Fire Pits

Fire pits can completely change the way a garden is used.

They create warmth, atmosphere and a natural focal point, encouraging people to sit outside for longer and giving the garden a completely different character after dark.

At Kirman Design, we design and install fire pits across North West England as part of bespoke garden design, landscaping and complete garden transformation projects.

The strongest fire pit areas are not simply spaces with a fire bowl placed in the middle.

They are carefully designed destinations within the garden.

What Is a Garden Fire Pit?

A garden fire pit is an outdoor fire feature designed to provide warmth, atmosphere and a focal point within a seating area.

Depending on the project, it may be:

• Freestanding

• Built-in

• Gas-powered

• Wood-burning

• Integrated into a table

• Set within a sunken seating area

• Incorporated into a larger outdoor living space

The right choice depends on the garden, how the space will be used and the level of permanence required.

Fire Pits as Part of Garden Design

A fire pit should feel integrated into the wider garden.

Its position should be considered alongside:

• Seating

• Circulation

• Views

• Planting

• Wind direction

• Lighting

• Paving

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Boundaries

This creates a much more cohesive result than adding a fire pit after the garden is complete.

Where Should a Fire Pit Be Positioned?

Position is important.

A fire pit may work best:

• Close to the house

• Beside a main entertaining terrace

• Within a pergola

• In a separate seating area

• At the end of the garden

• In a sunken space

• Beside a pool

• Near an outdoor kitchen

The location should reflect how the area will actually be used.

Fire Pits as Garden Destinations

In larger gardens, a fire pit can create a reason to move away from the main terrace.

It might sit:

• At the end of a path

• Beyond planting

• Beside a view

• Within a separate garden room

This can make the garden feel more varied and encourage people to use more of the available space.

Sunken Fire Pit Areas

Sunken seating areas can create particularly intimate fire pit spaces.

They may provide:

• Shelter

• Enclosure

• A strong focal point

• Distinct character

The surrounding levels, drainage and retaining structures need careful design.

Fire Pit Seating

Seating should be planned around the fire pit from the outset.

Possible options include:

• Built-in seating

• Lounge furniture

• Benches

• Individual chairs

• Circular seating

• L-shaped seating

The distance between the fire and seating needs careful consideration.

Built-In Seating

Built-in seating can create a highly integrated look.

It may be constructed using:

• Masonry

• Timber

• Stone

• Architectural finishes

Cushions and soft furnishings can then add comfort.

Fire Pit Tables

Fire pit tables combine a central flame with a usable surrounding surface.

They can work particularly well for:

• Lounge seating

• Drinks

• Informal entertaining

They may suit gardens where a more compact, refined solution is required.

Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits can offer:

• Easy ignition

• Cleaner operation

• Controlled flame

• Less smoke

They may be particularly suitable for contemporary outdoor living spaces.

Their installation should be professionally planned and carried out.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Wood-burning fire pits create a more traditional experience.

They provide:

• Real flame

• Crackling sound

• Wood smoke aroma

However, they also require consideration of:

• Smoke

• Wind

• Fuel storage

• Ash

• Neighbours

• Maintenance

Fire Pits and the UK Climate

The British climate makes fire features particularly useful.

A fire pit can extend the comfortable use of the garden into:

• Cooler evenings

• Spring

• Autumn

It can also make outdoor entertaining feel more appealing outside peak summer.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Kitchens

Fire pits work particularly well alongside outdoor kitchens.

The kitchen can provide the cooking and dining focus.

The fire pit can become the more relaxed area for:

• Drinks

• Conversation

• Evening seating

The two spaces should be designed as part of one wider entertaining layout.

Fire Pits and Dining Areas

A fire pit may sit close to dining, but it does not necessarily need to be part of the dining area itself.

Separating dining and lounge zones can create a more layered garden.

Fire Pits and Pergolas

Pergolas can help define fire pit spaces.

They may provide:

• Architectural structure

• Shelter

• Lighting

• Privacy

Any covered structure must still allow appropriate ventilation and safe clearances.

Fire Pits and Paving

The surface around a fire pit needs careful consideration.

Suitable materials may include:

• Porcelain

• Natural stone

• Granite

• Gravel

The material should be appropriate for outdoor use and suitable around the chosen fire feature.

Porcelain Around Fire Pits

Porcelain can create a clean contemporary finish.

Its consistent dimensions can work particularly well with:

• Built-in seating

• Architectural walls

• Sunken fire pits

Correct installation remains essential.

Natural Stone Around Fire Pits

Natural stone can create a softer, more established appearance.

It may suit:

• Country gardens

• Period properties

• Traditional landscapes

The material should be selected carefully for the intended use.

Gravel Fire Pit Areas

Gravel can create a more relaxed and informal fire pit space.

It may be particularly effective in:

• Country gardens

• Naturalistic gardens

• Larger landscapes

Fire Pits and Garden Walls

Walls can help define fire pit areas.

They may also provide:

• Seating

• Shelter

• Level changes

• Privacy

The materials should coordinate with the wider garden.

Fire Pits and Planting

Planting can help soften the fire pit area.

It may provide:

• Privacy

• Shelter

• Movement

• Seasonal interest

Planting should be positioned with appropriate consideration for heat and fire safety.

Fire Pits and Ornamental Grasses

Grasses can create a strong visual contrast with fire.

Their movement and seed heads can look especially atmospheric in the evening.

However, combustible planting should not be positioned too close to the flame.

Fire Pits and Specimen Trees

A specimen tree may help frame the space or create a focal point beyond it.

Lighting the tree can add depth and atmosphere after dark.

Fire Pits and Privacy

Fire pit areas often work best when they feel enclosed and intimate.

Privacy may be created using:

• Hedging

• Trees

• Screens

• Pergolas

• Layered planting

The aim is to create shelter without making the space feel confined.

Fire Pits and Wind

Wind is particularly important.

It can affect:

• Smoke

• Flame

• Comfort

• Heat direction

The prevailing wind should therefore be considered when choosing the location.

Fire Pits and Neighbours

A fire feature should be positioned with consideration for neighbouring properties.

Potential issues include:

• Smoke

• Odour

• Light

• Noise

• Proximity

This is especially important with wood-burning fire pits.

Fire Pits and Garden Lighting

The fire itself provides light, so additional illumination should be subtle.

Lighting may be used around:

• Paths

• Steps

• Planting

• Walls

• Trees

Too much additional light can reduce the atmosphere.

Fire Pits After Dark

The strongest fire pit areas rely on contrast.

The flame becomes the visual focus.

Nearby planting may be gently lit.

Paths remain safe.

The surrounding garden can stay relatively dark.

This creates a much richer night-time experience.

Fire Pits and Water Features

Fire and water can create a particularly strong contrast.

A nearby:

• Reflecting pool

• Rill

• Water wall

• Pond

can add another layer of atmosphere to an outdoor living space.

Fire Pits for Contemporary Gardens

Contemporary fire pit areas may use:

• Porcelain

• Architectural walls

• Built-in seating

• Gas fire pits

• Corten steel

• Strong planting

The design is often clean and highly integrated.

Fire Pits for Modern Gardens

Modern gardens may use simple geometric fire features and restrained materials.

The surrounding planting can soften the architecture.

Fire Pits for Country Gardens

Country gardens can support more informal fire pit areas.

Possible materials include:

• Natural stone

• Gravel

• Timber

The fire pit can feel like a destination within the wider landscape.

Fire Pits for Courtyard Gardens

Courtyard fire pits can create very intimate spaces.

However, ventilation, clearances and proximity to walls need careful consideration.

Fire Pits for Large Gardens

Large gardens provide opportunities for dedicated fire pit zones away from the main terrace.

This can make the garden more interesting to move through.

Fire Pits for Small Gardens

Compact fire features can still work in smaller spaces.

The key is choosing an appropriately scaled product and maintaining comfortable circulation.

Fire Pits for New-Build Gardens

Fire pits can help create an immediate sense of destination in new-build gardens that otherwise feel open or featureless.

They can be combined with:

• Screening

• Planting

• Pergolas

• Lighting

Fire Pits for Period Properties

A fire pit can work with period architecture when materials are selected sensitively.

Natural stone, brick and traditional planting can help the area sit comfortably within the wider garden.

Fire Pits Beside Swimming Pools

Fire features can work well in pool landscapes.

They may help create an evening lounge area beside the pool.

The design should carefully coordinate:

• Heat

• Circulation

• Wet surfaces

• Furniture

• Lighting

Corten Steel Fire Pits

Corten steel can be particularly effective in contemporary and naturalistic gardens.

Its warm weathered tones work well with:

• Grasses

• Gravel

• Stone

• Naturalistic planting

It can create a strong sculptural feature even when not lit.

Built-In Fire Pits

Built-in fire pits can be designed specifically for the garden.

They may be integrated into:

• Masonry seating

• Raised terraces

• Sunken areas

• Architectural walls

This can create a cleaner and more bespoke appearance.

Freestanding Fire Pits

Freestanding fire pits offer greater flexibility.

They may be suitable where:

• The layout may change

• A simpler installation is preferred

• The garden is being renovated rather than fully rebuilt

Their scale should still suit the surrounding space.

Fire Pits and Safety

Safety must be considered at the design stage.

Important factors include:

• Clearances

• Combustible materials

• Seating distance

• Ventilation

• Fuel source

• Stability

• Children and pets

The exact requirements depend on the chosen fire feature.

Fire Pits and Planning

Many domestic fire pits will not require planning permission in themselves, but the wider project may involve structures, listed buildings or other site-specific considerations.

Requirements should be checked for the individual property where necessary.

Fire Pit Maintenance

Maintenance depends on the type of fire pit.

It may include:

• Cleaning

• Ash removal

• Protecting burners

• Checking gas connections

• Using covers

• Maintaining surrounding surfaces

The manufacturer's requirements should always be followed.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Furniture

Furniture should be selected alongside the fire pit.

Consider:

• Heat

• Distance

• Materials

• Comfort

• Circulation

• Weather resistance

The layout should allow people to move around the seating comfortably.

Fire Pit Design and Installation

Kirman Design can incorporate fire pits into complete garden design and landscaping projects.

This may include:

• Positioning

• Seating layout

• Paving

• Walls

• Utilities

• Planting

• Lighting

• Pergolas

The entire space can therefore be designed as one coherent feature.

How Much Does a Fire Pit Area Cost?

The cost depends on much more than the fire pit itself.

Factors can include:

• Type of fire feature

• Fuel source

• Seating

• Paving

• Walls

• Pergola

• Gas or electrical services

• Drainage

• Lighting

• Planting

A simple freestanding fire pit area will cost significantly less than a bespoke sunken seating space with integrated gas fire and lighting.

Is a Fire Pit Worth It?

For clients who enjoy spending evenings outside, a fire pit can become one of the most used parts of the garden.

The value lies in the experience it creates.

It can turn an ordinary seating area into somewhere people naturally gather.

Fire Pit Design Across North West England

Kirman Design designs and installs fire pit areas as part of high-quality garden projects throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley and across North West England.

Our fire features are designed as part of the wider landscape, with paving, seating, planting, lighting and circulation considered together.

A Reason to Stay Outside Longer

A good fire pit area is about more than heat.

It creates atmosphere.

A place to sit after dinner.

Somewhere to talk.

Somewhere to enjoy the garden when the temperature drops.

And a focal point that gives the garden a completely different character at night.

At Kirman Design, we combine professional garden design, landscape construction, paving, planting and lighting to create fire pit areas that feel integrated rather than added afterwards.

If you are considering a fire pit as part of a new garden or complete garden transformation in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Pits

What is the best type of fire pit for a garden?

The best choice depends on the garden and how the space will be used. Gas, wood-burning, built-in and freestanding fire pits each offer different benefits.

Are gas fire pits good for gardens?

Yes. Gas fire pits can provide convenient ignition, controllable flame and less smoke than wood-burning alternatives.

Can you have a wood-burning fire pit in a garden?

In many situations, yes, but smoke, neighbours, local restrictions and safe positioning need to be considered.

What should a fire pit sit on?

The surrounding surface should be stable, suitable for exterior use and appropriate for the chosen fire feature. Porcelain, natural stone, granite and gravel may all be suitable depending on the design.

Can a fire pit be installed under a pergola?

Potentially, but ventilation, clearances and the fire pit manufacturer's requirements must be considered carefully.

Can a fire pit be built into a seating area?

Yes. Built-in fire pits can work particularly well within bespoke lounge or sunken seating areas.

Can a fire pit work in a small garden?

Yes. Compact fire pits and fire tables can work well where the feature and seating are appropriately scaled.

Can Kirman Design design and install a fire pit area?

Yes. Kirman Design can incorporate fire pits within complete garden design and landscaping projects.