Fire pits make a fantastic addition to any backyard and can help you make the most of evenings outdoors with family and friends. The area around your fire pit is important because it should be large enough to be safe and also ensure enough room for your guests. So, how big should a fire pit area be?
A fire pit area should have a radius of at least 70 inches (177.8 cm) if it is a wood-burning model. Gas fire pits can have a smaller radius of 65 inches (165.1 cm). These sizes ensure that the fire pit users are safe and provide enough space for seating.
Read on to discover what to consider when building a fire pit area and the pros and cons of wood and gas fire pits.
What To Consider When Creating a Fire Pit Area
In the previous section, I mentioned how big a fire pit area should be. However, this is a general rule of thumb, and there are various factors to consider when determining the correct size fire pit for your needs. I’ll go into the most important factors when creating a fire pit area below.
Fire Pit Type
Your fire pit type is the main factor determining how large your fire pit area should be.
If you have a wood-burning fire pit, you’ll need at least 35 inches (88.9cm) between your seating area and the fire pit’s outer edge. If you plan on using a screen around your fire pit, you should make your fire pit area a few inches larger.
You can get away with a smaller fire pit area if you have a gas fire pit because a safe distance between the fire pit and its users only needs to be 32 inches (81.28cm). This means your fire pit area can be around a large table, with no need for a designated place.
Permanent fire pits don’t offer much flexibility in changing your fire pit area size, while portable ones allow you to change the area as you see fit.
Fire Pit Size
Fire pits come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the most suitable one for your needs and design requirements.
Smaller fire pits don’t generate as much heat as larger ones. If you want your guests to enjoy your small fire pit, your seating area should be as close to the fire pit as possible while still maintaining a safe distance.
With a larger fire pit, you can get away with a larger seating area and accommodate more people. Of course, you’ll have to trade off space for other things surrounding this larger pit.
Proximity to Vegetation and Buildings
Before installing your fire pit and creating your fire pit area, you should consider the surrounding vegetation and buildings.
If you own a wood-burning fire pit, you should ensure that it’s at least 36 inches (91.44cm) away from any surrounding vegetation or buildings.
Since gas fire pits don’t have open flames that create sparks, you can safely install them close to pergolas and on a covered patio.
It’s also a good idea to check with your local authorities to find out whether they have regulations regarding open fires or fire pits. Many cities have requirements on how far from a building or vegetation an open fire can be, and you may need to apply for permission to install your fire pit.
Number of People Using the Fire Pit
Fire pits create a cozy ambiance and allow you and your loved ones to enjoy long evenings outdoors. If you like entertaining family and friends outdoors and want them to take advantage of your fire pit, you need enough space to accommodate them.
A standard wood fire pit has an inner diameter of between 35 and 45 inches (88.9 and 114.3cm) and can accommodate six chairs comfortably. On the other hand, smaller gas fire pits create a more intimate atmosphere and can seat two to four people.
The number of people you want to be able to use your fire pit and the type of chairs you have can influence how large your fire pit area should be. Some fire pit owners place benches around their fire pits to optimize space and allow as many guests as possible to enjoy it.
Fire Pit Accessories Needed
A basic fire pit area typically has a gravel surface and a few chairs. However, if you plan on spending a lot of time around your fire pit, you might consider buying a few accessories, which will take up more space and increase the size of your fire pit area.
Here are a few examples of fire pit area accessories:
- End tables
- Benches
- S’mores preparation surface
- Wood and tool storage units
- Solar lights
- Pergolas
- Fabric panels
Outdoor Area Size
Your available outdoor space will also influence how large your fire pit area can be. You can extend the area to make room for tables and other accessories if you have a large backyard.
On the flip side, a small outdoor area will limit how large it can be, and you may only have space for a few chairs at a safe distance from the fire pit.
Typical Wind Direction
If you have a wood fire pit, it will emit smoke, making the wind direction an important element when you design your fire pit area.
Before finalizing your fire pit area’s design, you should determine the direction in which the wind typically blows in your backyard. Once you know this, you can begin creating a fire pit area design such that most of the seating is in the opposite direction to the wind.
How Far from My House Should My Fire Pit Be?
If you’re ready to create your fire pit area, you might wonder how far from your house it should be.
Fire pits should be at least 21 feet (6.4 meters) from any building. This is a typical regulation in most local areas, but it’s worth checking what applies to your city before starting your fire pit area’s construction.
Wood vs. Gas Fire Pits
Are you in the process of designing your fire pit area but haven’t yet chosen a fire pit? If so, you might wonder which type is best. Wood and gas fire pits are the two most popular fire pit varieties, and both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Here are the pros and cons of gas and wood fire pits to help you make an informed decision:
Wood Fire Pits
Pros
- Easy to install. Once you’ve obtained permission from your local authorities (if necessary), you can install your wood fire pit. Many people install their wood fire pits themselves as the process is straightforward and quick.
- Create a beautiful and cozy ambiance. Many people want an authentic campfire experience when they install a fire pit. With their open flames and burning wood smell, wood fire pits create a cozy atmosphere.
- Ability to cook food. A wood fire pit is your best bet if you want a fire pit that allows you to make basic food items. Many folks enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores over the open flame.
- Have an element of fun. Wood fire pits can create the element of fun, especially for kids. Most kids love helping to light the fire pit and placing pieces of wood onto it.
- Inexpensive fuel. Propane can be pricey, but wood is a cost-effective fuel. After doing yard work and cutting down branches, you have free fuel for your fire pit.
- Insect deterrent. A wood fire pit is an excellent solution if you can’t enjoy your backyard on summer evenings because of irritating insects. Insects (such as mosquitos) hate smoke and keep away from your fire pit area. Burning wood with essential oils, such as citronella, is an even stronger deterrent.
Cons
- Increased fire risk. Wood fire pits have open flames, which can cause sparks to land in the surrounding area, creating a significant fire risk. A fire grate, however, can mitigate this risk.
- Require a larger area around the fire pit for safety. If you don’t have a large backyard with enough space for a fire pit area, a wood fire pit might not be the best or safest option.
- High-maintenance. You need to clean your wood fire pit after each use to remove the ash and soot, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. The soot and ash can sometimes leave unsightly stains, which can be difficult to eliminate. When using your wood fire pit, you also need to add wood continuously.
- Require more time and effort to light. Unfortunately, you can’t simply flick a switch and have instant flames when using a wood fire pit. You must arrange the wood in a pile, light it, and fan the flames. When you’re done using it, you need to douse it with water or throw sand into the flames to extinguish them.
- Release more toxins into the atmosphere. A wood fire pit isn’t a good choice if you want an environmentally-friendly option. If you use creosote-coated wood, it will release a pleasant smell but will emit even more toxins into the atmosphere.
- Leaves a lingering smell. After sitting next to a wood fire pit for a few hours, your hair and clothes will smell of smoke. The smoke smell washes out easily but can be annoying and irritate those who are allergic or sensitive to it.
Gas Fire Pits
Pros
- Environmentally-friendly option. Gas fire pits use propane to generate a flame and heat, releasing fewer toxins into the atmosphere than wood. A typical wood fire pit releases 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of emissions every time it’s used, while a gas fire pit will only release 0.3 pounds (0.13 kg). If you burn creosote-coated wood, this can produce more harmful emissions.
- Low maintenance. Gas fire pits require very little maintenance. Apart from having the gas line inspected annually and refilling the propane tank, no additional work is required.
- You can get away with a smaller fire pit area. A gas fire pit doesn’t need such a large area to be safe. It’s the ideal option for those with small backyards or apartment dwellers.
- Easy to use. To enjoy your gas fire pit, simply switch it on and bask in its heat. You don’t have to get up continuously to add more fuel.
- Versatile. Since they don’t have open flames, it’s safe to use gas fire pits on covered patios, and you can also safely add pergolas around your fire pit area to help retain the heat. It’s also easy to regulate a gas fire pit’s flame to create your desired heat level.
- A safer option for young kids and pets. If you have young kids or unruly pets, you need to supervise them constantly around a wood fire pit. As long as they don’t touch the gas fire pit, it’s a much safer option.
Cons
- Gas fire pits can be more costly than wood-burning ones. While gas and wood fire pits vary widely in price, gas fire pits are generally more expensive. They’re usually not the best option for those on a budget.
- Complex and costly installation. In addition to being more costly, installing a gas fire pit is more complex. Unlike a wood fire pit, you shouldn’t install a gas unit yourself and should instead hire a professional to install the fuel tank and run the gas line to the fire pit.
- Not convenient for cooking. Though it’s possible to cook basic food items on a gas fire pit, it’s not advisable. Any food or oil spills could damage the burner and be difficult to clean.
Conclusion
When determining the ideal size for your fire pit area, you should consider the following:
- Fire pit type
- Fire pit size
- Proximity to vegetation and buildings
- Number of people using the fire pit
- Your outdoor area’s size
- The typical wind direction in your backyard
Gas and wood fire pits have their advantages and drawbacks, and the most suitable one for you will depend on your personal taste and backyard.
Sources
- Designing Idea: Fire Pit Dimensions (Measurements & Size Guide)
- bob vila: Dos and Don’ts of Building a Fire Pit
- Backyard Scape: How Portable Fire Pits Work: a Step-by-Step Guide
- the spruce: What Is a Pergola?
- U.S. Department of Energy: Propane Fuel Basics
- Healthline: What You Need to Know About Citronella Essential Oil
