66 Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas
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
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Borrowed 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
Fire Pit Coffee Table
In this Jamie Durie design, the gabion is used again, but this time for a tree and plantings. The gabion balances perfectly with the inviting outdoor living room.
Photo By: Jamie Rector
Here at DIY, we tend to gravitate toward the more dynamic and dramatic fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.
Amazing Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits
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Keep 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
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Just 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
Minimal and Modern Style
Wooden benches wind through a modern, minimalist backyard. A white fire pit creates a cozy and inviting space, perfect for entertaining through the night.
Photo By: Jamie Rector ©2011, HGTV/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.
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.
How to Build a Stone Fire Pit 04:36
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