HOW MUCH ROOM SHOULD YOU LEAVE AROUND A FIRE PIT? (2024)

FAQs

HOW MUCH ROOM SHOULD YOU LEAVE 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. But that number may change depending on the type of seating you have.

Your seating area should be large enough to comfortably seat your guests while maintaining a safe distance from the fire pit. A good rule of thumb is to keep a distance of at least 7 feet from the edge of the fire pit to the seats. This allows for ample legroom and safe distance from the heat.

Here are some clearance rules of thumb to follow when planning the location of your fire pit. Celestial recommends a minimum clearance of 36″ on all sides and 96″ above the burner.

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.

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.

Check with the manufacturer for specific vent recommendations for the fire pit type you are constructing. Some recommend a minimum of 18 square inches of opening to provide adequate air flow and cooling for a gas burner system.

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.

Ideally, a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structures — 20 feet is even better. This includes your house, shed, fence and neighboring yards. Check the area around and above your fire pit. You don't want any plants within 10 feet of the fire pit area.

Never use wood-burning fire pits on a covered patio or deck. Wood fires release highly combustible creosote, embers, and sparks which can cause damage to all kinds of flooring and house structures. Wood-burning fires are much more difficult to contain and regulate, making them too hazardous to use on covered patios.

Make sure you have enough area for movement near a fire pit. Choose 5 to 7 feet around the lips of the fire pit to move the chair and seating as per your needs. If you want an in-built fire pit, make a distance of 40 to 48 inches between the wall of seating place and fire pit.

How big of a seating area do you need for a fire pit? ›

Make room for everyone

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.

Keep fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings and trees. Install on a non-flammable surface and away from overhead structures. Check wind patterns to prevent smoke issues. Use services like 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. ]

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.

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.

Portable fire pits need to be placed on fire-resistant surfaces like a brick patio or over stone pavers. Flying embers can be a fire risk if you put your portable fire pit directly onto your grass or place it on a wooden deck.

Keep your fire pit at least six feet away from buildings while in use. Keep 15-20 feet above your fire pit clear of obstructions, such as tree branches and patio overhangs.

Seating around a fire pit can be as simple as getting a full-sized sofa and a pair of loveseats to create a patio conversation area. Again, 18-24” is a good rule of thumb for the distance between an outdoor fire pit and seating but can be personalized as your patio or terrace allows.

The height from ground to seat level on a fire pit bench should be 15 to 20 inches. The right number all depends on what makes your family the most comfortable. If your dining chairs are comfortable, that's a great height to use.

As mentioned above, outdoor fireplaces should be at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures. For maximum safety, you should also have at least 3 feet of clear space between the fireplace and anything flammable, such as outdoor furniture, plants, or other decorations.

Keep fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings and trees. Install on a non-flammable surface and away from overhead structures. Check wind patterns to prevent smoke issues. Use services like 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. ]