Knowledge Builders

how wide should a fire pit be

by Jerrod Welch Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The optimal size for a fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches inside diameter. That will create enough room for a healthy fire but still keep gatherers close enough to chat. As an added precaution, the fire pit should be lined with a thick steel ring like the ones used for park campfires.

What is the best size fire pit?

The Range Industrial Fire Pit

  • Price: £60
  • Available from: The Range
  • Type: Portable fire pit
  • Size: H30cm X D50cm. 60cm diameter

How deep does a fire pit have to be?

For instance, if you just want a basic fire pit, dig about 6 to 8 inches down and call it good. You can go deeper if you want, but keep in mind that you don’t want the hole so deep you can’t enjoy watching the fire. Some people like to add about 4 to 6 inches of pea gravel or sand to their fire pit, as this helps with overall drainage.

What is the standard size of a fire pit?

Standard Fire Pit Size Experts recommend a fire pit with an inside diameter of 36 to 44 inches to provide sufficient space for the fire while maintaining a close and safe distance between people around the fire. However, homeowners who want a fire pit for entertaining many guests can expand the dimension to a maximum of five feet.

What's a good size fire pit?

Fire Pit Size

  • - Small. Small fire pits range from 22-24-inches. They are more lightweight and portable, so they are the ideal choice for a partly enclosed barbecue, patio, or deck area, or ...
  • - Medium. Medium-sized fire pits range in size from 30-36-inches. ...
  • - Large. Large fire pits are ideal for medium-sized gardens or yards. ...

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What is the best size for a fire pit?

The best size for a firepit is one that allows you to have a strong enough fire while allowing everyone to be close enough for conversation. A good rule of thumb is to have an inside diameter of 30 inches.

How wide should fire pit seating be?

The width of the fire pit wall should be a minimum of eight inches for seating, but 12 to 18 inches is better. If you do use the wall as seating, build the pit wide enough that anyone seated on the wall is 24 to 36 inches from the blaze itself.

How deep should a backyard fire pit be?

The hole should be 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Fill this hole with large gravel. If the soil doesn't drain well or there is heavy precipitation, dig a trench from the center out. If you're adding a drainpipe, dig about 10 feet from the fire pit.

Should I put stone in the bottom of my fire pit?

A big advantage of stones is that you can use them as an additional layer of protection for the ground beneath the fire pit. For example, if you place stones above dirt or sand, this can act as an additional protective layer. Stones can also look very beautiful at the bottom of a fire pit.

How much room do you need around a fire pit?

about 7 feetWhen you are planning your outdoor living space, you will want to carefully plan your fire pit to make sure there is enough room around it for everyone to be comfortable. A good guideline is to have about 7 feet of space around the fire pit. But that number may change depending on the type of seating you have.

How far should a sitting wall be from a firepit?

40 to 48 inches awayIf you plan a seating wall around the patio and fire pit it is suggested to keep the wall 40 to 48 inches away from the fire pit.

Do fire pits need drainage?

Depending on whether you have a portable metal or fixed stone fire pit, you may need to install a drainage system – so it's true to say that permanent fire pits do need drains. This makes them easier to use, clean and maintain.

Are cinder blocks good for fire pits?

Yes! Cinder block is an inexpensive building material great for fire pits. You can quickly build permanent or temporary cinder block fire pits and in any style you prefer.

Does a fire pit need a liner?

If not suited to high temperatures, these stones can crack and splinter. This is why a fire pit design should include a stainless steel interior liner that is installed with the proper amount of air space between the liner and the fire pit material.

Are lava rocks or glass better for fire pits?

Both are good conductors of heat, but fire glass can generally produce and retain warmth more efficiently. However, lava rock prices are typically more budget-friendly.

Why did my fire pit explode?

Concrete blocks, pea gravel, river rocks and other materials that are often used in DIY fire pits can trap water inside. When they are heated up, this can cause an explosion. Here's a demonstration of what can happen when the building materials hold a little too much water and pressure builds up inside.

What should I line the bottom of my fire pit with?

sandWhat do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.

How Tall Should a Fire Pit Be?

For example, if the family wants to use the fire pit coping as a footrest, it would be best to make the fire pit as tall as six to twelve inches.

How wide is a round fire pit?

Gas fire pits will tend to run much smaller than wood burning fire pits. A standard round gas fire pit typically measures about 22″ wide.

How big should a patio be?

Ideally, the patio should be at least six feet larger than the fire pit on all sides, bringing the total to at least 12 feet across.

Why do we need a fire pit?

This landscape feature not only protects the property against accidental fires from live charcoal and embers. A fire pit can also improve the property’s value by enhancing its aesthetic appeal while affording homeowners and their families soft light for some quiet moments in the evening.

Why is a gas fire pit smaller than a wood fire pit?

On the other hand, a gas-fired pit can have a smaller space to work with because there are no embers to worry about.

Why are round fire pits so popular?

Round fire pits are ideal for encouraging active guest engagements because of its open design. Anyone can sit around the pit as long as they are comfortable. This fire pit type also provides better heat distribution regardless of seating location.

How far should a fire pit seat be from the fire pit?

A gas fire pit can be more forgiving, allowing homeowners to position their seats’ leading edge at least two feet from the pit’s outer surface.

How wide is a fire pit?

Width. Smaller, more intimate fire pits are around 3 feet wide; while, larger fire pits suited for entertaining groups can be up to 6 feet wide. These measurements include the thickness of the walls, so realize that the total width of the fire pit is not the same as the width of the burning area.

How tall should an above ground fire pit be?

A good rule of thumb is to make an above-ground fire pit 12-14 inches tall. This is a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height. If you want to be able to sit on the edge of the pit itself go a bit higher, 18-20 inches will be comfortable.

What happens if your fire pit is too small?

If your fire pit is too small, it won't put off enough heat and it will be hard for more than a few people to circle round. If your fire pit is too large, the fire could easily get out of hand and guests will have difficulty conversing because the distance across the pit will require raised voices.

What happens if you put a fire pit on the ground?

If your fire pit is too short, people will be bending and squatting to get closer to the flames.

How wide should a fire pit be?

For a more intimate gathering space, a 3-foot-wide fire pit would work. Or, you go up to 6 feet wide (including the thickness of the walls) to accommodate six or more people.

What Size Fire Pit Do I Need?

Besides thinking about the safety and legal aspects of owning a fire pit, you’ll probably also wonder what size fire pit you need and how deep the pit should be.

What is the best material for a fire pit?

When it comes to picking out the material for your fire pit, you’ll probably be deciding between natural stone or brick. If you want a more rustic look, use natural stone to construct your fire pit. For traditional brick homes, brick fire pits will better match the veneer.

How much does a fire pit cost?

A fire pit can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on the size, materials and type you want installed — whereas a fireplace can be anywhere from $5,500 to $10,000. Fire pits also give you a 360-degree view of the flames and can create a center focal point for you and your guests to gather around.

Why is it important to have a fire pit above ground?

A fire pit above ground will also help give your landscape a focal point and create visual interest. Your landscape needs at least one thing that draws people’s eyes, and a portable fire pit could be it.

What is a fire pit?

At the most basic level, a fire pit is a container where you can make an outdoor fire. The name itself seems pretty self explanatory, but there are actually a few different types of fire pits you can choose from: in-ground, permanent above-ground and portable fire pits. These are less-expensive options if you want to add a fire feature ...

What happens if you make a fire pit too high?

If you make the pit too high, you won’t be able to prop your feet on it comfortably. On the other hand, if it’s too low, you’ll end up bending over just to be close to the flames. The exact height you choose for your fire pit will depend on how you plan to use it.

How tall is a Stahl gas fire pit?

The Stahl Gas Fire Pit sits low at 12” tall, making it an option for hard line gas fuel.

What to put around a rectangular fire pit?

To complement your rectangular, or oversized square, fire pit we recommend a loveseat or sofa with some armchairs on either end to entice everyone to gather ‘round (or you can throw a sectional in to really create a welcoming environment). Conversely, we find that round fire pits look best with single chairs collected around them, reminiscent of a campfire and its more intimate atmospheres.

How many BTUs does a stainless steel fire ring have?

This 18” Stainless Steel Fire Ring by Starfire Designs offers up to 125k BTUs of heat.

How many armchairs are needed for a Charleston gas fire pit?

Four armchairs is perfect for this round Charleston Gas Fire Pit by Agio.

What kind of fuel do you use for a fire pit?

Let’s go through the three most common types of fire pit fuels: hard line gas (natural gas and propane), liquid propane tanks, and wood.

What materials are used in a fire pit?

So many, in fact, that we wrote a whole article about the most popular materials: concrete, copper, steel, and tile.

Can you use hard line gas in a fire pit?

To-Do: If you’re going to use hard line gas, find a local installer who can get you information on what your existing pipe size is, and whether they recommend running a new dedicated line for your fire pit. They can clarify for you what your max BTUs will be based on your fuel line.

How wide is a fire pit?

Width. Smaller fire pits are around 3 feet wide, and larger fire pits can be up to 6 feet wide. It’s important to say that the total width of the fire pit is not the same as the width of the burning area, these measurements also include the thickness of the fire pit walls.

How long does it take to build a fire pit?

If you have no idea how to build a fire pit, how much it is going to cost, and all the details, you can have a professional contractor to plan and install your fire pit in a couple of days.

What materials should I choose for my fire pit?

Fire pits commonly consist of an inner wall, an outer wall, a “cap” (i.e., a flat tabletop-like surface around the opening at the top of the pit), and decorative stones or rocks in the center of the pit. And all these materials must stand high temperatures.

What happens if a fire pit is too small?

The matter of size is something that must be considered. If your fire pit is too small, it won’t put off enough heat, and it will be hard for more than a few people to circle round. But if your fire pit is too large, it would be impossible to be close and also an accident can happen.

Can you make a fire pit so tall?

Don’t make a fire pit so tall that it will hold heat in and make it hard to enjoy the warmth.

How tall should a fire pit be?

Aim for a fire pit height of 12 to 14 inches from the base of the walls to the top of the walls if you want guests to be able to prop their feet on it while seated around it on standard 18-inch-tall, dining-height patio chairs. Increase the pit height to 18 to 20 inches tall if you want to be able to comfortably sit directly on the edge of the pit.

How to keep fire pits safe?

Additional Fire Pit Safety Tips 1 Don’t use fire accelerants such as lighter fluid or gasoline. They release toxic fumes and can cause explosions. Optimally use wood shavings, kindling, or commercial fire starters or sticks. 2 Keep a close eye on children and pets. They can move unexpectedly fast, and if you’re distracted with conversation about the latest episode of your favorite show, you could be faced with a disaster. 3 Be sure your pieces of wood are sized appropriately for the size of your fire pit. Make sure ends are not overhanging the edges of the pit. 4 Don’t throw paper or garbage into the fire. Burning bits can easily flutter off and create remote fire hazards. 5 Stop adding wood to the fire about an hour before you anticipate moving indoors. This will allow the embers to die down and make the final dousing easier. 6 When ashes are cool and dry, scoop them out and dispose of them. This will help make the next fire successful.

What is the best material for a fire pit?

The inner wall must be made of fireproof building materials, optimally fire brick; the outer walls should still be heat-resistant but can be made of traditional brick, stone, masonry blocks (consisting of brick, concrete, granite, etc.), concrete pavers, or even heat-resistant outdoor stucco or tile. Flagstone is an ideal material for the fire pit cap. No part of the fire pit should be made with flammable materials (e.g., plywood shipping pallets) or non-porous materials that hold water, such as pea gravel, river rocks, or compressed concrete blocks; these materials can trap steam and eventually explode.

Can you be fined for a fire pit?

Your local government, homeowners’ association, and house deed may impose restrictions on the size, location, material, and fuel type of home fire pits—or forbid them altogether—due to the potential for fire-related property damages. If your fire pit flouts these rules, you may be fined.

Do you need a steel ring in a fire pit?

DO install a steel ring in the fire pit. When building a fire pit, lining the innermost wall with a steel fire ring ( available on Amazon from brands like Sunnydaze Decor) will prevent the wall material from drying out from regular exposure to the heat of the fire.

Do fire pits require gas lines?

While wood-burning fire pits require no gas lines, they kick up a high volume of smoke, sparks, and embers; call for frequent ash removal; and make large flames difficult to extinguish—all reasons why governmental entities commonly forbid them, particularly in urban areas. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.

How far off the edge of a fire pit should the seatwall be?

I like the seatwall to be 24" off the edge of the pit so people can still put thier feet up and also be able to walk comfortably around the pit without doing the sideways shuffle. Also keep in mind of the layout if it's gas vs wood. Wood your going to want more room from the firepit in case it gets hot for a minute. This is all if your using the seatwall as actual seating

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

most important guideline for a far-pit is to make sure it is no less than 20-feet from any structures (dwelling, decking, shed, etc).

How big should a patio be for a fire pit?

If you leave room for chairs and 2 ½ feet (0.8 meter) of circulation behind the chairs, you need a patio that’s at least about 15 by 15 feet (4.6 by 4.6 meters) to accommodate a fire pit and chairs. Larger fire pit models will require more space. Browse fire pits and bowls on Houzz. June Scott Design.

How far apart should a fire pit be?

Most fire pits, besides the small movable models, are 3 to 6 feet (0.9 meter to 1.8 meters) across. Whether you’re using outdoor furniture or a built-in seating arrangement, you’ll want to keep 2 to 2½ feet (0.6 to 0.8 meter) as a comfortable distance between the edge of the fire pit and the surrounding seats.

How far should a grill be from a building?

At a minimum, a patio with a grill should be roughly 8 feet wide and 10 feet long (2.4 meters wide and 3 meters long), with the grill positioned at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) away from buildings.

How big is a patio for a bistro?

Goal: Create a cozy spot for relaxing solo or with one or two other people. Approximate size: 6 to 10 feet by 8 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3 meters by 2.4 to 3.7 meters) You don’t need much space to support a small table and a couple of chairs.

How wide is a bistro table?

Most bistro tables range in width from 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meter), which will fit most patios. In general, you’ll want to allow at least 2½ feet (0.8 meter) from the edge of a table to the end of a patio to allow space for a chair and circulation.

How big is a round table?

Round tables that seat six require at least 10½ by 10½ feet (3.2 by 3.2 meters), and ideally 12 by 12 feet (3.7 by 3.7 meters) or larger. Rectangular dining tables that seat six can fit comfortably on patios that are 10 by 12½ feet (3 by 3.8 meters). Suk Design Group LLP. Save Photo.

How big is a bluestone patio?

Although the patio is on the large side at 750 square feet (69.7 square meters), it still feels intimate, thanks to the pleasant feeling of enclosure from the lattice fences and soft border plantings.

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