Ideas for a Cosy Fire Pit in the Garden

On this page you will find our best fire pit ideas to give you inspiration for making a fire pit in your garden. For example, we guide you in selecting the right location for the fire pit, what materials you need to get started, and we also share our best ideas on how to make your fire pit a little extra cosy.

3 fire pit ideas for your garden

If you love spending time in your garden and want to make it even more cosy and inviting, then maybe it’s time to create your own fire pit. But do you also need inspiration on how to create a fire pit in your garden? There are actually a lot of ways you can do it, and we’ve provided three ideas you can hopefully find inspiration in.

1. Make a fire pit with recycled materials

Reusing materials is becoming increasingly popular, and this is also true when it comes to fire pits. That’s why the first fire pit idea is to use recycled materials. Not only is this good for the environment, but it also ensures your fire pit will be unique. Plus, it’s kinder to your wallet. For example, you can use old tiles, bricks, or concrete blocks to build your new fire pit, and with a little creativity you can easily create a cosy gathering spot in the garden.

2. Use sett paving bricks for your fire pit

The next fire pit idea is to sett paving bricks. Sett paving bricks are sturdy and durable, making them ideal for any fire pit. They withstand high heat and create a rustic and natural look that blends well into most gardens. For this reason, the bricks are often used for fire pits. A fire pit constructed of sett paving bricks is easy to maintain. And it can last for many years.

3. Use fieldstones to frame the fire pit

The last idea is to use fieldstones for your fire pit. Fieldstones are smaller than sett paving bricks, but they are just as durable, so it comes down to your personal preference. They are easy to work with, and because each stone is unique, they are especially good at creating a fire pit with extra attention to the details. And for that reason, they are also quite popular among garden owners.

These three fire pit ideas are just some options if you dream of making a cosy gathering spot at home in your garden. If you are looking for even more inspiration for your fire pit, you can, for example, also go for a portable fire pit, which is a very flexible solution, and if you are particularly handy, you can also consider a digging a fire pit in your lawn. In fact, you are only limited by your imagination.

Inspiration for the location of your fire pit

Once you have decided to create a fire pit in your garden, the next step is to find the best spot. This can be a bit challenging, so we’ve provided three ideas for where to place your new fire pit so you can create an outdoor gathering spot in your garden:

1. In the middle of the garden: A central location for your fire pit can be a good choice if you have a large garden with a lot of space. The fire pit will serve as a natural gathering point – right in the middle of the garden. And you will be able to enjoy the view of your garden from all sides while sitting by the fire.
2. Close to the patio: If you have a patio, it may be a good idea to place the fire pit near it. Then you can easily move from the patio to the fire pit when the sun goes down on a late summer evening. And it’s also easier to integrate the fire pit into your outdoor activities.
3. In a secluded corner: If you dream of an extra cosy atmosphere, it may be a good idea to place the fire pit in a quiet, secluded corner of the garden. You can create a cosy nook and enjoy the tranquillity while warming yourself by the fire.

These three suggestions are just some options, and you are free to use them as inspiration when figuring out where to place your fire pit. However, when looking for the perfect spot, there are several things you should consider before you get started.

First and foremost, you need to think about safety when constructing your fire pit. Therefore, it should be placed several metres away from your home, trees, and other flammable material. Another factor to consider is wind direction. Many people forget to take the wind into account, but it is important to place your fire pit somewhere in the garden where the wind does not blow directly towards your house or your neighbours. This will help keep the smoke away, and it also ensures a bit more comfort for everyone – both you and your neighbours.

Things you need to build a fire pit in your garden

Once you’ve got a fire pit idea that you want to bring to life, you need to get all the materials before you start. We have therefore compiled a list of what you will need, and we hope you get some inspiration:

• Stones or tiles
• Gravel or sand
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow
• String
• Spirit level
• Rubber mallet

Once you have all the materials and some inspiration for your fire pit, you are well on your way to creating a cosy gathering spot in your garden.

How to build your own fire pit – step by step

Getting started with a fire pit may seem daunting, but if you plan well, it’s not that difficult to transform part of your garden into a cosy gathering spot. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to get started with building your own fire pit so that you can bring your ideas to life.

1. Plan well: Before you get started, you need to know exactly where the fire pit will be. You can use our tips above as inspiration for the location of your fire pit. Once you’ve decided the location, it’s time to measure up the fire pit. Mark the fire pit with sticks and string to ensure that the area does not become skew. You can also use a spade to size the fire pit if that works better for you. Tip: The fire pit doesn’t have to be round. For example, you can also make it square.
2. Start digging: Once you have marked the area, it’s time to dig. Use a spade to dig a hole about 20-30 centimetres deep. This corresponds approximately to the blade length of the spade. You can also use the bricks/stones that you will be using in your fire pit to measure the hole depth, since the depth must match the size of the bricks/stones. The turf you remove can be cleared away with a wheelbarrow.
3. Prepare the hole: Now you should have a big hole right in the middle of the garden. You probably want to do something about this, so add a layer of sand or pebbles over the ground, which will form the foundation of the fire pit. Also, compact everything firmly to make sure the shape is retained when you start laying stones.
4. Lay the stones: The next step is to lay the bricks/stones that you have chosen for your fire pit. There are many different bricks and stones that you can use, such as slabs, natural stones, fieldstones, or sett paving bricks. It’s totally up to you. Start by forming the inner ring of stone towards the middle. You may want to use a spirit level to ensure the correct height. The trick is to keep everything level while laying the stones – from the inside out. Use a rubber mallet to gently knock the stones into place.
5. Fill with sand: When you have finished laying all the stones, you can finish off the pit by filling it with sand. Now your fire pit is finished and it’s time to make it cosy. Below you will find inspiration on how to set up good seating around your new fire pit.

Keep the guide in mind when creating a fire pit in your garden, and remember that you are only limited by your imagination.

Ideas for seating around the fire pit

For a fire pit to become an integral part of the garden where you can socialise with family and friends, it’s important to give some thought to the seating around the fire pit. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

Benches: A classic and practical solution is to set up benches around the fire pit. Benches can easily accommodate several people, and you can also use them to create a cosy atmosphere by adding cushions and blankets. You could buy a few benches, but if you have the courage, you can also build them yourself to add a personal touch to your fire pit.

Rocks: If you’re more into a rustic look, then you might also want to consider using rocks as seating by placing them in a circle around the fire pit, for example. However, remember to choose rocks that are large enough and flat enough to sit on comfortably.

Sleeping mats or cushions: Another good idea is to use sleeping mats or cushions as seating. You can easily pull them out of storage when it’s time to make a fire, and they also create a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Here you can also add cushions and blankets for extra comfort.

Tree stumps: Another rustic option is to use tree stumps as seating. Like the rocks, they also offer a unique and natural look. And you can even use them as small tables to place snacks and drinks.

These ideas are just some of the many ways you can create cosy and inviting seating around your fire pit. Which do you like most?

Remember the accessories for your fire pit

A fire pit is great, but if you want to take it to the next level, it’s important to have the right accessories. And this is especially true if you plan to use the fire as a grill or outdoor kitchen.

A grill grate is a necessity if you want to cook over a fire. You can use it to grill everything from sausages and marshmallows to fish and vegetables. Be sure to choose a grate that is large enough to cover the whole fire.

You also need a good cast iron pot and pan. They are ideal for cooking on the fire, as they tolerate high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. Also think about getting a set of grill tongs and grill gloves. Not only will they protect you from the heat, but they will also make it easier to handle the food over the fire. Find all our grill accessories here.

Get inspiration for creating the right atmosphere around the fire pit

A fire pit equals cosiness, but creating just the right atmosphere around it involves much more than just lighting the fire. Read on for some inspiration and simple tips on how you can create a cosy atmosphere around your fire pit.

Lighting sets the mood, and this also applies at the fire pit. So, why not hang colourful string lights in the trees or bushes around the fire? This will create a magical atmosphere when darkness falls. You can also go for solar-powered lamps, which turn on automatically when the sun goes down. Or how about placing a few cosy lanterns with candles around the fire pit?

Another way to make your fire pit extra cosy is to decorate it with soft cushions and blankets, which can make the seating a little more comfortable. The smart thing is that you can easily take the cushions and blankets from storage when it’s time to sit by the fire. And you can easily pack them away again afterwards.

You can also add a few flowerpots around the pit to give the area some extra life. It doesn’t take much to create a cosy atmosphere, and in fact, it’s often the little things that can really make a difference.

Ideas for things to do around your fire pit

A fire pit is cosy in itself, but it can also serve as the setting for a number of cosy and fun activities. We therefore offer several ideas for what you can do around your new gathering spot. Feel free to use the suggestions as inspiration for activities around your own fire pit.

A classic activity to do around the fire is, of course, baking twist bread. It’s a fun activity for children and adults alike, and it doesn’t require much more than a stick, puff pastry dough, and a little patience. And you can add grilled sausages or ketchup to make the twist bread extra delicious.

Another obvious use of the fire pit is to roast marshmallows. It is a sweet and delicious snack perfect on a cosy evening around the fire. Make a dessert out of it my placing the roasted marshmallow between biscuits or crackers.

A fire pit is ideal on summer evenings, but you can actually use it all year round. It is also the perfect place to spend a cool autumn day or frosty winter day. For example, you can enjoy the warmth of the fire while warming yourself with a cup of hot cocoa.

Are there any rules for fire pits?

Creating the perfect fire pit doesn’t just require a dose of creativity and good fire pit ideas. It also demands respect for some basic rules. The fire must be safe and under control, regardless of whether you are cooking food or have just lit the fire for the sake of cosiness.

1. Do not make fires during strong winds or during dry periods, as the fire can spread quickly.
2. The location of your fire pit is also very important. To minimise the risk of the fire spreading, do not place it too close to buildings, trees, and tall grass.
3. Never leave a lit fire unsupervised. It may seem obvious, but it’s a rule that many often overlook.
4. Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby so you can react quickly if an accident occurs.
5. Once you’re done with the fire, make sure it is fully extinguished. A tiny ember can easily ignite a fire.

If you follow the above rules and use your common sense, you can enjoy a cosy – and safe – fire pit.