What do you put around an outdoor fire pit?

Having an outdoor fire pit can be a great way to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire in your backyard or patio area. But before lighting that first fire, it’s important to take some safety precautions and properly set up and decorate the space around your fire pit.

What are some safety considerations for an outdoor fire pit?

There are a few key safety factors to consider when using an outdoor fire pit:

• Location – The fire pit should be placed on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface at least 10 feet away from any buildings, trees or brush. Avoid placing it under low-hanging tree branches.
• Surrounding area – Clear away any dried leaves, sticks, pine needles or other flammable debris within a 5 foot radius around the fire pit. This helps prevent accidental spreading of the fire.
• Fire pit construction – Make sure the fire pit is sturdy and constructed from non-flammable materials like stone, brick or metal. There should be proper ventilation and airflow so smoke dissipates.
• Extinguishing – Have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or hose nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Always fully extinguish the fire before leaving it unattended.
• Supervision – Never leave a fire pit burning unattended, even for a short time. Fires can grow quickly and send sparks flying in windy conditions.
• Local regulations – Check your local city or county ordinances to ensure outdoor recreational fires are permitted. Some areas have burn bans during dry, windy weather.

Following basic safety precautions will help ensure your outdoor fire pit provides cozy warmth without putting your property at risk.

What types of materials can you use around a fire pit?

There are many decorative and functional options for materials to place around your outdoor fire pit area:

• Paver bricks or stones – One of the most popular choices is layers of pavers, bricks or stones around the fire pit. This adds visual interest and also helps contain sparks.
• Gravel or crushed stone – For a lower cost but still visually appealing option, use gravel or crushed stone in shades like buff, brown or slate gray. Avoid smooth stones that are more slippery.
• Sand – Soft, natural-toned sand can make for an inexpensive, barefoot-friendly surround for more casual fire pits.
• Concrete – Poured concrete or concrete pavers create a neat, clean look around a fire pit. Add colors or finishes for more design appeal.
• Tile – Ceramic, stone or glass tile in various shapes, colors and textures make for an eye-catching fire pit surround.
• Wood – Use wooden planks, logs or timber to border your fire pit or build an enclosing fire pit bench.
• Metal – Wrought iron, aluminum or steel panels can create modern, custom fire pit borders.

Aim for fire-resistant, non-combustible materials that complement your landscape design and reflect your personal style.

What types of seating can you incorporate around the fire pit?

Comfortable, inviting seating is key to getting the most enjoyment out of your outdoor fire pit. Seating options can include:

• Benches – Long built-in benches made of wood, stone or other materials let multiple people sit around the fire.
• Chairs – Weather-resistant chairs like plastic Adirondack chairs, woven rockers or log seats.
• Outdoor sofas or lounge chairs – For a cozy, living room-like feel.
• Ottomans or stools – Offer casual, flexible extra seating as needed.
• Hammocks – Suspended near the fire pit for relaxing swaying by the flames.
• Swings – Porch swings or hanging chairs help create a fun, inviting vibe.

Groupings of different types and heights of seating with a central fire pit make for great conversation areas. You can also incorporate a small outdoor side table or two for holding drinks and snacks.

What types of ground coverings work well around fire pits?

The right ground cover around your fire pit provides visual appeal while also protecting people’s feet from getting burned on hot surfaces. Ground covering options include:

Ground Cover Material	Considerations
Brick or stone pavers	Provides a stylish finished look but can get hot. Space pavers apart for airflow.
Gravel or pebbles	Softer surface than pavers but not completely foot-friendly. Stays cooler than solid materials.
Sand	Cushions feet well and stays cool but can scatter and needs containment border.
Grass	Soft and foot-friendly but needs frequent watering and trimming to stay well-maintained.
Stepping stones	Lets you walk on cool stones while grass fills in between.
Rubber mats or outdoor carpeting	Very foot-friendly but not as visually appealing.

Consider both safety and aesthetic appeal when selecting ground materials for around your fire pit.

What are some ideas for visually designing the area around the fire pit?

With the right furnishings and decorative accents, your fire pit can become a stylish focal point for your whole yard. Design ideas include:

• Group seating in a half-circle or full circle around the center fire pit.
• Layer rugs and pillows over hard surfaces for softness and color.
• Use lighting such as lanterns, strings of Edison bulbs or Tiki torches around the perimeter.
• Add framework overhead with a pergola, string lights or canopy to create an intimate, enclosed feel.
• Incorporate decorative logs, stones or plants for natural visual interest.
• Use textiles like outdoor curtains, canopy swags or pillow slipcovers for a cozy feel.
• Arrange containers of flowers or succulents around the space for pops of color.
• Include a beverage center or bar cart for serving food and drinks.
• Use fabric shades or privacy screens to create a sense of solitude.

Get creative with your fire pit surroundings to craft your ideal warm, welcoming backyard oasis.

What are some handy accessories to have around the fire pit?

Handy accessories can enhance comfort, convenience and ambiance around your fire pit. Useful items to have nearby include:

• Fire starting tools like matches, lighter, kindling, firewood, logs
• Pokers for stoking and moving logs
• Fire pit spark screen or mesh cover
• Portable water tank or hose for emergencies
• Metal scoop for cleaning out old ashes
• Tongs for handling hot cooking grates or pots
• Cooking grate for placing over the fire
• Campfire roasting sticks and hot dog forks
• Cast iron Dutch oven or pie iron for campfire cooking
• Outdoor grill lighter cubes for quick fire lighting
• Citronella products like candles, torches or lanterns to repel insects
• Throws, blankets and pillows for warmth and comfort
• Portable audio system and weather-resistant speakers

Having the right gear on hand makes it easier to start fires, cook over the flames, and relax in comfort and style.

How can lighting enhance the area around a fire pit?

Both ambient and task lighting are important design elements around outdoor fire pits. Lighting ideas include:

• String lights or lanterns hanging above provide ambient glow.
• Pathway lighting on steps and walkways helps prevent tripping.
• Candles (real or LED) add flicker and warmth.
• Spotlights on architectural features or foliage create dramatic accents.
• Tabletop lighting lets people read or play games by the fire pit.
• Under-seat lighting casts soft glow for finding seats after dark.
• Solar-powered stake lights outline the fire pit area at night.
• LED strip lighting along benches, steps, planter edges adds sparkle.
• Tiki torches (real flame or electric) give festive, island-escape feel.
• Smart light bulbs to control color and adjust brightness as needed.

Fire pits already supply warm lighting on their own, but supplemental lighting takes the ambiance to the next level for nighttime use.

What types of plants and landscaping complement a fire pit space?

Plants can make perfect natural companions to outdoor fire pits. Some ideal options include:

• Succulents – Withstand heat well and add visual interest.
• Ornamental grasses – Sway gently around the fire and come in various heights.
• Vines – Grow up pergolas or walls to create living screens around the space.
• Citronella plants – Help repel mosquitoes and other insects.
• Lavender – Adds aroma and purple blossoms.
• Rosemary, thyme, sage – Inviting scents plus cooking/seasoning uses.
• Geraniums – Bright blooms and scented foliage.
• Verbena – Heat-loving, colorful trailing plants.
• Flowering shrubs like azaleas – Pretty pops of color.
• Small ornamental trees – Add visual framework and interesting shapes.

Plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions tend to flourish around the radiant heat from a fire pit. Herbs and flowering plants also boost the ambiance through scent and color.

What types of materials should you avoid around outdoor fire pits?

While setting up your outdoor fire pit area, steer clear of these potentially hazardous materials:

• Untreated or highly flammable wood – Includes scrap lumber, logs with bark, dried foliage.
• Fabrics like burlap, nylon or polyester – Can burn quickly near flames and embers.
• Plastic furnishings like resin wicker or PVC – Can melt from the heat.
• Dry leaves, twigs, pine needles – Provide excess tinder to spread fire.
• Loose pebbles or small gravel – Can flick into people’s eyes from popping wood.
• Highly flammable plants like eucalyptus – Catch fire easily.
• Dry, brittle or overgrown bushes – Can ignite if embers spread.
• Dead leaves or vegetation – Remove debris before lighting any fire pits.

Prioritize fire-resistant materials to establish safe, sensible zones around outdoor fire pits.

What are some tips for maintaining the area around a fire pit?

With regular care and upkeep, your fire pit surroundings can stay beautiful over many seasons of use. Maintenance tips include:

• Sweep or rake away ashes and debris after each use.
• Keep gravel raked smooth or pavers neatly aligned.
• Replenish gravel or sand as needed if it scatters or sinks.
• Wash away food spills on surfaces.
• Water and trim plants regularly to control growth.
• Store cushions and fabrics when not in use.
• Repaint or re-stain wooden furniture as needed.
• Clean out old ashes before they build up excessively.
• Make repairs promptly on cracked or damaged materials.
• Reapply sealer annually on natural stone and concrete.

With routine upkeep and quick fixes, your fire pit surroundings can continue looking like new over many years of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Creating a beautifully decorated, relaxing space around your outdoor fire pit requires careful planning and design. Safety should always come first by situating the fire pit safely away from anything flammable and incorporating heat-resistant materials in the surrounding area. Visually, aim for an inviting layout with comfortable seating, smart lighting and stylish accents that reflect your personal taste. The final result can become a cherished spot for evenings spent gathered around the warm glow of the fire pit.