Nothing is more enjoyable than getting everyone to gather around a toasty fire when the weather is chilly and crisp.
An evening spent outside is charming due to the glistening warmth, the sizzling sounds, and the twirling light.
For this reason, installing a patio fire pit has become a popular landscaping option among many homeowners.
However, designing this exterior is not an easy task. You must consider many things, including decorative items. What do you put around a fire pit?
It’s time to delve into this article to get some ideas to embellish this outdoor living space. Let’s read on!
Table of Contents
What Do You Put Around A Fire Pit?
There are several ways to upgrade your fire pit if you want to add extra coziness to your patio space.
Here are some of the most decor ideas to make your exterior more stunning and enjoyable!
Long Benches
In recent times, bench sitting has emerged as a significant dining trend. Now, this well-liked seating option may be utilized outside.
When it’s cold outside, outdoor seats provide lots of space to sit and cozy up. If your fire hole is round-shaped, it’s better to opt for a curved long bench seat.
However, if it’s a square or rectangular fire pit, there is nothing better than straight benches to create balance and symmetry in the living space.
Lounge Chairs
Few things are as relaxing as a night spent by the fire. Therefore your sitting should support comfort as well.
Any outdoor space can accommodate one of the vast varieties of plush outdoor lounge chairs, which are ideal for unwinding.
Your guests will like these cozy fire hole seats regardless of whether their taste is more classic or contemporary.
Sectional Sofas
Combining an outdoor sofa with the fire pit can provide your family and friends with plenty of sitting, comfort, and warmth from all sides.
This fire pit sofa is the ideal seating option for scrumptious nights spent outside.
Add complementary outdoor blankets and cushions to your outdoor sofa to enhance the overall look of the space.
Stones
There are countless designs for your fire pit when utilizing natural stones.
You may use anything to design your granite fire hole, from piled slate to sizable limestone stones.
A fire hole made of stacked stone looks natural and is simple to assemble and pull down as needed to accommodate the changes in the seasons.
Gravels
Your fire pit looks excellent, with gravel as a naturalistic environment.
Because this material won’t display any noticeable ash streaks or charring if the flame is blazing, it’s perfect for placing down surrounding any fire hole.
Don’t, however, add gravel to your fire pit itself. Rock collects moisture that turns into steam and, therefore, can blow up under a fire’s intensity.
Swings
You can modify the seating arrangements by placing a swinging bench next to your fire hole.
A free-standing backyard swing is one option, or you may think about hanging one from a pergola or gazebo.
Outdoor Daybeds
Install some outdoor daybeds on your deck or patio for the ideal s’mores-watching experience.
Deep, cozy cushions provide lots of room for sitting or relaxing by yourself!
If you want more shade or privacy, it’s best to consider a daybed with a covered design.
Garden Walls
A wall helps add seclusion to your outdoor living space, and it also serves a variety of other purposes.
A short wall serves as garden furniture in addition to providing backdrops, protection from the breezes, and protection from the view outside.
Dining Table Set
Dining outside is also ideal when it’s warm enough for a fire pit.
Selecting an exterior dining table set with a fire hole integrated into it will give you the perfect combination.
Nothing compares to the warmth and atmosphere of dining by a fire, and you’ll probably enjoy it every evening.
An appealing dining table set with a fire hole will make an impression whether you are having a family feast or a get-together with guests.
How To Build A Backyard Fire Pit?
Your backyard may become a great spot to chill out if you own a fire pit. If you haven’t had one, you can build it by yourself.
Below are detailed guides for first-time builders. Keep reading!
Preparations:
- Trowel
- Shovel
- Tamp
- Gravel
- Stones or bricks
- Level
- Tape measure
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Measure The Space
The first step is to measure the area where you intend to place your fire hole. Determine the size of the fire hole using a tape measure.
It should be at least 3 feet wide, but ideally, it should be 4 to 5 feet in circumference.
Ensure a minimum three-foot space between objects on all edges for safety purposes.
Step 2: Outline Your Fire Pit
Outline the shape and size of this exterior with a trowel. Round fire pits are common, but you can build hexagon, square, or rectangular ones.
Step 3: Get Rid Of The Grass
Take your bigger shovel and remove the remaining grass within the outline after you’re satisfied with it.
To provide a solid foundation for the fire hole and to maintain the bottom as flat as possible, dig 6 – 8 inches into the soil.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Pack the dirt in your fire pit down using the tamp. You’ll have a flatter, more secure foundation to work from.
You can compress the soil with the shovel back if you are without a tamp. Make it as flat as you can with your level.
If necessary, you may level everything out by adding a little soil where it is uneven and compacting it.
Step 5: Add The Stones Or Bricks
Once your base is solid and level, you can add stones or bricks. Ensure they stack up securely and are level on all edges without sliding over.
Stack bricks or stones along the outer part of your hole, then add more layers to build the borders.
Check to see whether everything is still level from time to time with your level. It would be best to have the fire pit’s walls 18 inches or higher for safety.
Step 6: Add The Gravel
When the walls are complete, fill the bottom with gravel. Create a flat surface by spreading the gravel evenly.
Ideally, the bottom should have six inches or more of gravel. Avoid adding too much rock. Otherwise, you may not have enough space for the fire.
That’s all done. Now you can start lighting a fire in your outdoor space for family gatherings on chilly evenings.
What To Consider Before Designing A Backyard Fire Pit?
Below are tips to make your construction easier. Let’s keep these things in mind!
Select The Right Materials
You may build a fire pit that matches your house and landscape using various excellent materials.
However, despite their beauty, certain materials are not suitable for the high temperatures produced by your fire hole.
You can put people in danger on your property if you don’t fully understand the material’s temperature tolerance.
The interior liner should be made of stainless steel to create a barrier among materials and keep the temperature to avoid problems.
This way, you may enhance the security of the installation and design of your fire hole.
Pay Attention To The Fire Pit’s Height
When designing a fire pit, it’s best to consider its diameter and height. The standard size should be 6 – 12 inches.
This measurement ensures the buffer is safe enough while the hole is not too deep for your family and friends to bend to reach the flame.
Consider Orientation
The location of your fire hole determines the overall look of your property. So, if you build it in the wrong position, you may lose the aesthetics.
Besides, it’s better to pay attention to the wind direction. You must ensure the smoke will not blow on your face and the surrounding people.
Check The Local Codes
Each state has its local codes. Some municipalities allow locating fire features 10-12 feet from your property, while others permit 25-30 feet.
So, consult your landscape professional to ensure your chosen location is legal.
Choose The Suitable Fuel
If you worry about the safety concerns of a wood-burning fire pit, you can think about a gas one.
No wood chopping or clearing out fire-related debris is necessary. You only need a professional plumber to handle the gas line.
The Bottom Line
What do you put around a fire pit? You can decorate it with long benches, lounge chairs, sectional sofas, stones, swings, walls, or a dining table set.
Most importantly, you must know how to build this outdoor area correctly and keep our helpful tips in mind.
Hopefully, you will have a great living space for relaxing with your beloved family. Thanks for reading!