While the style of outdoor fire pit you choose is an important consideration, the same can be said for the positioning of this landscape feature. Before you land on a backyard destination, consider these three elements.

How to Decide Where to Put a Fire Pit

Consider the Safety Side of Things

The conversation around fire pit safety begins with its location. Generally, fire pits should be situated a minimum of 10 feet away from nearby structures (including your home and neighbors’ fences) as well as surrounding trees and shrubs that could ignite if contact occurs. However, it’s important to note local laws will dictate the exact minimum distance from structures and should be consulted before install. This applies to both wood-burning fire pits and propane fire pits.

Consider the Surface of the Location

Another factor to consider in the safety of an outdoor fire pit is the surface on which it is built. It’s critical that outdoor fire pits are installed on a flat, even surface versus a sloped one, such as a patchy area of grass in your backyard. Ideally, the surface should consist of patio pavers, which are recognized for their durability as well as their ability to withstand the extreme heat of flames. 

Consider the Functionality of the Fire Pit

Generally speaking, fire pits are added to backyards for entertainment purposes — whether it’s a place to cozy up with friends on a cool night or roast marshmallows with family after dinner. To this end, you might want to install a fire pit near your outdoor kitchen or pool house, to name a few examples, as a way to extend this backyard socializing. Just be sure to leave enough room between the structures to ensure safety and to give guests space to comfortably move around.

Further Considerations for Your Outdoor Fire Pit

While we’ve discussed the placement of your outdoor fire pit in this article, we’ll leave you with a few other questions to ask yourself before installing this landscape feature:

• Do you prefer the natural setup of a wood-burning fire pit or the low maintenance of a gas fire pit?
• Would you like to include a built-in seating wall, traditional seating or a mix of the two?
• What is your overall budget?

The answers to these questions will help further guide you in the design and installation of your outdoor fire pit. 

When you’re ready to get started on your landscape project, contact Green Impressions! Using our industry experience, we’ll integrate your ideal outdoor fire pit with a comprehensive Northeast Ohio landscape design that you can enjoy every season.