Looking for outdoor fire pit ideas? We know what you’re thinking: Aren’t fire pits for fancy people with finished patios and intentional landscaping? Aren’t they insanely expensive? Yes, and no.
The best fire pits are made with cast iron, stone, concrete, or a similar material, but there are no limits to what you can dream up for your very own outdoor fire pit. Greenwich, Connecticut-based, landscape architect Janice Parker is seeing gas-fueled, sculptural fire bowls replacing the campfires and round stone pits traditionally seen to burn firewood. “The fire bowls become a functional piece of art,” she says. “They are a beautiful all-in-one addition to the landscape that work perfectly in smaller settings.”
To help you further investigate this welcome backyard addition, we’ve rounded up 29 of our favorite fire pits so you can start dreaming about how you’ll upgrade your outdoor space. You’ll find a wide range of styles: Some are proper steel basins, others are fire baskets, a few are fire rings, and others are more like fire pits for cooking. Some are modern fire pits, while others are rustic and charming. There’s even a few DIY fire pit ideas on this list. There’s a fire pit for every taste on this list.
Scroll through to find the one that’s right for you—and whatever you choose, do your research to make sure you set up a safe situation: You’ll want to set the fire pit on a nonflammable, non-grass surface, such as a wide stoop or brick patio, and potentially add a heat-resistant mat under it.
What is the best outdoor fire pit to buy?
It depends. If you’re looking for a more direct-to-consumer model, Solo Stove makes a great option that can be moved around your backyard with ease. The company also recently released an easy to put together Surround Tabletop, which enhances the outdoor experience by creating a rim that not only gives you a safer distance to the fire (a big perk for kids and pets), but works as the perfect ledge for hot cocoa and small plates.
“There are a variety of styles available today, from the traditional round fire pit to modern, linear designs and geometric shapes,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design, Oldcastle APG. “There also are wood burning and gas options to suit any preference and style.”
For a more modern take, look to a Rejuvenation fire bowls, like those made out glass fiber-reinforced concrete, and technology to adjust the flame. Wayfair also carries plenty of wood burning fire pits made out of steel, many with intricate designs. You can also talk to landscaping experts about installing a more permanent feature.
You can also find DIY fire pit kits at most home improvement stores that include pavers and all the needed supplies. Depending on the style and materials, you can usually find these for under $1,000, adds Raboine.
What is the best material for an outdoor fire pit area?
“The choice depends on the aesthetic you’re looking for,” says Sandy Schoettle, cofounder of Sea Island Forge. “A noncombustible hardscape like bricks, flagstone, or slate pavers, or a material like gravel or shells all work and you can them from your local landscape store.” The main thing is to look for a material that will ensure a fire won’t spread throughout your backyard. “Pavers are the best option to create a resilient fire pit,” Raboine adds. “Pavers are much more durable than brick, as clay tends to crack under high temperatures.”
