30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (2024)

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Kristin Hohenadel

30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (1)

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Published on 03/20/23

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30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (2)

Equipping your backyard patio with a fire pit will make your outdoor space cozier for nights at home with the family, and up your entertaining game. Both patios and fire pits come in a range of sizes to meet your needs and accommodate your outdoor space. You can install a fire pit as the central feature of a small patio that is purpose-built as a conversation area, or carve out a zone of a larger patio to create a dedicated zone for toasting marshmallows and bonding by the light of a crackling fire.

Check out these backyard patios with fire pits in a range of styles, settings, and price points to inspire you to install a modern campfire of your own.

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    Patio With Cozy Fire Pit

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    A tree sheltering the fire pit seating area in this Newport Beach, CA outdoor patio from Mindy Gayer Design Co. makes the space feel cozier. Low metal outdoor industrial style stools add extra seating.

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    Backyard Patio With Smoke-Free Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (4)

    Most Lovely Things added a smoke-free fire pit to the backyard that makes it easy to enjoy a bonfire-style moment day or night without smelling like a campfire or worrying about smoke blowing in your eyes.

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    Outdoor Living Room With Fire Pit

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    Modern Glam set up a backyard fire pit conversation area like a comfy outdoor family room, with a mix of rattan and slip-covered seating around a large rectangular central fire pit.

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    Fire Pit With Landscaping

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    Michelle Boudreau Design added sculptural seating and a cacti border to this Palm Springs patio fire pit oasis.

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    Outdoor Kitchen With Fire Pit

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    This stylish outdoor kitchen from Seed Studio Landscape Design includes a sleek white sofa and long, linear fire pit that creates a stylish spot for outdoor entertaining.

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    Backyard Patio Conversation Area Fire Pit

    Kate Marker Interiors used a fire pit to anchor a pair of backyard sofas that are just outside the French doors leading inside, and added side tables with outdoor lanterns to balance the light in the large open space after dark.

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    Rustic Chic Patio With Fire Pit

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    This modern chalet-style home from WRJ Design features a sophisticated outdoor living room on the back patio that is anchored by a massive sleek rectangular black fire pit that adds contrast with the wood decking and is complemented by high-end upholstered outdoor seating.

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    Multi-Level Patio With Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (10)

    This multi-level San Francisco patio from Seed Studio Landscape Design is built for entertaining, with an outdoor bar and lounge area that includes a fire pit and large sectional to seat a crowd.

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    Gravel Patio With Fire Pit

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    This light and airy lounge space and fire pit area is set on a large patch of gravel that floats like an island in the spacious green yard. Black-and-white furniture and accessories like the black metal firewood holder keep it looking modern.

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    Circular Patio Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (12)

    Michelle Boudreau Design carved out a special spot for this Palm Spring fire pit conversation area with its spherical fire pit, round wire bucket chairs, and circular cement slab base.

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    Fire Pit With Inlaid Tile Rug

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    This spacious outdoor living room from Leclair Decor has comfortable wrap-around seating around a central rectangular fire pit that is positioned on top of an inlaid tile rug in a pale shade of gray to give it the feel of an indoor room.

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    Rustic Patio With Boulder Fire Pit

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    WRJ Design used large boulders to define this rustic outdoor fire pit area, lending it a casual and organic feel.

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    Open Patio With Stone Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (15)

    A stone fire pit and conversation area surrounded by natural wood Adirondack chairs create an intimate spot on an open backyard patio that blends right in with the natural surroundings and sweeping landscape views outside this home from JLF Architects.

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    Poolside Patio With Fire Pit

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    Mindy Gayer Design Co. created a fire pit conversation area in this spacious and multi-zoned poolside patio in Newport Beach, CA.

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    Patio Deck With Fire Pit

    This outdoor fire pit area from Crisp Architects looks polished enough to fit indoors, while the clean lines and dark neutral colors of the fire pit and deck chairs allows the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape to take center stage while the sun is out.

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    Extended Patio With Fire Pit

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    Interior designer Maite Granda added a moat-like walkway across the green grass leading to a round stone patio equipped with a matching round stone fire pit that is the centerpiece in this Florida backyard.

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    Covered Patio With Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (19)

    A Beautiful Mess added a round matte black fire pit to the semi-covered backyard patio that is decorated with plants, curtains, and twinkly lights on the ceiling.

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    Indoor Outdoor Patio Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (20)

    Kern & Co. added a fire pit conversation area on the patio outside the living room that is fully visible from the inside thanks to a wall of bifold doors that create a truly indoor outdoor feel.

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    Small Back Patio With Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (21)

    Michelle Boudreau Design added a pair of white woven egg-shaped chairs and a spherical fire pit to this sliver of backyard patio to create an intimate hang out space.

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    Dedicated Fire Pit Patio

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (22)

    A contemporary rectangular white fire pit is set on a dedicated patio on the green lawn of this Newport Coast backyard from Mindy Gayer Design Co.

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    Stone Paver Patio With Fire Pit

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    This front yard fire pit from Brophy Interiors is located on a small stone paver patio equipped with armchairs a few steps from the small front porch.

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    Covered Patio With Fire Pit

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    This Austin, TX bungalow from Martha O’Hara Interiors includes a backyard patio with a flat screen TV and comfortable outdoor armchairs around a small fire pit.

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    Built-In Patio Banquette With Fire Pit

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    This coastal back patio from Christina Kim Interior Design has a row of sailor striped chaise longues for daytime sunbathing and a curved built-in stone banquette equipped with a round fire pit for whiling away the evenings.

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    Sunken Circular Patio With Fire Pit

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    A sunken fire pit is the centerpiece of this rustic chic backyard patio from Kibler & Kirch.

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    All-White Patio With Square Fire Pit

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    This Newport Beach, CA outdoor living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. has white wicker-style furniture and is anchored by a matching large square white fire pit.

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    Desert Patio Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (28)

    This open air patio from Living With Lolo includes a large fire pit that matches the sandy stucco and desert surroundings of the picturesque outdoor setting.

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    Sunken Patio Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (29)

    Michelle Boudreau Design added a sunken U-shaped conversation pit that is anchored by a large rectangular fire pit to create a destination in this Palm Springs backyard.

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    Painted Patio With Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (30)

    Most Lovely Things added a simple DIY fire pit to this painted backyard patio, adding black chairs that match the black, white, and gray palette.

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    Indoor Outdoor Patio With Fire Pit

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    Brophy Interiors included zones for dining and a conversation area around a fire pit on this large Southern California patio that allows for seamless indoor outdoor living both day and night.

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    Private Patio With Fire Pit

    30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (32)

    This backyard patio fire pit from Living With Lolo mixes pale finishes and black-and-gray seating to create a relaxing, neutral-toned space that seats a crowd.

Can you put a fire pit on a patio?

An open air patio is an ideal place for a fire pit, but never install a wood-burning fire pit on a covered patio as a fire safety precaution. If you are installing or building a DIY fire pit, remember that the fire pit base must be fireproof. According to Angi, you’ll need to include a protective surface such as a fire pit mat or fire-rated bricks when building a fire pit on top of a patio instead of a lawn.

What is a good size for a patio with a fire pit?

The size of your backyard patio and fire pit should be determined by how much space you have and what you want from your outdoor space. Whether you choose to install a dedicated patio for a fire pit conversation area or plan to carve out a section of your outdoor patio for a fire pit, just be sure to leave at least 6 or 7 feet around the fire pit to allow for seating, and place the fire pit at least 10 to 15 feet away from the house as a fire safety precaution. If you are building a new fire pit, also be sure to check on local permitting requirements as well as seek permission from your homeowners’ association if applicable, which may include required clearances around a fire pit.

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30 Ideas for Patios With Fire Pits For a Cozy Backyard (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a fire pit cozy? ›

Start by adding comfortable seating to your fire pit area. You can opt for traditional outdoor chairs or get creative with pallets or logs. Make sure to add some cozy throw pillows and blankets to snuggle up in on chilly nights.

What do you put under a fire pit on a patio? ›

To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

How do you landscape around a fire pit? ›

Create a lush, vibrants space with plants and materials such as palms, ferns, and bamboo. These plants provide verdant atmosphere and can also provide privacy around the fire pit area.

How big should a patio be around a fire pit? ›

In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.

How to style an outdoor fire pit? ›

Use Your Furniture

The furniture that surrounds your fire pit offers more opportunities to really hone in on a rustic look. Look for simple and classic seating, like Adirondack chairs or wooden swings to add a more rustic and Americana touch to your outdoor space.

How do you make a decorative fire pit? ›

  1. Plan Location and Layout. A fire pit should be built at least 15 feet from any structure and close to a water source. ...
  2. Determine the Size. The size of your fire pit will be determined by your metal fire ring. ...
  3. Dig a Hole. ...
  4. Line Hole With Sand. ...
  5. Add Base Row. ...
  6. Place Metal Ring. ...
  7. Insert Bricks Into Fire Pit Floor. ...
  8. Add Pea Gravel.

What is a good bottom for a fire pit? ›

In conclusion, choosing the material to place at the bottom of a fire pit requires considering ventilation, heat resistance, and protective properties. Materials such as sand, fire bricks, or slabs are excellent choices that can improve burning efficiency, extend lifespan, and ensure safety.

How to arrange patio furniture with fire pit? ›

Consider using a rounded sofa, tree stumps, or backless picnic benches to create a circular seating arrangement. You can also add a hammock or swivel patio chairs to provide extra seating options and enhance the comfort and coziness of your fire pit seating area.

Do you put landscape fabric under fire pit? ›

Cover the entire fire pit seating area with weed block fabric, using sod staples where necessary to hold it into place. You won't need to put weed block fabric under the fire pit directly.

What is the best material for a fire pit patio? ›

Natural stone is most commonly used for permanent fire pit installations. This material features a naturally textured finish and is also highly durable throughout almost any weather conditions. You'll typically find both wood-burning and gas stone fire pits.

What is the best landscape rock for a fire pit? ›

Crushed limestone is a popular choice for gravel fire pit areas due to its excellent drainage properties. This type of gravel compacts well, providing a solid base for seating and heavy items. It is often used as the primary material for the fire pit patio itself, creating a sturdy and functional surface.

What is the best base for a fire pit area? ›

We typically use ¾” clean crushed limestone for the gravel fire pit patios we build. We recommend crushed limestone around fire pits because of its excellent drainage. Plus, it compacts well, giving a solid base for seating and other heavy items.

How far away should a fire pit be from a house? ›

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

Where should a fire pit be placed on a patio? ›

Choose a level spot, especially with portable fire pits or fire bowls. Ideally, a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structures — 20 feet is even better. This includes your house, shed, fence and neighboring yards. Check the area around and above your fire pit.

What is a good size for a backyard patio? ›

We recommend a minimum of 25 square feet per person. So, if you plan to host 15 people- plan for a space around 375 sq. ft. We recommend a patio around 550 square feet for comfortable entertaining.

What are the best seats for around a fire pit? ›

An angled chair like an Adirondack chair works well because it can withstand outdoor elements and will last for years to come. If you want a more budget-friendly patio chair, camping chairs also sit low to the ground and make a great seating option for your fire pit.

Should I put anything in the bottom of my fire pit? ›

An inch of sand at the bottom of a metal fire pit can help to protect the bowl from the intense heat of the fire. Whether your fire pit is portable or permanent, having sand at the bottom is a handy precaution. If you ever need to smother the fire in a hurry, you can grab a nearby shovel to use the sand.

What do you put inside a fire pit? ›

Pea gravel is great to add to a fire pit area because you don't have to be precise, it's comfortable to walk on, and it doesn't cost much per bag. Cover the entire weed block fabric with the pea gravel. Be sure that there is enough to cover the fabric without it showing through.

How do you arrange furniture around a fire pit? ›

If you have a bigger space, utilize it by adding two small sofas and a couple of chairs. For a smaller space, add a circle of chairs around the fire pit or two small cozy couches on each end of the fire pit. This fire pit seating idea is great for those who are looking for inexpensive options and easy decoration.

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