Few things beat the pleasure of sitting around a fire pit while roasting marshmallows with your family and friends. Of course, you need to put the fire pit in a spot where you can relax and not worry about a fire breaking out. So what are the best places to put a fire pit?
Here are the nine best places to put your fire pit:
- In the backyard
- On the patio
- On the front porch
- By the pool
- Near the outdoor kitchen
- In the garden
- On the balcony
- On the rooftop
- On a camping trip
In this article, I’ll discuss how to pick the right spot for a fire pit before going into the best places to put it. By the end, I’ll also address a couple of questions you may have about the right location for a fire pit.
How To Pick the Right Spot for a Fire Pit
Safety should be your top consideration when setting up a fire pit. Placing it in the wrong place can cause fires that destroy properties, inflict serious injuries, and escalate into forest fires. At the same time, you want your fire pit to be in a spot where at least a handful of people can sit around it and enjoy its warmth comfortably.
To pick the right spot for your fire pit, take note of the general tips below.
Keep It 10 Feet Away From Flammable Structures
Fire can spread quickly when not controlled, especially under windy, hot, and dry conditions. If your area often experiences such conditions, it’s a good idea to keep your fire pit away from buildings, trees, and the like. If you let the fire from your fire pit spread to these places, the placement of your fire pit will be the least of your worries.
As a rule of thumb, your fire pit should be at least 10 feet (3.048 meters) from buildings and trees if you’re in a crowded place. Otherwise, the fire pit should be 20 to 25 feet (6.096 to 7.62 meters) from trees, buildings, and other structures.
Make Sure the Spot Is Flat, Level, and Well-Drained
If you put your fire pit on a slope, there’s a risk of it rolling downwards since it often has rounded sides.
You should also avoid placing your fire pit on a grassy area. Otherwise, if it accidentally rolls over, your entire lawn will be set ablaze.
The best surface to put your fire pit should be flat, non-flammable, and have a diameter of at least three feet (0.91 meters).
The best materials for a fire pit floor surface include:
- Concrete
- Stone
- Gravel
- Sand
- Bricks
However, it’s worth noting that concrete and stone are preferable. Gravel, sand, and bricks can be more challenging to clean and more prone to breaking due to the high heat produced by the fire.
That said, if you can’t access concrete or stone in your area, and you don’t mind the extra work that comes with cleaning up a fire pit after you use it, the last three materials should work well enough.
Consider Wind Direction, Wind Speed, and Ventilation
As I mentioned earlier, too strong or fast winds will cause any stray fires from your fire pit to spread to surrounding areas. To avoid this, you should put your fire pit in a location with moderate wind speed. Also, the fire pit should be in an open area for proper ventilation.
Where To Put a Fire Pit
Now that you know the basics of picking the right place for your fire pit, let’s look at the nine best places to put a fire pit.
1. In the Backyard
The backyard is one of the most popular spots to put a fire pit. Not only are backyards intimate spaces, but they’re also the closest thing you can get to nature. Besides, backyard fire pits can provide the cozy ambiance needed for activities like roasting marshmallows, nibbling on s’mores, and spending quality time with your family and friends.
You can put your fire pit in the middle of the yard or off to the side. If you have a large backyard, consider placing the fire pit near the edge of your property. That way, you have the added bonus of a great view.
If you have a small backyard, you may want to put the fire pit in the middle of the yard so everyone can gather around it.
2. On the Patio
Patios are suitable for your fire pit because:
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- They’re flat and level. This provides a stable surface for your fire pit, preventing burns and other injuries.
- They’re made of durable materials. This means the fire pit won’t inflict significant damage to the patio (if it damages the patio at all).
- They’re close to the house. This allows you to easily access the fire pit and enjoy the outdoors.
- They extend your outdoor living space in a nice way. You’re not just adding extra space for no reason: You’re actually making use of the space created by your fire pit.
A key thing to remember is that the fire pit shouldn’t be too close to your patio’s edges. The fire pit should also be placed on a heat-resistant surface such as concrete, stone, or brick.
3. On the Front Porch
Adding a fire pit is one way to spice up your winter evening on the porch. Remember, winter evenings can have temperatures as low as 12°F (-11.11°C), which can make it challenging to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, you can have some of your guests relax on the front porch if you can’t accommodate all of them indoors.
If your front porch is slightly elevated, make sure the fire pit isn’t too close to the edge. That way, it won’t fall off and spread fires anywhere. At the same time, you don’t want the fire pit to be in a place where it’ll get in the way, especially since your front porch sees high foot traffic.
Put your fire pit close enough to the center of the porch that it won’t fall off, but also far enough for it to not have to be moved every time someone goes through the porch.
4. By the Pool
When you’re just getting out of the swimming pool, you want to go near a place where you can safely dry off. A strategically positioned fire pit can be one such place.
You should consider the following when placing a fire pit by your pool:
- The size of your pool: You don’t want a fire pit that’s too big or too small for your space.
- The shape of your pool: This will help you determine where to place the fire pit so it’s not in the way. A pool with a rectangular or circular shape will probably be easier to navigate than one with quirkier shapes (like those of funhouse mirrors, for example).
- The material of your pool: You want to ensure that the fire pit won’t damage your pool. You should only place a fire pit by your pool if the ground is concrete or stone.
5. Near the Outdoor Kitchen
If you have an outdoor kitchen, adding a fire pit near it can improve your outdoor experience. For one, you can use it to supplement your regular stove for cooking meals. Also, your guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while waiting for the mouthwatering dishes you can come up with.
Besides, if only some of your guests fit inside your house, you can ask them to wait near the fire pit and share stories with each other while they’re at it.
6. In Your Garden
In a garden that’s big enough, a fire pit can significantly enhance the ambiance of the place.
Consider the following when choosing a location for your garden fire pit:
- The size of your garden: It’s not advisable to put a fire pit in a small garden. The smaller the garden, the closer the fire pit will be to surrounding structures, increasing the risk of a fire outbreak.
- What is in the garden: If the garden has dry grass, bushes, and shrubs, it’s not a good idea to put a fire pit there either. The dry grass can easily catch fire and spread to other parts of the garden.
- The presence of wind: Keep your fire pit away from places that are likely to experience strong winds. Also, make sure smoke from the fire pit isn’t going to blow into your house or your neighbor’s yard.
7. On the Balcony
Few things compare to the scenic, bird-eye views from a balcony. And you can make your balcony experience even better by adding a fire pit to it.
The following are the essential factors to consider when putting a fire pit on your balcony:
- The type of fuel: Wood-burning fire pits aren’t advisable for balconies because they produce a lot of smoke. Instead, you should use clean-burning fuels, propane, and natural gas. If you must use a wood-burning fire pit, ensure it’s well ventilated.
- The size of the fire pit: You don’t want a fire pit that’s too big or small for your space. A fire pit that’s too big can damage your balcony walls, while a fire pit that’s too small won’t give you sufficient warmth.
- The material of your balcony: You shouldn’t put a fire pit in your balcony if its floor is made from wood. This is because the heat from the fire pit can damage the floor. Concrete and stone are the best materials for fire pits as they can withstand high temperatures.
8. On the Rooftop
As I mentioned earlier, good ventilation is essential when you’re considering where to put your fire pit. And few places are more ventilated than a rooftop.
Plus, like the balcony, the rooftop allows you to enjoy scenic views from high above.
When placing a fire pit on your rooftop, consider the following:
- The weight of the fire pit: The last thing you want is for your fire pit to fall through the roof and hurt someone. Ensure that the fire pit isn’t too heavy by checking the manufacturer’s specifications.
- The material of your rooftop: You shouldn’t put a fire pit on a wooden rooftop as the heat from the fire can set the roof ablaze. Make sure your rooftop is concrete or stone before placing a fire pit there.
- Your city’s fire pit regulations: Some municipalities don’t allow fire pits on rooftops. Therefore, consult your local authorities before putting a fire pit on the rooftop to be on the safe side of the law.
9. On a Camping Trip
What better way to enjoy the camping feel that fire pits offer than an actual camping trip?
A portable fire pit would work best for this purpose, like the SINGLYFIRE 24-Inch Portable Folding Fire Pits (available on Amazon.com). Not only is it light enough to bring anywhere, but the cover also ensures that the fire won’t spread to places you don’t want it to go.
That said, you should always check with the camp management to ensure fire pits are allowed in their camp.
Some crucial considerations for a camping fire pit are:
- Portability: The fire pit should be small, so you can carry it wherever you go.
- Weight: The fire pit shouldn’t be too heavy as you’ll have to carry it for long distances.
- Fuel type: Gel-based fire pits are the best for camping as you can easily refill the gel once it’s depleted. They’re also light and suitable for camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Thing To Put Under a Fire Pit?
The best thing to put under a fire pit is concrete or stone. A fire pit needs a material that can withstand high temperatures. Concrete and stone can withstand the high temperatures that come from the fire pit heat.
What Kind of Fire Pit Is Safe for Decks?
A gas-fueled gas pit is the safest for decks. Besides being a clean fuel, gas is less likely to damage your deck compared to a wood-burning fire pit. Furthermore, you can easily control the heat’s intensity using a knob.
Sources
- Scientific American: The Environmental Dangers of Backyard Fire Pits
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Ask the Scientist: How Can the Weather Spark and Spread Wildfires?
- St. Cloud State University: Climate in Minnesota
- Better Health Channel: Swimming-Health Benefits
- US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center: Propane Fuel Basics
- Grenadier: Where to Place an Outdoor Fire Pit
- Landscaping Network: Fire Pit Setting Area Placement
- Backyard Toasty: Fire Pit Placement: Picking the Right Spot for Your Fire Pit
- Green Impressions: Where to Put a Fire Pit: 3 Helpful Thoughts to Consider
- Home Advisor: Home Fire Pit Safety Precautions
