Garden Style & Design Ideas: Back Garden Fire Pits

Do you love spending time in the backyard all year round? If so, an outdoor fire pit is the perfect addition to any Australian backyard. When done properly, a fire pit radiates warmth and ambiance, provides a focal point for the household to gather around, and enhances the overall value of your home. They also serve a practical purpose, as you can use your outdoor fire pit to cook food (or at the very least, roast some marshmallows!).

However, not only is every garden different, but not all fire pits are created equal. When considering fire pit garden ideas, it’s crucial that you take your backyard’s dimensions, layout and existing décor style into account.

Which type of fire pit best suits your outdoor garden?

The most popular variety is a classic wood-burning fire pit. These can be made from a variety of materials such as stone, brick or metal, and come in various shapes and sizes.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can also find outdoor fire pits that run on propane or natural gas. These are great because they produce very little smoke and are easy to light and extinguish. However, there’s an ongoing cost associated with running your fire pit on gas rather than the natural approach of burning wood.

If your backyard is lacking a central space in which a fire pit would make sense, you might want to consider an outdoor fireplace, as this could be installed directly into a wall. These are similar to indoor fireplaces and can be made from the same materials. However, they typically require more installation and maintenance than outdoor fire pits.

Fire pit landscaping ideas

Stones or pavers are a great way to create a border around your fire pit, as this will help define the space and make it feel more like an outdoor room.

Create a seating area to make your fire pit a more comfortable, cosy and immersive experience. A stone bench complete with outdoor-friendly cushions will allow the whole family to gather around the fire pit and warm their hands over the flames together.

A fire pit is the perfect excuse to add some greenery to your backyard, and this lush greenery will contrast with the flames of the fire nicely. Consider adding a few potted plants or hanging planters around the fire pit (at a safe distance, of course!).

Add some privacy, with a stylish privacy screen around one side of your fire pit; one that complements your backyard’s existing décor.

On those chilly winter evenings, the flames of your fire pit might not be enough to light up your outdoor areas on their own! Don’t forget to add some lighting, and this is an opportunity to get creative with lanterns, fairy lights or modern metro wall lights.

If you really want to take your backyard fire pit landscaping to the next level, a good idea is to add a water feature. This could be anything from a simple fountain to a more elaborate waterfall – either way, the sound of trickling water should pair beautifully with the crackling of wood or the roar of the flames in your fire pit.

A fire pit cover is not just a practical choice to protect your new fire pit from the elements when it’s not in use, but it also provides an additional opportunity for building on your outdoor area’s visual theme.

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