Design Ideas For Outdoor Firepits
When creating an outdoor fire pit, it’s important to keep flow and function in mind.
A Southwestern motif helps this space feel like a cozy backyard escape. Decorative planters, Aztec-printed rugs and corten steel accents unite hardscape materials and create a pleasing variety in color tones.
Cinder Block Designs
Cinder block fire pits are a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their backyard. They’re easy to build and can be made either temporary or permanent. However, you should always be careful when building a cinder block fire pit since they can easily become a fire hazard. You should also consult your local fire department on what requirements you might need to meet for constructing a fire pit in your area.
First, you’ll need to clear the area of your yard where you want to construct your cinder block fire pit. You should make sure the spot is at least 10 feet away from other buildings, fences, sheds, and trees to ensure that you don’t accidentally cause a fire. You’ll also need to inspect the ground above your cinder block fire pit location to ensure that there aren’t any tree branches that could fall over and cause a fire hazard.
Once you have the land cleared, dig out a hole in the center of the cinder block design to form your base. After that, you’ll start stacking the blocks to form a circle shape or whatever type of design you prefer for your fire pit. You can use masonry adhesive to secure the cinder block pieces together, but it’s better to leave them unpainted for a more authentic look.
Pea Gravel Patios
A simple pea gravel patio makes an ideal base for an outdoor firepit. This DIY backyard design idea requires only pea gravel and a little landscaping skill. The gravel serves as the main surface for this patio area and is surrounded by lush greenery. The natural texture of the pea gravel contrasts nicely with the greenery and the modern folding chairs. A firepit with a gas-powered burner is a perfect addition to this garden space.
A gravel patio can also make an ideal surface for a pergola-style fire pit. In this cozy backyard patio idea, the pea gravel acts as the foundation for the firepit and a simple wrought-iron table and chairs. The color of the gravel matches that of the pergola and ties the backyard decor together. The gravel’s earthy hue also makes a nice backdrop for the wood and concrete materials of the seating area.
For a more unique look, use pea gravel in combination with pavers. The small size of the gravel complements the larger sizes of the pavers, creating a checkered pattern that adds interest to the patio flooring. This design works well for backyards where a fire pit is used frequently.
If you want a more sophisticated look for your pea gravel patio, try using pavers with a herringbone pattern. This design looks great with contemporary furniture and can be used as a transition to lawn or gardens.
Gas Fireplaces
Infuse an outdoor space with cozy charm and Insta-worthy lighting by crafting a built-in fire pit. The centerpiece of any backyard retreat, this unique feature elevates gatherings with a mesmerizing dance of light and shadows. In the hands of a skilled designer, this element becomes the heartbeat that connects and captivates guests.
Wood-fueled firepits offer a classic campfire feel with crackling sounds and sparks flying up into the air, but the labor involved in collecting and stacking logs turns some homeowners off. A gas-powered design offers the same look, but eliminates the need for piling wood and requires no sweeping up of ash.
For a contemporary touch, add an ornate fireplace door to your outdoor firepit. This enchanting detail serves as both a conversation piece and a functional addition that protects against snags, so guests can chat around the warm flames safely.
Reimagine your outdoor fireplace with a sunken seating layout. Rather than circling guests around a small area, this unique design invites you to descend into an intimate world of warmth and artistry, where conversations become more engaging and memories last longer.
Even if you’re short on space, you can still enjoy the warm glow of an outdoor firepit with this simple patio setup. By pairing a stone fire pit with matching cushions on lounge chairs, this cozy nook gives the impression of an expansive backyard oasis.
U-Shaped Patios
Fire pits may have a rustic reputation, but their versatility makes them well-suited for a variety of landscapes. For example, a backyard retreat can include a carved out intimate seating zone around a stone fire pit that is placed near a dining area for social synergy. The result is a relaxed backyard space that feels like a natural extension of the house. Boxwoods and mondo grass keep the planting palette anchored to true-to-deep greens, while safety fencing and grade changes separate the fire pit from a pool area.
A U-shaped patio is another great way to create a cozy and intimate setting around an outdoor firepit. The concrete seating in this design echoes the shape of the firepit to create an overall cohesive feel. Concrete also offers a cool, neutral palette that complements the warm wood of the furniture and the crisp greens in the surrounding landscaping. To make the most of the patio’s secluded locale, this design uses a series of steps and paths to navigate the scene — from wide steps down to the paving, a gravel path lined with grass-set pavers, and finally a small terraced garden.
