66 Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

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After the origin of controlled fire — ohh, couple-a-four-hundred-thousand years ago — you have to believe the creation of the fire pit soon followed. And here you sit with an empty backyard, save for the gas grill on your patio.You’ve had plenty of time to stop thinking about a fire pit and start building a fire pit. Lucky for you, fire pit design has evolved in extraordinary directions and you can get as simple or as fancy as your time and budget allow.
Fire Pit Design Ideas
See All PhotosBorrowed From Civic Engineering
A Jamie Durie original design, the gabion fire feature adds an unexpected element to an already stunning setting. Gabion is an Italian word that means a cage filled with rocks. It is a method of building commonly used to make large highway retaining walls and dams.
Photo By: Jamie Rector
Eco-Friendly Industrial
This unique gas-powered fire feature sits atop a slab of concrete. The gas line was run through the corrugated metal pipe and covered with lava rocks. This whole backyard was done with recycled and industrial materials — the raised garden bed and privacy fence were upcycled from old shipping pallets.
Photo By: Martin Klimek/Getty Images
Here at DIY, we tend to gravitate toward the more dynamic and dramatic fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.
Amazing Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits
See All PhotosKeep in mind that fire pits don't take up a lot of space, and combined with their functionality, can be featured almost anywhere in unlimited shapes and sizes. Some of the fire pits below are straight out of the box with minimal-to-zero installation. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter and know your local codes governing fire pits — safety first!
And Even More Fire Pits
See All PhotosJust Gorgeous
A large wooden chandelier and gorgeous stone fireplace lend a rustic feel to this chic outdoor living space. A small sofa and two armchairs provide seating.
Photo By: Julie Dodson
Posh Pit
This contemporary patio design is a great place for entertaining, featuring a fire pit area surrounded by bench seating, accented by lush landscape.
Photo By: Willis Allen Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
Outdoor Sectional
Licensed contractor Matt Blashaw and his Yard Crasher crew helped to build this fire pit which sets on a stained redwood deck with a privacy wall. The cozy sectional sofa and pop of color throw pillows make this space cozy and comfy for all to enjoy!
Photo By: Tomas Ovalle / Associated Press ©2013, DIY/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Take the Chill Off
Enjoy the snowy scenic views in this outdoor entertaining area with a curved wooden bench, a fire pit and a stone patio.
Infinity Fire Pit
Taking full advantage of its gorgeous desert setting, this home's porch and patio feature wide open expanses, an infinity pool and a fire pit. The stonework echoes the neutral colors of the landscape.
Photo By: Tor Barstad
Old World Romantic
A stone bench topped with flagstone pavers runs alongside a stone fireplace for additional seating in this outdoor space. Green cushions provide comfortable seating and complement the lush green ivy covering the top of the fireplace.
Hot Tub Sidekick
A modern outdoor firebox rests adjacent to the hot tub and pool in this entertainment-ready backyard. The transitional home features broad sliding doors that open the home's interior to its exterior living spaces. Sage green trim pops against the white stone exterior and ties in with the surrounding Texas landscape.
Photo By: Ebby Halliday Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
Courtyard Fireplace
From this point of view you can see how the newly designed courtyard on the lower level of the yard is a self-contained outdoor room with a fireplace, raised beds, and a center area for entertaining. The stunning stonework along the right side is both decorative and functional and features an open archway with a view into the lower lot where a small Greek temple is situated.
Photo By: Sylvia and Tim Small
Of course, setting up a store-bought fire pit isn't nearly as fun or satisfying as installing your own. Check out the video below with complete step-by-step — from the first mark to finishing touches — for building a circular fieldstone fire pit, and browse more fire pit how-to videos if you're looking for a different style. Imagine being done in a day and relaxing by your fire as fall leaves flutter to the ground. Aah — those first fire-starters just didn't know how to chill like this.