A fire pit seating area can be a great addition to any backyard. It provides a cozy gathering place for family and friends to relax, connect, and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of an outdoor fire. Building a fire pit area is also a relatively easy and affordable DIY project for any homeowner. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process from start to finish, covering key considerations like safety, materials, design, and construction. Whether you want a simple pit ringed with benches or a more elaborate paved hangout spot, we’ve got you covered with tips and instructions for creating your perfect backyard fire pit oasis.
Some key questions we will answer include:
- What do you need to consider when choosing a fire pit location?
- What are the different types of fire pits and materials to choose from?
- How do you construct the fire pit foundation and structure?
- What are some design ideas for seating around the fire pit?
- What finishing touches like patio pavers or gravel can you add?
- How do you properly light and tend to a fire pit fire?
Equipped with the information in this guide, you will feel confident tackling this yard upgrade project and getting many enjoyable evenings of fireside fun out of your new fire pit seating space for years to come. So let’s get started!
Page Contents
Choosing a Location
When selecting the location for your DIY fire pit, there are some important factors to consider:
Safety First
Be sure to check with your local municipality on any codes, permits, or regulations for backyard fire pits in your area. Many towns require fire pits to be a certain distance from property lines, houses or other structures, overhead obstructions like trees, and utility lines. A general guideline is to locate it at least 10 feet away from your home or anything combustible.
Space to Gather
Think about the seating arrangement you envision around the fire pit and leave adequate room for lawn chairs or built-in benches. The fire feature should be centrally located with seating facing inward around the perimeter.
Proximity to House
While you want sufficient space from your home, it should still be close enough for easy access to grab supplies like wood, tools, water, and marshmellows! Try to position it about 15-20 feet from your back door or outdoor living space.
Even Terrain
Choose a fairly flat spot, avoiding any severe slopes or uneven ground which will require extra work to level out. Pick an area with good drainage so water does not pool around the pit.
Accessibility
Make sure to consider easy access for constructing the fire pit as well as doing future maintenance. Having a clear path from the yard entry point to the fire pit location is ideal.
Views
Think about the vistas from your outdoor space and place the fire pit to take advantage of the best views while you relax fireside. Position it to see attractive landscaping, gardens or other features in your yard.
Wind Direction
Be aware of the prevailing winds and locate the fire pit in a sheltered spot, out of strong wind currents. This will help contain the fire and prevent excess smoke around your yard.
Ambiance
Consider placing it near trees, shrubs, and flowers that will add pleasant nature surroundings but also allow enough light through from landscape lighting, tiki torches, or your home’s exterior lights.
Taking these important factors into account will ensure you select the optimal fire pit location to enjoy for years to come!
Types of Fire Pits
When it comes to constructing your fire pit, there are a few different structure types and material options to evaluate:
In-Ground vs Above-Ground
In-Ground
As the name implies, this fire pit is set into a cavity excavated in the ground. Some of the benefits include:
- Flushed appearance that seamlessly integrates into the yard design
- No need for construction materials since the earth contains the pit
- Heat radiates from sides of ground into seating area
Potential drawbacks are more labor for digging and issues with water pooling if drainage is poor.
Above-Ground
This type involves constructing a freestanding pit above ground level using materials like bricks, concrete blocks, steel, copper, timber, etc. Pros for above-ground include:
- Elevated design stands out as a focal point in the yard
- Easier access to tend the fire pit
- Able to incorporate specialty shapes and materials
- Can be mobile if desired
The pit will require more materials and time to construct fully above ground.
Portable vs Permanent
Portable
As the name implies, this fire pit type is designed to be movable to reposition easily as desired. You can buy prefabricated portable steel, aluminum or copper models. Or make your own DIY version with a metal drum or washing machine drum set into a pivoting stand with wheels for mobility. The benefits of portable fire pits include:
- Can be used in multiple locations – back yard, front yard, patios, camping sites, etc.
- Easy to move closer to gatherings or move for yard maintenance
- Take up less permanent space in your yard
Downsides are they may not integrate as seamlessly into your yard design and seating area compared to permanent models.
Permanent
This type of fire pit is constructed in a fixed position and secured in place. Permanent pits are often made from brick, stone, concrete block, poured concrete, or pea gravel contained by edging. Benefits include:
- Custom design perfectly tailored to your outdoor space
- Feels integrated into the yard compared to standalone portable pits
- Materials match other existing hardscapes and landscaping
- Low maintenance with proper drainage
The drawback is less flexibility to reposition the pit if desired. Proper planning is key for placement.
Gas vs Wood Burning
Gas Fire Pits
Instead of burning wood, gas fire pits utilize natural gas or propane as fuel, delivered via a hidden line below ground or small tank beside the pit. Some pros for gas fire pits:
- Easy control over flames with adjustable heat settings
- Convenient to start and stop quickly
- Low smoke and cleanup
- No need to stock and carry wood
Downsides can include higher initial installation cost for gas line, less authentic fire ambiance, and reliance on utility or propane access.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
The traditional choice, wood burning fire pits deliver the full crackling fire experience. Benefits include:
- Lower cost with readily available wood as fuel
- More authentic looking real flame ambiance
- Greater heating power to warm your space
Tradeoffs are more smoke, sparks, and ash to clean up. Open flames need close monitoring.
So weigh the pros and cons of each fire pit type to decide which works best for your yard setup and needs.
Fire Pit Shape and Size
In addition to choosing construction style and materials, you can also select creative shapes and sizes to suit your fire pit area:
Fire Pit Shapes
Round – Most common simple shape that allows inward facing seating all around
Square – Allows for right angle seating on two or more sides
Rectangle – Accommodates longer rows of seating or benches
Oval – Elongated shape can fit more people on long side
Custom – Get creative with star, pentagon, heart or other shaped designs
Fire Pit Sizing
Determine the right size based on factors like:
- Number of people you plan to seat around it
- Amount of space you have available
- Whether you want intimate gatherings vs large parties
- How much heat output you desire
General guidelines:
- 2-4 people: 3-5 feet diameter
- 4-6 people: 5-7 feet diameter
- 6-10 people: 7-10 feet diameter
With an idea of your optimal shape and dimensions, you can now start planning the fire pit construction.
Fire Pit Construction
The fun part – building out your actual fire pit structure! Here are guidelines for constructing the main components:
Excavation
For in-ground fire pits, excavate the desired diameter and depth – typically 1-2 feet deep. Clear any large stones or roots from the pit area. For above ground models, excavate just deep enough to accommodate the foundation.
Foundation
A proper base is crucial – construct a level foundation with concrete, crushed gravel, pavers, flagstone or bricks. This prevents sinking or cracking issues over time.
Pit Walls & Support
Build up the fire pit walls with bricks, concrete blocks, landscape ties, steel rings or other materials. Stack neatly and evenly. Backfill with soil around walls for added support.
Inner Fire Pit
Line the interior base with fire-rated bricks, firebricks or lava rock bottom. This protects the foundation from heat. Or use a steel/iron fire pit insert or bowl.
Spark Screen
Add a spark screen above pit to prevent embers from escaping. Use steel mesh screens propped on steel poles or a custom iron screen.
Finishing Layer
Disguise and beautify the raw fire pit walls with a finishing facade of stacked stone, brick, stucco, flagstone, etc.
Once the structure is built, you’re ready to design the cozy seating area around your fire pit!
Fire Pit Seating and Design
A great fire pit design incorporates comfortable, inviting seating and aesthetic details:
Seating
Arrange seating facing inward around the perimeter of the fire pit. Choice of seating include:
- Built-in masonry benches from concrete, brick, stone, etc.
- Patio chairs, stools, loungers
- Logs or timber benches
- Recessed seating carved into ground around pit walls
- Low stone/brick planter walls or retaining walls as casual seating
Incorporate seating height variations – mix high benches with low chairs/stools for versatility. Leave enough space between seating to walk around the pit area.
Patio Pavers or Gravel
Encircle the fire pit with patio pavers, walkway stones or pea gravel to tidy up the space. This also prevents grass or plants from growing into the center. Leave enough bare dirt/sand around the pit itself as a safety border.
Landscaping
Plant native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees around the fire pit to complement the natural beauty. Avoid high-maintenance or overgrown landscaping that will constantly need trimming or drop leaves/needles into the pit.
Lighting
Install low-voltage landscape lighting around the fire pit to create a gorgeous nighttime ambiance. Accent the seating areas, pathways, trees and other landscaping. Choose lights that cast a soft glow that won’t be too bright and distracting when gazing into the fire.
Firewood Storage
Incorporate a dedicated wood storage bin nearby to stash logs and kindling. Use wholesale bulk bins or diy enclosed bins from logs, bricks or other materials to match your space. Having firewood easily accessible is key for convenience.
With seating arranged, landscape lit and the wood box filled, you now have an enticing backyard oasis perfect for relaxing fireside for years to come!
Fire Pit Do’s and Don’ts
Once your fire pit project is complete, be sure to follow these do’s and don’ts for safe operation:
Do:
- Have water/hose and fire extinguisher handy in case of emergencies
- Only burn dry, seasoned firewood
- Allow wood to burn down completely before leaving fire unattended
- Dispose of cooled ashes properly away from anything combustible
- Supervise children and pets around the open fire
- Put spark screen in place over the fire
- Check wind conditions first and avoid use in high winds
Don’t:
- Leave a fire unattended or let it grow out of control
- Burn trash, leaves or anything toxic
- Position chairs/benches too close to the flames
- Wear flammable or flowing clothing around the fire
Following these guidelines will ensure your fire pit remains a safe, enjoyable part of your outdoor living space for family and guests!
Conclusion
We’ve now covered the full process for designing and building your own backyard fire pit, from choosing the perfect spot to constructing the pit safely and in style. With the tips outlined here, you can create a gorgeous, functional fire pit destination tailored exactly to your space, needs and budget. Getting friends and family around a cozy, crackling outdoor fire is an experience like no other. Our guide makes it easy to start enjoying evenings of warmth and connection in your own backyard oasis. So get ready for many seasons of memories ahead toasted by the glow of your fire pit!