Fire Pit
Ideas.
Fire pit ideas turn a garden you look at into a place you sit. Prices start under £100 for a portable bowl and climb past £3,000 for sunken stonework. Here: the main types with real costs, seating layouts that actually work, and the clearance and permit rules most articles leave out.
Curated by Nina Calloway · Fact-checked by Tom Bexley · Updated Oct 2026
3 m clearance, always
Costs from
Under £100 to £3,000+
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read these before you light the first fireWhere the fire goes, what it sits on and who sits around it matter more than the pit itself.
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Three metres clear. Then think about chairs.
Keep a fire pit three metres from any structure, fence, tree or overhanging branch — eaves and sheds count. Never put one on decking: concrete, stone, brick or gravel only. Leave 1.5 metres between the fire edge and the nearest seat. And before you build anything permanent, make the five-minute call about permits; it beats a removal notice afterwards.
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Backyard Fire Pit Ideas by Type
Backyard fire pits come in 8 main types: gravel and fire ring, paver ring, tabletop fire bowl, fire pit table, in-ground, cinder block, repurposed metal drum and concrete bowl. Prices run from under £100 ($125) for a portable bowl to £3,000 ($3,800) or more for sunken stonework.
- Gravel pad and fire-rated metal ring: the quickest DIY fire pit, built in an afternoon.
- Classic paver fire pit: two or three courses of landscape pavers around a metal insert.
- Square retaining-block fire pit: stackable blocks in a square or round shape.
- In-ground and sunken fire pit: a recessed pit with seating around it.
- Cinder block fire pit: concrete blocks with a fire-safe metal insert.
- Repurposed metal drum: a washing-machine drum on a gravel base.
- Fire pit table: a gas burner in a concrete or metal table.
- Tabletop fire bowl: a portable bowl for balconies and small patios.
Wood-Burning, Gas and Propane Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits give crackle and scent and produce smoke and ash. Gas and propane fire pits start with a switch and burn clean. Check local rules and any HOA limits before building either type.
Fire Pit Safety, Clearances and Permits
Keep a fire pit at least 3 m (10 ft) from the house, fences, sheds and overhanging branches. Build on a non-flammable base of gravel, pavers or stone, never on a wooden deck without a fire-rated pad. Keep a spark screen, a hose or a bucket of water nearby. Call before digging an in-ground pit, since underground utilities run in many yards.
Fire Pit Seating Ideas and Layouts
A conversation circle works best with 4 to 6 chairs set 0.9 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) from the pit edge. A fire pit 90 to 110 cm (36 to 44 in) across suits that circle. Adirondack chairs, log stools and built-in stone benches are the 3 most common seat types. A sunken seating area suits a sloped yard.
Fire Pit Landscaping: Pavers, Gravel, Bricks and Rocks
Fire pit landscaping uses a gravel or paver patio 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) across. Rocks and bricks make the surround, and low lights mark the path. Ornamental grasses and lavender grow around the edge at a safe distance. See outdoor fireplace ideas for brick and stone built-ins, and the desert landscaping backyard guide for a gravel patio plan.
Fire Pit Ideas for Small Backyards, Patios and Decks
Small backyard fire pit ideas use a tabletop bowl or a 60 cm (24 in) gas table. A patio fire pit needs a clear radius of 3 m (10 ft). A deck fire pit needs a fire-rated pad, and the covered outdoor kitchen guide pairs a pit with a cooking zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
A fire pit should sit at least 3 m (10 ft) from the house, fences and overhead branches.
Can I put a fire pit on a wooden deck?
Yes, a fire pit sits safely on a deck with a fire-rated pad under the full footprint and a spark screen over the top.
What is the cheapest fire pit idea?
A gravel pad with a metal fire ring is the cheapest DIY fire pit idea, and a portable bowl costs under £100 ($125).
How big should a backyard fire pit be?
A backyard fire pit measures 90 to 110 cm (36 to 44 in) across and seats 4 to 6 people.