A fire pit is one of the best aesthetic additions to your house as it can add to the overall style that you’re going for, and it has some fun uses as well, whether it be a 4th of July barbeque in your backyard or camping overnights with your friends, a fire pit is never out of style. The only question is, “what exactly should its style be?” and that’s what we’re trying to help you with.

In this article, we’ll talk about different fire pit styles and decorating ideas to give you an idea for a better overall aesthetic for your home. We’ll help you design your outside fire pits with the best ideas and innovative designs we can find.

1. Square fire pit

This is the first in our list of wonderful ideas to go about designing your backyard fire pit, and the reason why I put it the first is that I can’t wait to talk about it. 

It has a simple yet intuitive design built using concrete to ensure a stable structure that can withstand the fiery heat of your amazing barbeque roasts. Not just that, but the slabs at the top everything off with a modern feel. It’s minimalistic and not overcrowded with details, which pleases the eye. It is especially important when you want to go outside and enjoy the serenity of nature.

2. Circular structured fire pit

This one is perfect if you want to hang out with your friends, talk about life, and sing songs. The entire design revolves around the idea of social gathering with the semi-circle that surrounds the fire pit.

But the best thing about this fire pit is how easy it is to build it from a DIY perspective. You only need some concrete bricks, a concrete mix, some stone slabs, and some effort to turn your backyard into your dream safe place!

3. Ground level, stone fire pit

Moving back from the modern designs, this one can be traced back to East European meat cooking, as they dug a hole in the ground, built a pit using some stone to trap the heat, put a pot of water inside, and hung the meat from a lid on the outside, this is usually a slow process but its a local specialty in some places.

Enough about the unnecessarily lengthy cooking process and back to the actual fire pit. It has a primitive design, which is simple but very effective, especially if you don’t have that much time to make a larger, more time-consuming fire pit, and this is the best build for beginner DIY enthusiasts or if you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your friends or loved ones.

All you have to do is dig a hole in the ground with some depth of your liking -although I recommend that you don’t dig too deep so that you won’t use up more firewood than you’d like-, surround it in a circular structure with some bricks, and reinforce it by putting a concrete mix in between the layers, put some firewood, light it up and you’re golden! A wonderful fire pit in just a matter of time!

4. Bowl-shaped fire pit

It has a very aesthetic look and immediately catches the eye, as seeing a bowl holding such beautiful flames is not something you see in an average setting.

That said, this is something you can’t usually build if you’re not an artisan. You need a specific bowl to get the ideal shape and consistency that can last a long time. 

Simply having your usual pottery isn’t enough to hold all that heat together; you need a concrete bowl that is sturdy enough to support all the weight you’re going to put in it and for it to be big enough to be useful.

That is not something an ordinary man can do, so if you ever want something like this in your home, I recommend you go to your local artisan and request something specifically for this purpose. You have to make things clear for your artisan, or else the bowl might fall into pieces as soon as you light it up.

That might be a little pricey for most, but if you want something of good value that can last you a long time, your money is going in the right place.

5. Rock circle fire pit

Now, this is for those who want something massive. Something of its size immediately catches the eye of anyone who sees it. It’s suited for gathering with a large group of friends as its presence alone can give that homey atmosphere that many people associate with backyard gatherings.

Although you might want a contractor to get this done, one stone can easily weigh over a hundred pounds, and there are several to move around. The selection of the stones themselves is important as you want only the best to fit the overall aesthetic of your backyard.

But if you’re willing to go through all that trouble,n you certainly won’t be disappointed with the look and feel of this fire pit.

6. Minimalistic fire pit

Above-ground fire pit on a beautiful stone patio.

There is something very alluring to the design of minimalism. With all the chaos in everyday life, looking at something so simple gives it the charm that makes it so beautiful, and that’s what this fireplace is all about.

It’s meant to be simple and sleek. It’s made with bricks. If you want something of a simple nature, then a minimalistic style fire pit can’t get any more straightforward than this.

7. Iron fire pit

Its decorative design is more for people who care more about the overall look of the fireplace rather than its actual usage, and there’s no shame in that because this fireplace looks amazing! They bring that outdoor, mountainside camping atmosphere right in the comfort of your backyard!

8. Barrel fire pit

Although this one doesn’t follow the conventional style of most fire pits, it has its appeal. For starters, it is wonderful for DIY because all you need is a new barrel to start your craft.

You can also buy one in junk shops and ask if your neighbors happen to have an unused one. Although it might not be the most visually pleasing fire pit, it’s a great way to start!

9. Circular fire pit with a wood bench

This is set up as simple as it gets; all you need is a steel fire pit that you can buy in your local hardware store, some ingenuity to design a wood bench, or you can get one that lays around in your garage, and you’re set.

No wonder this is one of the most popular fire pit set-ups you can find out there. It has beauty in function, and the setup itself is pretty straightforward.

10. Circular fire pit in a tile or mosaic floor

This setup is as eye-pleasing as it can get; with the mixture of a well-crafted fire pit with a visually pleasing aesthetic that is heartwarming and gives you a complacent feeling, this is something you want to do as your future project.

11. Fire pit tables

This is perfect for those people that want to spend some time with someone who they are close to, as it’s designed for small and compact aesthetics; it’s good for couples and for those who want to spend some time conversing with their loved ones and enjoy a nice cozy meal together.

12. Stone fire pit

Its design reminds me of the ground-level fire pit I mentioned earlier, with the only difference being that this is less crudely made. It has a very professional look and feels, and with the combination of the metal chairs, it gives off a very high-end vibe, although I must say that it probably doesn’t cost that much since the materials are common.

This is a set-up you might want to go to if you want to impress your friends without hurting your pocket too much.

13. Fire pit with wood flooring and bench

This is a personal favorite of mine as its design and the overall aesthetic is more of a glaring contradiction that might suit your preferences if you are more into a postmodernist art style focusing on strong contrasts of colors.

It is very artistic to look at with its design and is perfect if you’re looking for something Instagram-ready, as it will steal the eyes of anyone who looks at it.

14. Old school

There is nothing wrong with going back to the classics in any hobby, art, or anything else in between, and this old-school fire pit is as classic as it can get.

If you’re not in the mood to set up some elaborate handicraft, fine picking your materials and spending quite a lot of time to make a fireplace, then this setup is for you, as it was always for people centuries ago. 

A fine taste of the classic experience.

15. fire pit with hood

Fire pit with big iron hood

This setup gives off a medieval, forge-like aesthetic, which is very intimidating as it is very cool. It reminds me of the forges that blacksmiths use in medieval movies and RPG games, which is a good reminder of how iconic this setup is.

Although it probably is in the higher price range, this is something to go for if you are a hardcore medieval fantasy fan with a knack for amazing barbeque and a good conversation.

16. Campfire pit

This is a good option if you want to bring the outdoors home. It has the same vibe and feels of a good old outdoors camping, all while having a nice aesthetic feel that adds a lot of ambiance to your home.

This is great for all the camping enthusiasts out there stuck in the confines of their homes, and all it takes is some stones, some wood, and a little effort to bring the vast fields of the mountains to the comfort of your backyard.

17. One stone boulder fire pit

Now, this is probably the unique fire pit. Having one boulder rock as your fire pit says something about you. And in every case, a one-of-a-kind fire pit. Your fire pit won’t be the same as your neighbors.

18. sunken level fire pit

Just like the ground-level fire pit we’ve mentioned earlier, this is the same variant with the only difference of sunken square seating. This feels a bit cozy as you wrap yourself on the ground level.

19. Brick fire pit

Now, this is something that only someone who is dedicated to making an awesome backyard fire pit would invest in. The aesthetic feel is very good for homes in the countryside or seasonal camping grounds.

The rustic chairs and the log stools make you feel like you’re with nature, as it offers a good mixture of natural and artificial materials.

20. Gas-powered fire pit

This is a unique take on this article since all of the fire pits mentioned above are always manually lit and use coals or firewood, but this one is gas-powered so that the glass pebbles don’t darken during the duration of its usage.

It is very pleasing to look at and is something I recommend to anyone willing to step up their fire pit game and bring something new to their backyard.

21. Fire pit and grilling & cooking

This is efficiency at its finest; if you already have a fire pit, why not make it a grill too? It serves multiple purposes that can suit your varying needs.

Benefits of having a fire pit

There are several reasons why people put fire pits in their backyards, firstly because it adds to the overall style of their homes, and most of the people that do it do it because of this reason alone, but this isn’t the only reason why.

Some people -like me- use it to get together with friends after a busy work week; having some cold beer, cooking some barbecue, and asking each other how life’s going is my perfect way of unwinding after a long, stressful week. 

That might not sound very pleasing to you, but you should at least try, as this very simple activity is a good way to maintain healthy relationships with your friends, family, and loved ones. 

It’s amazing how such little things can impact one’s life; unless you try it, it might also change yours. It’s only a matter of finding out.

Precautions

But of course, in every activity you do, especially outdoors, there are some precautions to take into account to ensure the safety of you, the people around you, the community, and nature.

When there is a fire pit, you must make sure that it is dry and clear of all previous firewood or coal to ensure that you don’t get sudden implodes that might harm someone or for it to burn the already used firewood, which can emit particles that might trigger asthma or worse, enter to your body and make unwanted complications.

Another thing to note is the fire hazard; if you are near a forest or if your surroundings are filled with wood, you must take some extra precautions to ensure that no accidental fire spreads and worst-case scenario, destroy your property and the surrounding wildlife, which might cause irreplaceable damage to your property and worse, cause a fatal injury to you or the people around you.

To ensure this, you must make sure to pour over 2 liters of water after you use a fire pit to ensure that the fire is well put out, and as you’re using the fire pit, assure that no children or anyone who is irresponsible of safety to ensure that no unwanted accidents take place.

If possible, to ensure the highest possible level of safety, you might want a trusted professional to install your fire pit. That way, you can have a clear mind knowing that you are enjoying quality time in your backyard without imminent danger.

Fire pit styles

When you’re out there and looking for some awesome fire pit ideas, there are a couple of things that you should bear in mind, the first being safety and the second being what kind of style you’re aiming for.

What kind of fire pit best suits your home? What pit best fits your aesthetic? If your home style is very sophisticated, you might not want to have a minimalistic fire pit. If you have a very minimalistic house, a Victorian-style fire pit might not suit you best.

These are important factors to ensure that you get the best satisfaction in your purchase possible. This includes the size as you might not want it to take up too much space in your backyard, but if you have a large backyard, you might not want to have a fire pit that’s too small because it lessens its functions.

But as far as the actual styles go, you have an endless choice as they come in different sizes, shapes, styles, and designs! Anything that suits your needs is readily available in the market!

With that being said, there’s no problem with making a DIY fire pit as it has its charms and an additional sentimental value as you’ve made it with your own hands, and that is something that you should be very proud of.

Fire pit accessories and tools

 You can’t have a stove without a kitchen knife, a chopping board, and a pan, to begin with; the same thing goes for fire pits as some tools are needed to maintain the fire or make things easier for you; we’ve listed them down some of the best and our personal favorites when it comes to getting the best experience out of your fire pits!

You can’t have a proper grill without the good old roasted marshmallow; the old treat never loses its charm and will never get old. It is a staple of the fire pit that is never the same without. 

It’s only proper that you get the best roasting sticks for the iconic part of your fire pit session, and KEKU marshmallow roasting sticks are anything but the best. It is sturdy and durable, so you can use it in multiple sessions without ever worrying whether or not it’ll break.

It has a different color for each roasting stick, so if your children are ever so loyal to their favorite color and picky about what color their stick is, then you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

It is cheap, so you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket to get quality of this standard, but what is better than all of these is that these sticks are BPA-free, so you can assure that you don’t have to worry about your health when you are using them.

The fact that it has a lifetime warranty is a testament to its quality, and I can assure you that it is. Whether you need to add a log, replace one, or even the fireplace, these tongs are perfect for your every need.

They are reliable and can last a long life. I can even go as far as to say that if used properly, you’ll only ever need one in your lifetime, and the fact that these tongs are readily available even for those on a tighter budget is a huge upside!

It can grab up to 12-inch logs, and you can count on them to be reliable that can stand the test of time because they are rust-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. What more could you ask for?

Air vents on two sides have extra ventilation features. Heavy duty ribbon weaving as handles on air vents make removal easy.

Elastic hem cord and straps allow for a custom secure fit. The bottom-buck keeps the cover securely fastened, especially in severe weather. TIPS: Making the top of the cover higher is recommended to prevent rainwater collection.

This is essential if you want to keep dust, debris, leaves, and all of the bad stuff away from your fire pit that might risk its early breakdown. The Poch Shield Fire Pit Cover is the best tool to ensure that your fire pit stays long and lives long to provide you and the people around you with unforgettable memories that can stand the test of time. 

For the budget, it’s very affordable and can be considered the best buy for a product of its price and quality.

If you want something to adjust in the fire and not pick them up like the tongs from the same brand I mentioned earlier, this product is for you.

It comes at a fairly low price and is made of high-quality materials with a lifetime warranty. You might as well get it because it won’t hurt your budget much, and its convenience is enough reason to have it.

It comes in a sleek black color that gives it a very seasonal and cool appearance; make sure that your kids or any children grab it and play sword fights with it because it has potential for harm.

But it looks cool, to be honest with you, and I wouldn’t mind swinging it like a sword. 

This fire pit accessory for kids is so fun that adults can enjoy it! 

These magical flames can turn your usual orange fire into blue, green, and many more colors! Talk about having fun on a fire pit session? Here it is! This is a new change for people who want to try something new, and it is something you should try for yourself.

What’s best is that this 12-pack comes at a very budget-friendly price, something that you can try out without any big risks and having a strong sense of guilt with your purchase.

You can expect about an hour of colorful flames in each pack. Talk about having fun!

I’m sure it’s no one’s interest to clean up dark, grey ashes all over their backyard after a fire pit session, and you don’t want to get covered in ash yourself as you might get some respiratory or trigger your asthma if you have any.

The Gallon Galvanized Iron Ash Bucket takes away all of the problems of your hands! In my opinion, this is more of a necessity than an accessory as it can lessen your problems in your fire pit activities.

It’s affordable; it’s convenient with a lockable lid that makes scooping ashes and debris effortless. It’s made with durable material, and it will last long. There are no reasons why you shouldn’t get it.

This is made for those little hands or paws that couldn’t help but fix their curiosity about what it feels like to touch fire, which you should never do.

It’s a safety smoke screen that is perfect when you’re having family gatherings with a lot of little ones and little paws; this guarantees that they won’t get hurt because, as they say, you’re not too safe from accidents.

So if you want to guarantee that your night won’t be ruined by someone going to the hospital or needing some medical attention, then it’s wise to add this item to your shopping list. However, it’s a bit on the pricey side. You can never put a price tag on the safety of you and your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions: 

In this part of the article, we’ll answer some of the most asked questions regarding fire pits.

Can you use regular bricks in a fire pit?

You may build a strong fire pit using regular brick and a premade fire pit bowl that is meant to be moved if necessary.

What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit?

What goes in the bottom of a fire pit? For your fire pit, start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit and then top it with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones, or even bricks. Alternatively, you could use dirt.

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

Place a thin layer of sand on the bottom of the fire pit and top it with the suggested 2-6 inches of filler. Sandstone, river rocks, natural rocks, and gravel are not suitable for fire pit fill because they are more likely to shatter or explode when exposed to intense heat.

Should I put sand at the bottom of my fire pit?

Yes, I do recommend that you put sand beneath your fire heat as it does not only absorb the heat from your fire pit -which increases its longevity of it- but also protects the ground by protecting it from unpreventable bolts of ashes and debris from the fire which prevents any unwanted safety hazards.

It also adds to the visual appeal of your fire pit as it is very pleasing to look at. It’s also on the cheap side of the price range, and you can find and buy one at your local hardware store.

Is it cheaper to buy or build a fire pit?

Most offer prefabricated, modular modules that are at least half the price of a custom build. “I’ve installed unique fire pits that cost up to $7,000 – just for the pit.” That means the patio will be considerably more expensive.

How do I put my fire pit safely?

I recommend that you get an expert or a trusted professional to install your fire pits for you so that you can have a full guarantee that your fire pit won’t cause any environmental or safety hazards.

With that being said, if you are going the DIY route, then I highly recommend that you look up some local laws and regulations to ensure that you don’t violate any regulations in your activities, as it’s illegal to even set up a fire pit in some places as it can cause an unwanted forest fire. Also, make sure to put it safely away from your house.

Always make sure that you pour 2 liters of water after the session, so there is no chance of it igniting again. Scoop the ashes and debris in a bucket and dispose of them properly so they won’t make a mess and be a possible safety hazard.

Don’t be too intoxicated when having fire pit sessions with no one to watch over you, as you might make some irrational decisions with the fire and end up hurting yourself. Make sure you buy and use the proper equipment to ensure no accidents occur and for your convenience.

Can I repurpose my fire pit ashes?

This is one of the many benefits of having a fire pit, especially if you are a home farmer, as you can repurpose your ash, which can help as a good fertilizer for tomatoes which are so easy to grow!

Just sprinkle some of it on the soil or mix it with a soil mixture, and you’re ready to go! You’ll see that crop grow in no time. This is because ash is rich in calcium and other minerals necessary to grow a plant and to be rich and healthy in nutrients. 

And if you don’t want to go through the long process of starting a fire in your next session, you can use the ashes you’ve used to rekindle a fire easily.

What’s the best fire pit starter?

Pine Mountain StarterLogg Select-A-Size Blocks, 24 Starts Firestarter Log for Campfire, Fireplace, Wood Stove, Fire Pit, Indoor & Outdoor Use, Red

Now you can start a fire using the good old paper or any ready-to-use coals, but if you don’t want to go through the hassle and get straight into the fun, then I recommend you use this.

It’s cheap; it’s accessible, it’s readily available, and it does the job in the blink of an eye. It has 24 fire starters in each pack, so it will be quite some time before you use another pack again if you like to have weekend fire pit sessions.

It’s made from natural materials and is also fit for outdoor camping activities and grills. The logs can be cut into smaller pieces to fit your uses, and it’s good for your lungs, too, as it releases fewer microparticles compared to most conventional fire starters on the market today. There’s no reason not to get it.

How Can My Family Keep Safe Around Our Fire Pit?

 It is essential that before you do any preparations for fire pit setups, here are a few tips you should use:

  • Consider purchasing a metal mesh fire pit cover to keep sparks at bay and open flames hidden.
  • Never leave pets or children alone around a lit fire pit.
  • Always keep combustible or explosive materials away from a fire pit.
  • Never leave a fire pit alone while the ashes or flames are still blazing. Always use equipment to shift logs. Never use your hand to move a burning log.
  • To avoid overheating or burns, keep a safe distance from the fire.
  • Wearing nylon or other flammable garments is not recommended. Also, avoid wearing clothing that is too big for you.
  • Never use flammable substances like gasoline or kerosene to start or relight a fire.
  • In an emergency, keep a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Monitor the wind direction and try not to sit in the line of blown ashes and sparks.

Conclusion

Fire pits are a great addition to make your home the ideal home you could ever have! And it is a must-try!

Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API