Fire Pit Design Tips & Trends

Fire pits continue to rise in popularity, and it’s no wonder why. There’s just something about gathering around a fire that’s relaxing and fun. With the ambiance of a campfire, the fire pit area instantly becomes a family retreat that’s everyone’s favorite gathering spot. A backyard fire pit is the ideal place to relax, unwind, tell stories and get to know one another on a deeper level. If you’re thinking of adding a fire pit to your backyard, there are a lot of options to consider before you begin. Keep reading to get fire pit ideas, find design tips and get insights on the latest trends.

Decision 1: Mobile or Built-In

Many people opt for a mobile fire pit that can be moved around to various locations. Movable fire pits are certainly less expensive than a built-in pit, come in a wide variety of designs, and have the added benefit of portability. The primary drawback, however, is that a movable fire pit isn’t as long-lasting and tends to only be useable for a season or two before the materials begin to deteriorate. While built-in fire pits are not moveable, they are much more permanent and created to last, which allows you to create seating, landscaping and other fixtures around the fire pit area.

Decision 2: In-Ground or Above-Ground

An in-ground fire pit can be cost-effective; however, above-ground pits are more common. One trend is to create a “sunken living room” design for an above-ground fire pit. This patio design offers the added benefit of built-in seating. In addition, the surrounding wall can act either as a wind barrier or as a heat reflector, which creates a warm and cozy room that has increased outdoor ambiance.

Decision 3: Gas, Wood or Hybrid

There are many benefits to gas fire pits such as them being easy to start, no mess, smokeless, and they can be placed closer to the house. Belgard offers both square and round fire pit kits with rustic, textured looks or more contemporary alternatives featuring tumbled stone or smooth-faced blocks. In addition, our Elements™ line offers gas fire pit burner kits as well as other fire features such as Artisan Cast Stone Bowls in both round and square designs.

Artforms™ is Belgard’s revolutionary system that utilizes large-format modular panels to create infinite design possibilities with ease. With this contemporary system, you can create a range of fire pits — both rectangular and square with Elements inserts.

For purists, burning wood is one of the primal reasons to have a fire pit. For the best of both worlds, consider a wood-burning fire pit with a gas starter like the Weston Stone Fire Pit Kit, which can be installed as either wood-burning or retrofitted for gas burning. Using a gas starter offers the convenience of easier lighting and quicker start time. One popular trend is to install a gas starter with a switch that can be operated either locally, from inside the house, or with a mobile app.

Decision 4: Placement

An above-ground fire pit becomes a backyard focal point for your outdoor living design. Be sure to place it where it balances with other large design elements. A gas fire pit can be placed just about anywhere, but a wood-burning pit will need to be at least 10 feet away from any structure. Before putting in a permanent fire pit, check for wind patterns that may cause potential smoke issues. Also, remember to leave ample room for seating around the pit.

Decision 5: Materials and Shape

Above-ground fire pits can be constructed from a variety of materials. The most popular options are brick, natural stone and concrete blocks, such as Belgard’s landscape wall blocks. Although design options are endless, most fire pits are either round, rectangular or square. One reason has to do with the shape of standard fire pit liners. Fire pit liners and inserts are highly recommended and may be required by your local municipality. In addition to adding a finished look, a steel liner keeps excessive amounts of heat from absorbing into the surrounding stone. By reflecting the heat up and out, it adds to the life of the stone and creates a safer environment, while also increasing the warmth for those around the fire.

Decision 6: Seating Options

Belgard’s retaining and landscape walls are ideal for creating built-in seating, which is currently one of the top trends in outdoor living and makes an excellent addition to a fire pit design. Some people like to place seat walls four feet away from the fire pit so there is walking room. Others prefer a three-foot distance, which can allow you to prop your feet on the ledge of the pit. If using seat walls, consider leaving one or two sides open so you have the option of furniture placement, which softens the look and adds interest to the design. To add comfort and color to seat walls, use a variety of throws and outdoor pillows.

For a more contemporary design, Artforms™ with its large-format modular panels, allows for a variety of seating options. Additionally, to enhance your space, you can create more elements with Artforms such as decorative planters, counters and more. Click here to link out to the Artforms™ page to view project ideas.

To get more inspirational ideas on fire pits and outdoor fire features like fireplaces, visit our “Fire Pit Ideas” Pinterest board. To discuss your ideas with a Belgard authorized contractor or dealer near you, visit our contractor and dealer locator page.

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fire pit design retaining walls seat walls

Jeff English

A veteran freelance writer, Jeff has written blogs, newsletter articles and case studies for a number of outdoor living clients such as KYSEK Coolers, Belgard and MoistureShield Composite Decking. Coming from a South Louisiana family where men cook (a lot), Jeff can often be found in his outdoor kitchen boiling shrimp or crawfish, or manning the grill where sumptuous meats and delicious vegetables feed his hungry family and friends. There’s usually a game on, too.