over. Your guests can enjoy the shade the gazebo or pergola provides during the day and the natural ambiance the fire pit provides at night. As an added bonus, most Backyard Discovery gazebos and pergolas come equipped with a PowerPort™, which is great for attaching patio lights for extra flare.
Safety tip: We recommend only using gas-powered fire pits under gazebos or pergolas that have a roof or canopy. Smoke from a wood-burning fire pit will be forced to go out instead of up if put under a structure with a roof, which could create a hazard. Alternatively, gas-powered fire pits do not emit smoke.
Emphasize the Views Your Space Provides
Perhaps your gazebo or pergola offers a great view of a certain aspect of your space. Maybe it’s water, a scenic overlook, or something else in your backyard. But arranging seating under the gazebo or pergola could be awkward if the seats all face the same direction. A fire pit removes the awkwardness and ties the seating together. Create an arrangement that allows you to be in front of the fire and enjoy the great views your space provides.
Create The Ultimate Campout
Fire pits set the perfect scene for a backyard campout. Set up your fire pit under the gazebo or pergola and enjoy the natural light it provides to gather around, roast marshmallows, and tell stories. Set up the tent nearby, and it’ll feel like you’re at a campground.
Safety tip: Be sure to put out the fire before going to sleep.
Pair With a Hot Tub for the Ultimate Zen
Why not make your gazebo or pergola your own personal spa? Start with a dip in the hot tub, then relax in an adirondack chair near the fire pit to stay warm. With a Backyard Discovery gazebo or pergola equipped with a PowerPort™, you can keep the hot tub running. And if you choose a gazebo, you can stay dry in the hot tub or by the fire even on rainy days or nights.
Safety tip: Keep the fire pit as close to the center of your pergola or gazebo and as far away from the posts as possible, especially if you have a cedar structure.
Build an Intimate Space Around a Cabana Pergola
If you have a smaller backyard or prefer a pergola with walls, you can arrange a smaller, more intimate space around a Backyard Discovery cabana pergola. Our cabana pergolas have two walls and are great for providing some privacy. Put the fire pit between a set of standalone or built-in seats and enjoy!
Safety tip: Make sure you measure the area around your fire pit to ensure you have enough space to safely install a pergola or gazebo.
Utilize More of Your Backyard
If you have a bigger backyard or an area that you consider “wasted space”, you could always create an additional seating area for your fire pit next to, but not under, your gazebo or pergola. Escape from the sun during the day or enjoy an evening meal under your gazebo or pergola, then retreat to the fire pit area once the sun goes down to keep the night going.
Safety tip: Always make sure your fire pit is set up at least 10 feet from your house.
Add to Your Gazebo or Pergola Space with a Fire Pit Today
As you can see, there is no shortage of ideas you can come up with for adding a fire pit under your gazebo or pergola. Maybe you’ve come up with one that we haven’t listed here. Great! Set it up, take a photo and tag us @backyarddiscovery on Instagram. We can’t wait to see what you create.
If you don’t have a gazebo or pergola yet but are inspired by the ideas above, why not get started? Backyard Discovery has dozens of options for gazebos or pergolas, depending on the style you want and the size of your space. And did we mention some come with a PowerPort™The possibilities are endless, so start creating lasting memories today!
FAQs
Gas Fire Pits – Gas fire pits rely on natural or liquid propane gas as their fuel source. As such, you can easily control the fires they produce. Having a gas fire pit in your gazebo is more than plausible, with good ventilation.
How far should a fire pit be from a pergola? ›
Fire Pit Placement and Distance
It's best to keep it at least 10 feet away from any flammable materials or pergola structures for optimal protection against heat damage and embers.
Can you use a fire pit under a canopy? ›
Your fire pit should be at least 10 feet from structures or items that can catch fire, like your home, your tent and any plants. Overhanging branches, wooden decks and fences are a big no-no. That means your fire pit should never be beneath a canopy, under a covered patio or below trees.
Which firepit gives off the most heat? ›
A wood-burning fire pit gives off the most heat. Adequately seasoned wood is easy to burn and produces a large, bright fire that gives off a lot of heat, even in a small fire pit designed to save precious outdoor space.
What style of fire pit is best? ›
A round fire pit is the most common shape, especially for wood-burning models. Like a campfire, this shape emits heat evenly around the perimeter to help ensure a warm seat for every guest. Choose a rectangular fire pit for narrower patios and create some design interest in your outdoor space.
Can I put a fire pit in a gazebo? ›
Yes, you can place a fire pit under a gazebo, but with precautions: Ventilation: Most fire pits emit toxic fumes and carbon monoxide. Ensure your gazebo design has proper ventilation channels for these fumes to escape. Bioethanol fire pits, being carbon monoxide-free, are safer in enclosed spaces.
Can I have a fire under a pergola? ›
Fire pits under pergolas are a safe combination if certain precautions are taken. Aside from their elegant visual appeal and shade giving design, pergola's slatted roofs also provide ideal open airflow that minimizes the risk of smoke damage as the sparks and embers can travel up and away from the firepit.
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.
What is the cheapest way to build a fire pit? ›
Learn how to create a fire pit using paver bricks, pea gravel and a metal ring You can do it in an afternoon, with a little elbow grease and less than $100. This simple fire pit design can be completed in an afternoon for less than $100. And, you'll still have money and time left to host friends for a bonfire and beer.
How much clearance do you need above a fire pit? ›
Most places require a clearance above the fire pit of 21 feet, to allow for overhead branches.
If you're building the fire pit in your yard, you'll need a paver base to create a stable foundation for the blocks. While it may not be required for a stone or concrete patio, installing a base will protect the surface of your patio.
What is the best thing to put under a fire pit? ›
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.
Where should you not put a fire pit? ›
Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities. Don't put your fire pit too close to your property line. The minimum distance between the fire and property line varies from county to county, so be sure to check your local guidelines.
Can you burn a fire pit under a 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 to pick an outdoor fire pit? ›
The fire pit you choose should strike a balance between quality and cost. Better quality will cost more, so size, style, fuel, and materials will influence the price tag. However, if you plan to use your fire pit often and for years to come, a solid design with durable materials will eventually pay for itself.
What is the easiest fire pit to use? ›
Outland Living Mega Fire Pit
The Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega is a great pick, striking the right balance of performance, budget, size, and looks, which is why it's our top pick for the best fire pit. We love how incredibly easy this fire pit is to set up and use.
What is the safest fire pit for a deck? ›
If you want to use a fire pit on a deck and you've received the all-clear from the city code, choose a gas-fueled pit for the lowest fire risk. A properly installed gas fire pit doesn't produce sparks that can ignite nearby surfaces. Look for gas fire pits designed for deck use.
What is the best material for a fire pit area? ›
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.
