Have you always wanted a firepit but don’t have a big enough backyard to make it happen? Well, perhaps placing it in your front yard is an option. As long as you follow basic safety precautions and research what driveway materials work best with fire pits, you, your family, and friends will be able to enjoy unforgettable warm nights under the stars.
You can put a fire pit in your driveway as long as safety provisions are in place. If you have an asphalt driveway, a fire pit is not recommended. A concrete driveway, on the other hand, is an excellent surface for a fire pit because concrete is noncombustible, meaning it will not catch fire.
You can create a beautiful space in your driveway where you can host gatherings of friends and family, enjoy cozy fires, and even prepare s’mores. If you want to learn more about having a fire pit on your driveway, keep reading as I take you through your options. Many people like to set up a fire pit on their driveway on Halloween an offer friends and neighbors to roast hot dogs or marshmallows and hang out a while.
Do Not Put Your Fire Pit on an Asphalt Driveway
It is imperative that you do not build a fire pit on an asphalt driveway. Asphalt (or tar) is generally the most common material used when laying driveways, so please ensure you do not have a tar driveway if you’re looking to build a fire pit.
Asphalt is made from petroleum and, therefore, has the ability to burn. Tar is a general term applied to various types of asphalt. Asphalt is used on surfaces such as tennis courts, roads, and parking lots.
The installation of a fire pit close to or on an asphalt surface is not recommended for homeowners due to the material’s high combustibility. Oil fires are a risk, and they are typically very challenging to put out. You would most likely need assistance from the fire department if an oil fire did start.
Types of Driveways You Can Put Fire Pits On
Now that we’ve covered what you can’t do, let’s look at what you can do. Fire pits are more suited to certain materials, such as concrete, and brick, so let’s go into what driveway surfaces would work best for fire pits.
Concrete Driveway
Contractors frequently use concrete for driveways, and for good reason. Concrete slabs are incredibly sturdy, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. Concrete is a cost-effective material for paving huge areas and is very strong and durable.
Concrete is more expensive than gravel and asphalt for driveway surfaces, but it is significantly cheaper than brick, cobblestone, or concrete paver driveways—and it often outlasts all of these.
Concrete can be colored to create a distinctive and attractive surface, despite the fact that plain concrete can have a somewhat dreary appearance.
Considerations for Having Fire Pit on a Concrete Driveway
If you want to place your fire pit on your concrete driveway, there are some factors to consider. The good news is, you do not have to worry about the concrete catching fire; it is not flammable like asphalt.
You must first decide if the fire pit will be a permanent fixture. You can use a metal fire pit anywhere if it is elevated off the ground; just be sure to place it far away from the house to prevent fires.
Choosing a prefabricated fire pit with legs will allow you to set it on the concrete without damaging it. Through this quick installation, you can put the fire pit on a concrete surface and use it without worrying about cracking the material.
The installation process should be more carefully thought out if you’re making a fire pit out of stones or pavers because the pit will be stationary once built. Concrete can be damaged by intense heat over time, so keep that in mind.
If you intend to use a fire pit for many years to come, you might need to remove it and restore the concrete if significant damage occurs.
Brick Paved Driveway
Nothing is more tasteful than a brick-paved driveway. Even though concrete pavers are more resilient than clay brick, traditional brick can withstand regular driveway traffic if installed over a sturdy base and routinely maintained. Among all driveway materials, clay brick is unquestionably the most elegant and consistently increases the value of a home.
Brick pavers are a manufactured material used in roads, patios, walkways, and driveways that are formed from compacted clay. The surface of brick pavers is smoother than that of wall-building bricks. Pavers are strengthened and better suited for usage in hardscapes as a result.
Considerations for Having Fire Pit on a Brick Paved Driveway
Ensure the paver surface is thick enough to sustain the firepit’s weight and that a good drainage system is in place.
A non-flammable material, such as a metal bowl, steel ring, or a lined concrete box, must also be used as a fire pit liner.
If you’re adding a fire pit to an already-existing driveway, you can do so without risk as long as the pavers you use are porous and fire-resistant. If they are not, it is advised that you take out a few pavers to reveal the earth below, after which you can construct your fire pit on top of poured concrete.
Cobblestone Driveway
For generations, driveways and roads have been paved with cobblestones. An asphalt surface cannot compare to its charming, Old World aspect and aesthetic.
Pavers made of cobblestone are very robust and long-lasting. They can support heavy weights without breaking or suffering damage. Furthermore, they can endure the elements and last for years before needing to be replaced.
Considerations for Having Fire Pit on a Cobblestone Driveway
Cobblestone is an excellent feature for both your driveway and fire pit. You can make your fire pit out of different materials or utilize the same stones to create a flawless look. Stones are a perfect base for fire pits.
Your fire pit should be placed in a secure area far away from anything flammable. Choose a spot in your driveway that is not close to any trees, shrubs, or bushes. Surrounding the pit with vegetation may be tempting, especially if you want to enhance the look, but it is not recommended.
The placement of your fire pit is a personal decision that should be influenced by your outdoor space’s overall design, size, and purpose.
If your new outdoor element doesn’t go in with the surroundings, it will be inconvenient and may even turn out to be a design catastrophe. If you prefer to have a custom-built fire pit, you can choose from a range of sizes and forms to fit your needs.
Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Exposed aggregate is concrete with the top layer removed to expose the aggregates, creating a stunning aesthetic. A driveway is a design element in and of itself and may significantly alter how your home feels and looks. Therefore, exposed aggregate concrete has become one of the most popular forms of decorative concrete used in driveways today.
When comparing exposed aggregate to other paving materials like concrete slabs or asphalt, it’s clear that exposed aggregate is significantly simpler and less expensive to install.
Considerations for Having Fire Pit on an Exposed Aggregate Driveway
As Exposed Aggregate is ultimately concrete, its features will be very similar to its traditional counterpart. The difference is that the layer of aggregate is exposed.
Rapid temperature changes can cause distress in the concrete, inducing thermal shock. This can result in cracking, spalling, and aggregate expansion.
Concrete’s ability to resist compression is also impacted by high temperatures. The cement paste begins to dry, gradually weakening the material and the link between the paste and the aggregate. This means the area where you will be placing your fire pit must be covered with pouring cement as its base to prevent damage to the aggregate.
Outdoor Porcelain Tile Driveway
Outdoor porcelain tiles are an excellent surface for driveways. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also extremely durable and weather resistant.
Porcelain makes for the ideal driveway surface, providing grip for tires without the concern of oil staining or fading in the sun. The material is also slip-resistant and relatively scratchproof. Moreover, despite adverse weather conditions, it maintains its non-slip qualities.
Additionally, porcelain slabs require a minimum amount of upkeep to maintain their beautiful looks and flawless polish.
Considerations for Having Fire Pit on a Porcelain Tile Driveway
Porcelain tiles are dense, making them resilient and long-lasting. They are fired at extreme temperatures during production, so there shouldn’t be any general damage to the porcelain slabs from the fire pit’s heat.
Even though the tiles can withstand heat, you will still need to take necessary precautions, such as placing a layer of your chosen heat-resistant material between the fire pit and the tiles.
Fire Pits for Your Driveway
Let’s have a look at some of the best options for fire pits for your driveway. I’ll take you through a variety of options, including both propane gas and wood fire pits (all are available on Amazon.com).
- Amazon Basics 34-Inch Natural Stone Fire Pit with Copper Accents: This features stabilizing feet for stable placement and is easily transportable from one spot to another. It is made of natural stone, diamond copper accents, and a black steel fire bowl. It comes with a fire screen, a fire tool, and a log grate; use the fire tool as necessary to keep your hands away from the heat.
- Gorilla Gadgets Table Top Gas Fire Pit: The entire structure of this product is made of premium water-resistant wicker and is wrapped over the heater’s robust aluminum frame. This increases the longevity of the base construction and helps preserve it from any weather-related damage circumstances.
- Sunnydaze Diamond Weave Outdoor Steel Fire Pit: This wood-burning fire pit features an attractive diamond weave pattern that complements any backyard style. The diamond mesh edge provides a convenient place to set the fire pit poker down.
- Teamson Home MGO Light Concrete Round Charcoal and Wood Burning Fire Pit: This option features a traditional stone appearance to warm up your porch, deck, driveway, or yard. Thanks to the versatile design, it can be used as a fire pit and grill.
- Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit: This has an extra deep design, giving your fire plenty of room. The mesh cover lessens the number of sparks that escape, and the integrated circular system increases airflow for larger, more consistent flames. You can grill on a chrome-plated grilling grid over a fire.
Products To Protect Your Driveway When Using Your Firepit
Luckily, many products are available to protect your driveway from the heat and sparks of your fire pit. Let’s have a closer look at some of the options (all are available on Amazon.com).
- VEVOR Fire Pit Heat Shield: This is made to prevent scorching, heat damage, grease spills harming your lawn and yard, and burn marks. The heat resistance temperature goes up to 752°F (400°C). It is ideal for protecting brick, cement, stone, or wood surfaces. It comes with carbon steel feet that are non-slip.
- Good Direction 30″ Large Spark Screen: This is made of powder-coated steel to prevent sparks and embers from escaping. The Hinged spark screen has a practical grip that makes it easy to lift the screen on and off and permits quick access to the fire.
- Walden Backyards 28″ Premium Heavy Duty Steel Grate: This is constructed with a unique, 45% stronger than standard steel, high carbon, toughened steel. It fits in nearly every large fire pit thanks to its 29.5″ diameter and 12-inch (30 cm.) steel. The fire grate’s clever design keeps the fire cleaner by keeping the wood dry and off the ground so that fires can be started in any weather.
Conclusion
You can put a firepit on your driveway as long as the latter isn’t made of asphalt. Concrete is the best surface for this type of addition, but other materials like stone, tile, and brick paving also make for an excellent surface for fire pits.
Sources
- Prima Porcelain: Driveway Pavers for Your Home
- Archatrak: Driveway and Parking Area Paving Options
- Absolute Scapes: What is exposed aggregate?
- Home Guides: How to Make a Cobble Driveway
- Historical Bricks: Benefits of Cobblestone Driveway Pavers
- Install It Direct: Brick Driveways Pros & Cons
- The Spruce: Brick Pavers Review: Pros and Cons
- Realtor: The Ultimate Guide to Types of Driveways for Your Home
- Forbes: Different Driveway Options
- Europaving: 9 Most Popular Types of Driveways For Your Home | Euro Paving
- Clever Patio: Can You Build a Fire Pit on A Paver Patio?
- JS Brick Corporation: Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Paver Patio? A Simple Guide.
- The Patio Company: Adding a stone fire pit to your backyard | The Patio Company
- Think Up Garden: Can You Really Have Fire Pit on Porcelain Patio?
- Concrete Construction: Effect of High Temperatures on Concrete
- Britannica: asphalt | Components, Development, Properties, & Facts
- Britannica: concrete | Definition, Composition, Uses, Types, & Facts
