The fire pit area is surrounded by long blooming perennials and ornamental grasses, while a backdrop of upright junipers provides privacy from the subdivision walking path. Westhauser Photography

There are an infinite number of possible designs, and outdoor fire pits no longer need to be just a round pile of rocks. I work with several basic styles of gas fed fire pits when I design outdoor gardens to enchant my clients. The popularity of fire pits and the fire effects they produce in the garden is one of fastest growing trends in outdoor design. The allure of sitting around a fire ring has been around since the beginning of mankind. Fire provides warmth, light, a cooking source and, of course relaxation. A dancing flame has a mesmerizing affect that encourages you to unwind and settle in. The popularity of fire pits, or conversation pits as they are commonly called, has grown rapidly in recent years. Proper design and construction will ensure a safe and enjoyable feature that will last several decades This fully equipped outdoor kitchen is separate from the rest of the living space, allowing the two areas to be utilized entirely on their own. outdoor kitchens are most efficient when it's zoned into logical uses. your cook space should have plenty of prep space, room to set down utensils and stage ingredients, and a comfortable buffer from the seating island to keep guests protected from the heat.

Design by Scot Eckley Inc. ( https://www.houzz.com/pro/scoteckley42/scot-eckley-inc/)

These Katy TX homeowners were looking for a space that would combine their love for the outdoors and watching sports. Tradition Outdoor Living designed a unique open plan that includes a covered patio flanked by two cedar pergolas and a stone fire pit. This combination of structures provides a fully protected lounge area for TV viewing and two partially shaded areas for grilling and dining in comfort. The covered patio has an open gable roof with cedar trusses, cedar trimmed columns and beams. The stained tongue and groove ceiling is fitted out with recessed lighting and ceiling fans. The matching pergolas provide partial shade while allowing natural light to filter through. The concrete was extended to create room for seating around the fire pit. The concrete is stamped and stained to coordinate with the stone fire pit and stone footers. Rustic lighting, furniture and decor create a laid back, rugged outdoor retreat.

Privately located, surrounded by lush plantings, this stone fire pit is a favorite gathering place. A slab stone walkway leads to the English country pea gravel patio and fire pit.

This is a great example of how Cooke accommodates the design needs of our customers. This Santa Barbara fire pit table compliments this compact patio space by blending in, not being too noisy or obtrusive. The grey powdercoat color leaves an opportunity for a bright accent piece, colorful flora, furniture, and lighting to play a larger role in visually defining this space. Our customers love being able to use Cooke colors to bring a theme and a feeling of completeness to their outdoor space. We'd also like to point out that this is a propane model. The refillable tank is neatly stored in the base of the table, accessed via the small door visible in this picture. This is a great option for those who like rearranging their spaces. Natural gas models are also available. The small silver dial underneath the table top offers precise and safe flame control.

The focal point of this backyard retreat is the custom concrete fire pit. All of the walls surrounding the property are matching stacked stone and built to last by TRU Landscape Services

Custom Belgard patio features Lafit Rustic Slab pavers in Brookstone Slate and Holland Stone pavers in Charcoal. A stone seat wall defines the space while providing additional seating. The square gas fire pit is accented with Charcoal colored pavers and contains glass beads. ~Custom designed and built by Archadeck of Chicagoland.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

Situated on the shore of newfound lake in central new hampshire, this outdoor retreat looks west over the spring fed waters toward the mountains beyond. Our design intent was to provide the homeowners with a viewing perspective that captured the feel of lakefront living. The fire pit terrace, situated on a plane aligned with the home’s main floor, uses native granite from a nearby quarry to create a refined campfire retreat. This carefully calculated elevation makes the upper plateau appear to jut out into the lake. A quick walk down a grass path with granite lawn treads brings us to a private beach for lounging and water access. Transitioning from refined to rustic successfully makes the landscape feel cohesive and inviting.

Adirondack chairs and teak stools by Gloster. Fire pit by Fire Pit Art. All available at AuthenTEAK.
Patio - mid-sized eclectic backyard gravel patio idea in Atlanta with a fire pit and no cover

4 beds 5 baths 4,447 sqft RARE FIND! NEW HIGH-TECH, LAKE FRONT CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHLY DESIRABLE WINDERMERE CHAIN OF LAKES. This unique home site offers the opportunity to enjoy lakefront living on a private cove with the beauty and ambiance of a classic "Old Florida" home. With 150 feet of lake frontage, this is a very private lot with spacious grounds, gorgeous landscaping, and mature oaks. This acre plus parcel offers the beauty of the Butler Chain, no HOA, and turn key convenience. High-tech smart house amenities and the designer furnishings are included. Natural light defines the family area featuring wide plank hickory hardwood flooring, gas fireplace, tongue and groove ceilings, and a rear wall of disappearing glass opening to the covered lanai. The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher, exotic granite counter tops, a walk in pantry, and custom built cabinetry. The office features wood beamed ceilings. With an emphasis on Florida living the large covered lanai with summer kitchen, complete with Viking grill, fridge, and stone gas fireplace, overlook the sparkling salt system pool and cascading spa with sparkling lake views and dock with lift. The private master suite and luxurious master bath include granite vanities, a vessel tub, and walk in shower. Energy saving and organic with 6-zone HVAC system and Nest thermostats, low E double paned windows, tankless hot water heaters, spray foam insulation, whole house generator, and security with cameras. Property can be gated.

Photography by Rebecca Lehde
Example of a large classic backyard patio design in Charleston with a fire pit and no cover

Fire pit, composite decking, metal railing, grill island installations.
Example of a large classic backyard metal railing deck design in Denver with a fire pit and an awning

It feels like camp, albeit a very nice one, in this shady backyard. The circular fire pit sits off the center of the flagstone patio, allowing for flexible seating arrangements.

Pavilion at night. At center is a wood-burning fire pit with a custom copper hood. An internal fan in the flue pulls smoke up and out of the pavilion. Octagonal fire pit and spa are on axis with the home's octagonal dining table up the slope and inside the house. At right is the bathroom, at left is the outdoor kitchen. I designed this outdoor living project when at CG&S, and it was beautifully built by their team. Photo: Paul Finkel 2012

Gravel, La Paz stone, and lawn provide contrasting textures while the fire pit provides a focal point. (Photography by Paul Dyer)
Patio - contemporary patio idea in San Francisco