April 16, 2025

Design a Fire Pit: Your Guide to Crafting the Ultimate Garden Glow-Up

Want to design a fire pit that wows the neighbours and roasts marshmallows like a pro?
Short answer: yes, you absolutely should! From cosy stone circles to sleek fire tables, a well-planned fire pit adds warmth, charm, and serious garden envy.
Keep reading for pro tips, style inspo, and safety smarts.

Planning Your Fire Pit Design

Designing a fire pit isn’t just about digging a hole and chucking in logs. It’s about creating a garden feature that’s safe, stylish, and actually gets used. Let’s start with the groundwork—literally.

Choosing the Right Location

Safety considerations (clearance, wind direction)

First things first: check your clearance. Fire pits need breathing room—at least three metres from your home, sheds, or fences. If you’ve got trees overhead, be wary of low-hanging branches.

Wind direction matters too. Nobody wants a smoke sandwich at a family BBQ. Take a look at your garden’s usual breeze pattern and pick a sheltered spot.

Aesthetic considerations (view, accessibility)

Think about where you’ll sit and admire it. Somewhere close enough to the house to carry drinks, but far enough that you won’t singe the patio umbrella. Bonus points if you can place it with a view—maybe near your flowerbeds or water feature?

Fire pits become focal points, so accessibility and ambiance are just as important as safety.

Determining Size and Shape

Considering the number of people and available space

Big party host or quiet-weekend type? A smaller fire pit (about 90–120 cm wide) is perfect for 4–6 people. Bigger space and larger gatherings? Scale it up—but don’t overcrowd your garden.

Think about how guests will move around it. Leave enough room for chairs, snacks, and dramatic marshmallow rescues.

Round, square, rectangular, or custom shapes

Round pits are classic and great for conversation. Square or rectangular styles bring a clean, modern edge—especially nice if your garden has geometric lines. Want something really bold? Go custom. Fire tables are increasingly popular and add a touch of luxe.

Selecting Materials

Stone, brick, concrete, metal, or a combination

Stone gives rustic, countryside vibes. Brick offers that timeless pub-garden charm. Concrete is minimalist and modern. Fancy something sleeker? Metal fire pits, especially stainless steel or copper, are stylish and easy to clean.

You can even mix materials—say, stone with a metal insert—for the best of both worlds.

Heat-resistant and durable materials

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s tough. You want heat-resistance and weatherproofing. Fire-rated bricks, concrete blocks, or cast iron are all good bets. Skip anything that cracks under heat or fades with sun.

Fire Pit Types and Features

There’s more than one way to get cosy flames in your garden. Here’s a look at your options.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Traditional designs

Wood-burning pits are the OG choice. Think stone circles, rustic vibes, and that familiar smoky smell. They’re perfect for long evenings with a drink in hand and logs cracking in the background.

Considerations for smoke and ash

Downside? Smoke in your eyes and ash to clear the next day. Make sure to position it where smoke won’t billow indoors—and keep a shovel handy. Some newer models reduce smoke through clever airflow, so it’s worth shopping around.

Gas Fire Pits

Built-in or portable options

Gas fire pits are the go-to for convenience lovers. Built-in versions are sleek and permanent. Portable ones? Fab for renters or anyone who likes to rearrange their garden like it’s a living room.

Convenience and clean burning

There’s no smoke, no ash—just instant heat and easy shut-off. Plus, you can style them up with decorative fire glass for a modern touch. They're brilliant for city gardens or where wood-burning isn’t allowed.

Propane Fire Pits

Portable and easy to use

Similar to gas, but these come with their own fuel source. Propane fire pits are plug-and-play, perfect for occasional use or smaller spaces.

Fuel efficiency and control

They’re surprisingly efficient, and you can adjust the flame to suit the mood. Think of them as the smart, flexible cousin in the fire pit family.

Step-by-Step Construction or Installation

Going DIY? You’ll need a solid plan. Here’s how to bring your fire pit dreams to life.

Preparing the Site

Levelling the ground

Pick a flat area and mark out your shape using string or spray paint. Dig down 15–20 cm to clear grass and create a level surface.

Creating a base (gravel, concrete)

Lay a crushed stone base or pour a concrete pad. This adds drainage and stability. A good foundation stops your fire pit from shifting or sinking over time.

Building the Fire Pit

Laying stones or bricks

Start stacking your chosen materials. Use a spirit level after every layer—wobbly walls are a no-go. Overlap joints like bricks in a house for strength.

Using mortar or adhesive

Want a long-term solution? Use heat-resistant mortar between your bricks or stones. It’ll hold everything in place and keep things looking tidy.

Installing Gas or Propane Lines

Professional installation for safety

If you're going with gas or propane, don’t wing it. Call in a qualified pro to handle the lines. It’s not just safer—it’s usually required by law.

Local regulations and permits

Check with your local council. You might need permits or inspections, especially for gas setups. Better safe than sorry.

Enhancing Your Fire Pit Area

The fire pit’s the star, but the supporting cast matters too. A few extra touches can transform your setup from “nice” to “next level”.

Seating and Surrounding Features

Built-in benches, retaining walls, or patio furniture

Built-in stone benches look polished and permanent. Want flexibility? Go for comfy outdoor furniture in weatherproof materials like teak or rattan. A few throws and cushions make it inviting year-round.

Adding plants and lighting

Surround your fire pit with low-maintenance plants like ornamental grasses or succulents. Add warm lighting—solar path lights, hanging bulbs, or lanterns—to keep the party going after dark.

Safety Accessories

Fire screens, covers, and tools

Mesh spark screens help keep embers contained. Covers protect your pit from the weather. Don’t forget tools: a poker, tongs, and ash shovel are all essentials. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby—just in case.

Conclusion

Designing your own fire pit is a brilliant way to level up your garden. It’s not just a source of heat—it’s a hub for laughter, chats, and late-night stories.

Whether you choose a classic wood burner or a sleek fire table, the key is in the planning. Prioritise safety, choose durable materials, and make it your own.

In no time, you’ll have a fire pit that’s not just a backyard feature, but the heart of your outdoor life.