Adirondack chairs are a classic outdoor furniture choice, known for their iconic sloped seat and tall fan-shaped back. Often paired with a cozy fire pit, Adirondack chairs invite relaxation around a crackling fire. However, some find that Adirondack chairs sit too low to the ground to comfortably enjoy a fire pit. In this article, we’ll examine the ideal seating height for fire pit enjoyment, consider whether Adirondack chairs meet this benchmark, and explore modifications and alternative seating options to create the perfect fireside experience.
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What is the ideal seating height around a fire pit?
Experts recommend a seating height of 16-18 inches as optimal for fire pit enjoyment. This allows enough distance from the flames to stay safe and comfortable, while still providing warmth and an immersive fireside experience. Seating that is too high can feel removed from the fire, while seating too low can expose you to excessive heat, smoke, and flying embers.
Some key factors in choosing fire pit seating height include:
- Safety – A height of 16-18 inches minimizes risk from stray sparks. Lower seating puts you in the direct line of smoke and embers.
- Comfort – This height range allows you to extend legs and feet toward the fire’s warmth while maintaining a comfortable seated position.
- View – A moderate height provides excellent views of the flames without needing to look down or hunch over.
- Atmosphere – 16-18 inches strikes the right balance of feeling part of the fireside scene without being engulfed by smoke or heat.
The 16-18 inch bench height matches the standard height of popular fire pit tables and achieves the safety, comfort and ambiance recommended by fire pit experts.
Are standard Adirondack chairs too low for fire pits?
Traditional Adirondack chairs tend to sit lower than the ideal 16-18 inches, with seat heights ranging from just 12-16 inches. This puts standard Adirondack chairs on the low end of recommended fire pit seating height.
While personal preference plays a role, standard Adirondack chair height has some disadvantages for fire pit use:
- More exposure to smoke, embers and heat rising from the fire
- Reduced visibility of the fire pit itself
- A less immersive experience sitting further from the fire
The low seat and reclined posture of classic Adirondacks place you closer to the ground and farther from the fire compared to upright seating at 16-18 inches. While manageable for small, contained fires, typical Adirondack height is not ideal for larger blazing fire pits.
Typical Adirondack Chair Dimensions
| Chair Part | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Seat Height | 12 – 16 inches |
| Seat Width | 19 – 24 inches |
| Seat Depth | 16 – 20 inches |
| Backrest Height | 30 – 36 inches |
As this table shows, even larger Adirondack chairs only reach the bottom end of the optimal fire pit seating height range. Their low, reclined posture offsets any benefit of the tallest seat heights.
How to improve Adirondack height for fire pit use
While standard Adirondack chairs may sit a little low for fire pits, there are several ways to modify them to achieve a better height:
Raise the seat height
Constructing the chair with taller leg extensions or a higher base will lift the entire seat to a better fire pit viewing height. Even just 4-6 more inches of seat height makes a noticeable difference. Make sure raised chairs remain equally stable and sturdy.
Elevate with a footstool
A low footstool, step or platform under the Adirondack chair effectively boosts overall seating height. This quick fix allows you to use existing chairs instead of replacing them. Make sure the stool is stable and won’t shift under your weight.
Add a seat cushion
A thick cushion pad on the Adirondack seat provides a little extra lift and also makes the seating more comfortable. Select a nonflammable cushion material rated for outdoor use.
Recline less
Adjusting the backrest and seat to a less reclined angle brings overall chair height closer to an optimal fire pit position. Just a 10-15 degree change can add a couple valuable inches.
Sit forward on the seat
Perching on the front edge of the Adirondack seat helps counteract the normally reclined posture. Sitting forward reduces the tendency to slouch and sinks you closer to the fire.
Alternative fire pit seating options
Beyond modifying Adirondack chairs, consider replacing them entirely with seating better suited to enjoying a cozy fire pit:
Benches
Long fire pit benches provide ample comfortable seating at an ideal height. They promote conversation and community around the fire. Optimal bench height is 16-18 inches.
Logs or stools
Cut tree logs slices or short stools around the fire pit offer seating at any height you choose. They can be stacked, grouped or spaced flexibly around the flames.
High back chairs
Deep, high-backed outdoor chairs provide head-to-toe support in a higher seating position perfect for fire gazing. Look for all-weather woven styles.
Rocking chairs
A classic porch rocker with a seat height of 16 inches or more combines comfort and ideal fire pit viewing. Just be sure rockers are sturdy and don’t risk tipping.
Swings
An outdoor swing hung high enough off the ground lets you sway in front of the flickering flames while enjoying optimal fire height. Select heat-resistant swing materials.
Fire pit tables
Specially designed fire pit tables incorporate the fire at perfect seating height and often include built-in benches or chairs at an ideal 16-18 inches.
Conclusion
Standard Adirondack chairs tend to sit lower than the recommended seating height for optimal fire pit enjoyment. Their low, reclined posture puts you farther from the fire with more exposure to smoke and embers. Simple modifications like raised legs, seat cushions or footstools can help improve the height. But replacing Adirondack chairs with taller, upright seating options may provide the best experience around a roaring fire pit. Focus on all-weather chairs, benches or swings at the 16-18 inch recommended height to get the full cozy fireside ambiance. At the end of the day, choose seating that lets you relax in comfort and safety while feeling part of the magical firelight scene.