How Big Should A Fire Pit Area Be?

Fire pits can be a great way to enhance indoor living spaces, such as by providing a place to socialize, enjoy family time, and create a welcoming atmosphere for cooking and entertaining.

A fire pit should fit comfortably in your backyard or on your patio, and should be big enough to comfortably accommodate the majority of the fire. 

But how exactly should a fire fit be?

How big should a fire pit area be?

A fire pit is generally smaller than the area it occupies, usually measuring four to five feet in width. For optimum comfort, the patio surrounding it should be at least six feet wide and four or five high.

This will allow for ample room around the fire, accommodating chairs and benches or whatever else you might want to place there. It’s also important to leave at least one foot behind the fire pit area in order to extract ashes from it.

How far the heat can reach?

A fire pit is a perfect addition for your outdoor living space. It has the ability to reach up 800°F, pushing 200° – 400° of radiant heat into its surrounding area and keeping you warm on those chilly fall nights!

However, fire pit heat capability is dependent on several factors. Such as fire pit size, fire type (if you’re using wood, gas or propane) and fire level (a fire must be controlled very carefully if it’s to be used indoors).

Distance of people around the fire pit?

The distance between you and your guests and the fire pit’s edge should be around 30 inches for a wood-burning fire pit and 24 inches for a gas fire pit.

To be most effective, fire pits need to be at least 4.5 feet wide and 6.5 feet high with an additional foot of clearance behind it for ashes.

The fire needs to allow room for firewood, fire screens, chairs, benches or other furniture around it where people can enjoy it without being too close to the heat.

How much air flow is needed for fire pit?

Spark arrestor screens are built in most fire pits in order to prevent embers from being thrown out onto your patio or backyard, so you don’t have to worry about ventilation.

However, it’s still important that the screens are free of any obstruction in order for sufficient airflow. Just make sure not too much leaves through the screen and escapes into your area!

How much room to leave around a fire pit?

When you’re designing your outdoor living space, keep in mind the amount of room surrounding the fire pit. A good rule of thumb is to leave roughly 7 feet between a fire pit and anything else.

This will ensure you don’t burn anything in its path, while still giving you enough room to put furniture around it. In addition, fire pits should be placed on fire-resistant surfaces and located away from overhanging branches or other flammable items.

Different sizes of fire pit

It is important to think about the size of your fire pit before you buy it. If it is too small, there won’t be enough heat and only a few people will be able to circle around it. If the fire pit is too big, you could easily get out of control and guests will not be able to talk because they need to raise their voice since they are far apart.

Height

Consider the height of your fire pit if you’re buying one. If it’s too tall, people won’t be able to sit with their legs dangling over the edge. People will have to bend over and squat near the fire if it is too short.

A good rule of thumb is to make your fire pit 12-14 inches tall. This is shorter than regular couch height. If you want to be able to sit in the fire pit, go up 18-20 inches so it’s comfortable. If your fire pit is taller than this, it will keep heat inside and people won’t be able to enjoy sitting there in chairs.

Width

The average fire pit is 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. The dimensions of a small fire pit are 3 feet by 3 feet, while a larger group-friendly fire pit can be 6 feet wide. These figures include the wall thickness, so do not believe that the total width of the fire pit is also 6 feet wide.

Distance of fire pit from house

Before you put a fire on a match, never do it closer than 10 feet from anything that can burn. That includes your house and the branches of the tree over your head.

A fire pit should never be placed on a grassy surface, outside of the fire pit’s size. Wood decks are fire-prone surfaces that can easily catch fire. You must also consider enclosed porches that are attached to the house because you could end up burning your entire house down if you use it carelessly.

Distance of fire pit on the fence

The fire pit should be 10 feet away from buildings or anything that can catch on fire. Check the weather forecast before starting an outside fire. Embers might be blown by the wind.

If the fire is too close to another house or property, you can cause damage or hurt someone without meaning to.

Where to safely place a fire pit?

In Seattle, the Fire Department says that you need a distance of 10 feet from your house and your neighbors’ yards.

However, if your fire pit fits within specified size limits, it does not require a permit. Others need a site examination from local fire officials to ensure that your proposed location is safe (away from fences, buildings, overhanging trees, etc.).

Some communities don’t allow people to have fire pits. You need to talk to the officials before you buy or plan one.

Fire pit safety

Fire pits can be a fire hazard and should always be taken seriously. They are not only fire hazards, but also air quality hazards. The smoke from fire pits is very harmful to the lungs and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma.

Here are some safety tips you should consider:

Before you start a fire, check the wind direction

Before you start a fire, it’s important to check the wind direction. If your fire pit is too close to another house or property, you can cause damage or hurt someone without meaning to. If the fire is too close to houses or other flammable items, it could be dangerous for those around it and should never be started.

Don’t light or relight fires using flammable liquids

This is a fire hazard. Stay away from the fire while it’s being lit to avoid burns or a fire spreading around.

Keep a fire extinguisher and garden hose close by

Keep a fire extinguisher and garden hose close by in case there are any emergencies. Ensure you know how to use these fire safety tools before an emergency happens.

Don’t wear flammable clothing 

If you wear flammable clothing close to fire pits, it is very dangerous. You can catch on fire without realizing or if your clothes brush against the fire.

Use non-combustible items around the fire pit

Only use fire pit rings, firewood holders and fire pits made out of fire-resistant materials.

Build your fire away from flammable objects such as trees or houses

If you build a camp fire underneath a tree, the fire can spread and catch onto nearby leaves and branches which can lead to very dangerous consequences. If possible, it’s best to have an open space where fires are allowed to be lit.

Be careful with the wood you choose for your fire pit

Never burn green logs, as they create more smoke than dry ones do when burned. Also avoid burning pressure treated wood as this contains toxins that could pollute your fire pit ashes and release chemicals into the air if burned improperly.

Children and pets should be at least three feet away from the fire

This is very important, fire pits can be hazardous and children and pets running around the fire can be a fire hazard. If your fire pit has an inner circle, ensure there’s at least three feet between the fire and any kids or animals that could get too close to it.

Use fire-resistant gloves when tending to the fire

Fire pits get very hot and if you put your hands too close without protecting them with fire-resistant gloves, you risk burning yourself. This is not only dangerous for you but also others around you who could catch on fire from your burn if they touch it by mistake.