Home Improvement Ideas Porches & Outdoor Rooms Outdoor Rooms 31 Firepit Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Hangout Space A backyard firepit provides a natural hub for outdoor entertaining. Create an inviting hangout with these firepit ideas, including stone, brick, concrete, and more built-in designs. By Marisa Donnelly and Patricia Shannon Patricia Shannon Patricia Shannon is a freelance homes writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over a decade of editorial experience. Her areas of expertise include decorating, cleaning, and how-to content. Patricia is also a regular contributor with Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 1, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: David Tsay Between barbecues, bonfires, and outdoor movie nights, your backyard will undoubtedly host many special moments. Create an outdoor space that's conducive to relaxation and social gatherings alike by adding a built-in firepit to your yard. These firepit ideas can help you achieve the ultimate backyard hangout for you and your loved ones. 01 of 31 Basin Backyard Firepit John Gruen For a backyard focal point that requires minimal maintenance or cleanup, consider a basin firepit. While this particular style won’t work for all backyard designs, it lends a rustic look that entices family and friends to gather around. Depending on the scale of your outdoor area, choose a firepit size that best suits the space. 02 of 31 Campfire-Inspired Backyard Firepit Hector Manuel Sanchez There’s something about campfires that holds nostalgic appeal. Create your own campfire memories with a stone ring fitted with a metal insert to contain flames, ash, and other debris. Complete the space with a few Adirondack chairs and pea gravel. 03 of 31 Candlelight Backyard Firepit Dana Gallagher While your fire will likely provide plenty of light on its own, large hurricanes with flickering candlelight can add the perfect amount of ambience. Use a variety of candleholders in varying sizes throughout the space to bring interest and a hint of golden hour magic to your outdoor space. Be sure to set the scene with throw pillows and blankets for cooler nights. 04 of 31 Metal Fire Ring John Stoffer Creating your dream backyard on a budget? Try a metal fire ring for an affordable solution. Paired with a gravel patio, it can provide enough protection to keep a fire contained while adding a rustic element to the yard. Overhead string Edison bulbs offer just enough light for nights by the fire while creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests—just make sure you have enough chairs to go around. 05 of 31 Side Porch Firepit Ideas Jay Wilde Firepits aren’t exclusively for backyards. Even a secluded portion of the porch can be prime real estate for this favorite outdoor feature. Firepit areas in covered areas can also have upholstered seating and other design elements that give a more indoor-outdoor feel. 06 of 31 Firepit Cover During the daytime or when it’s too warm for a fire, add a cover to your firepit to easily convert it to a coffee or cocktail table. A vase of flowers, outdoor-friendly glassware and serveware, and a few tasty treats will have your firepit-turned-conversation area party-ready in a flash. 07 of 31 Natural Backyard Firepit Nathan Schroder Photography For a simple and relaxing destination at home, take a cue from Mother Nature and stick with the basics—log seating, pebble groundcover, and a firepit that utilizes natural elements. Fire balls, a concrete base, and lava stone can create a rustic and organic backyard firepit. 08 of 31 Dual-Purpose Patio Firepit Dominique Vorillon A large patio doesn’t have to stick to one function. Here, a space for dining, a space for grilling, and a space for conversing around the fire all create a multi-faceted entertaining area. It also allows for larger parties while still lending an air of intimacy. Install built-in seating around the firepit for added privacy. The 6 Best Patio Furniture Pieces of 2024 to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space This Summer, Tested by Us 09 of 31 Elegant Outdoor Firepit David Tsay Even rustic elements can bring elegance to your backyard firepit area—you just have to strike the right balance. A monochromatic palette throughout the space complements and blends with the concrete firepit to keep the look sleek. Weathered wood dining furniture and a separate seating area feel distinct yet harmonious due to the soft and muted color palette. The angular firepit complete with smooth river stones creates a tranquil spot away from the other areas of the backyard. 10 of 31 Shady Firepit Ideas Laura Moss Photography Placing your firepit under the sprawling branches of a large tree offers beauty and function. As long as there’s plenty of clearance for fire safety measures, the tree’s branches can provide a shady spot for gathering while the sun is still high in the sky. Consider wrapping the tree limbs in string lights for post-sunset ambience. 11 of 31 Cocktail Hour Firepit Ed Gohlich It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so why not make your backyard firepit a cocktail hour destination? To keep the conversation flowing without interruption, ensure you have a tray with snacks and drinks nearby. While the rim of the firepit can act as a table when it’s not in use, if your fire pit emits large flames or puts off a lot of heat, you’ll likely want separate side tables or wide-armed chairs for resting cocktail plates and drinkware so you can enjoy the fire and your hors d'oeuvres hands-free. 12 of 31 Firepit Ideas for Warm Climates Laurie Black If you live in a warm climate or are looking for a summer-friendly option, a firepit that is more about aesthetics than functioning as a heat source is ideal. Look for a gas or electric fire table that emits a small flame. The table’s ledge can also act as a table for drinks and snacks. 13 of 31 Built-In Firepit Ideas Laurie Black Ready to commit to a firepit? Consider building it into your hardscape. Here, a minimalist design keeps the space open and airy, while still creating a distinct space for backyard guests to gather around. 14 of 31 Garden-Inspired Backyard Firepit Laurie Black Surround your firepit with lush foliage, interesting textures, and colorful flowers to create a verdant and peaceful spot for taking in the great outdoors. Garden stools, container gardens, and Adirondack chairs complete the look. Be sure to keep any trailing blooms and vines away from the flames. 15 of 31 Firepit Turned Drink Cooler Edward Gohlich A firepit that does double-duty with a separate section for chilling drinks creates a one-and-done destination for enjoying a cold one by the fire. This stone firepit keeps the fire contained and ice cool. The unique concept might not work in warmer climates, however. 16 of 31 Stone Firepit Surround Edward Gohlich A custom firepit allows for a pretty basin and your choice of surrounding groundcover, and can extend to create a personalized seating area. Large stones create a tailored, in-ground booth that turns into a comfy retreat with the addition of throw pillows and a grassy backdrop. 17 of 31 Natural Stone Firepit Christina Schmidhofer Adding a stone firepit is an easy way to upgrade your outdoor space with a more sophisticated look. The rugged material is ideal for creating a backyard firepit that's sturdy, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. If a certain type of stone already appears in other outdoor areas, such as on your exterior or a patio, incorporate the same material into your firepit design to help bring the elements of your yard together. 18 of 31 Modern Firepit Ideas Chad R. Mellon Establish a modern aesthetic with a firepit design that features straight lines and crisp angles. Crafted from white-painted brick and cement capstones, this rectangular firepit offers a clean, minimalist look. Neutral patio furniture and pared-down landscaping keep the design simple and uncluttered. 19 of 31 Firepit Pathway Marion Brenner Make your firepit feel like a destination with an intentionally designed pathway. For a simple update, consider adding a stepping stone path or lining the route with landscape lights. This backyard takes a more elaborate approach with a series of arbors wrapped in string lights leading the way to the firepit area. 20 of 31 Small Patio Firepit Edmund Barr Make the most of a small yard with an intimate entertaining zone anchored by a firepit. On this patio, an L-shaped bench crafted from sturdy brick and cushioned with plush outdoor pillows maximizes seating around the rectangular firepit. The built-in seating helps define the boundary with the neighboring house, and repeating colors and materials help the patio feel like an extension of the home. 21 of 31 Firepit Landscaping Ideas Laurie Black Harness landscaping and hardscaping to create a firepit area that feels like an outdoor room. Here, a combination of pavers and gravel forms a casual patio anchored by a firepit. Creating a more formal barrier between the rest of the yard is a stacked stone wall, which can also provide overflow seating for guests. Large container gardens and planted beds further define the area. 22 of 31 Rustic Firepit Ideas Michael Partenio Re-create the laidback feeling of camping with a firepit nestled near the trees. Here, a circle of stones stacked on top of a gravel foundation forms a simple rustic firepit that doesn't compromise on quality or safety. Pull up a few Adirondack chairs for casual seating that still feels sophisticated. 23 of 31 Large Backyard Firepit Joe Keller A large backyard leaves plenty of room for creative firepit ideas. For an easy-access gathering place, consider building a firepit as an extension of your patio. Here, a change in the size and shape of the patio pavers marks the distinction between the more formal outdoor dining space and the casual firepit area. 24 of 31 Brick Firepit Ideas Christina Schmidhofer A brick firepit offers a classic look that suits homes of any style. Leave the bricks unpainted for a natural look, or define the firepit with a coat of crisp white paint. Here, a painted brick firepit pairs with plenty of seating to form a sophisticated outdoor entertaining area fit for a crowd. 25 of 31 Secluded Firepit Area Laurie Black Having a firepit a few steps outside your back door provides easy access and creates continuity between your indoor and outdoor areas. But if you have ample yard space, consider building a firepit a little farther from your home. Especially when paired with privacy-boosting landscaping, this backyard firepit idea can make your outdoor entertaining area feel like a secluded oasis. 26 of 31 Built-In Stone Firepit Matthew Benson Build a backyard firepit directly into a wall or ledge to mimic the look of a traditional fireplace. This stone firepit idea helps create a built-in wind barrier while showcasing the beauty of natural stone. Great for small yards, it also lets you create your seating area in a semi-circle rather than a full circle. 27 of 31 Nature-Inspired Firepit Design Edmund Barr Surround your firepit area with leafy plants and colorful blooms to create your own backyard escape. Not only can lush landscaping encourage calm and relaxation, but the foliage can also help provide privacy for your outdoor space. A mix of colors, heights, and textures brings pleasing variety to the landscaping around this two-tiered firepit. 28 of 31 Small Firepit Ideas Bob Stefko Large firepits easily make a statement, but even a small firepit can provide cozy backyard ambience. Here, a simple rectangular design creates a barrier for bonfires without taking up any unnecessary space. A pair of wicker chairs provides comfy seating for two, while colorful container gardens create a lively border for the outdoor room. 29 of 31 Open-Concept Firepit Area Dominique Vorillon Design an open-concept firepit area that welcomes outdoor cooking, dining, entertaining, and more. This low-profile cement firepit forms the central gathering spot amid a grilling zone, flexible seating, and a dining table beyond. A smooth flow helps the space function well for family grill-outs or large gatherings. 30 of 31 Family-Friendly Firepit Bob Stefko When designing a firepit, think about who will be enjoying the space the most and prioritize their needs. For example, if you have children, a firepit with a wide ledge can create a natural barrier that helps prevent singed fingers or, for older kids, provides seating for marshmallow roasting. Be sure to allow ample space within the firepit area to avoid tripping between chairs. 31 of 31 Natural Firepit Materials Edmund Barr Natural materials create firepit designs that feel more intuitive rather than manmade. This stacked stone firepit looks right at home amid a wood privacy fence, a flagstone patio, and leafy foliage. Brightly colored patio furniture and accessories pop against the neutral backdrop. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit