The very fact that there are so many fire pit ideas and ways to build or design them lends themselves to each homeowners’ tastes.  Some of the more popular styles of outdoor fireplace options include all of the portable choices offered in  a variety of metal finishes.  From powder-coated steels to copper finishes, these portable models are very effective and simple – and safe – ways of enjoying a fire on your patio.  We’ve included a short sample of the designs here.  A few include stand-alone versions that burn wood as fuel and also one that is gas or propane fueled.  Not depicted here, but available in another article of ours, is a style of fire pit table that combines the comfort of outdoor patio furniture with a table top fire.  Some of the portable fire pits for sale can be seen here.

Clicking on the image or links will take you to Amazon where you can read more reviews, view more styles or make your secure purchase.

UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents 34″ Slate & Marble Surround Fire pit with copper Accents

Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay, 12.5-inches deep Big Sky Fire Pit Stars and Moons. The bowl depth is 12.5-inch.

Camp Chef FP29LG 30-Inch Del Rio Copper Gas Firepit This beautiful propane-powered copper fire pit has a 60,000 BTU gas ring. Lava rock makes a perfect flame for an evening under the stars on the patio or at your favorite camp ground. Gas fire pits are a great way to bring your family together for a fun evening with wonderful ambience. The fire pit simply connects to your bulk propane tank and will burn for hours.

If, on the other hand, you’re not looking for a patio fireplace like these but something more substantial in structure – like a stone, brick or metal built-in fire pit, there are options there, too.

How to Build A Fire Pit

If you’re interested in building a fire pit, it is a matter of creating a look that will fit with the backyard landscaping ideas you have.  Using a fire pit can be a great way to add a focal point of interest and dimension in a smaller space.  In fact, hardscape features like fire pits and water features make great landscaping ideas for small yards.  The previous link will help shed more light on those concepts.

Here is a design using a raised ring in stone.

So, what can you use to help your outdoor fire pit designs come to life?  If you’re using an engineered or man-made product, make sure that it is rated safe for fire.  The last thing you want to end up with is a bunch of cracked bricks, or worse, a dangerous fire hazard.

In general, building your own pit requires that you create something that has adequate ventilation and some type of shape that can contain a fire.  This might be round, but it could just as easily be oval, rectangular or square.

The height of the walls is not something that is set in stone (no pun intended, okay, maybe it was…ha!) but it should be at least high enough to protect hot embers from popping out easily to the side and also so that the logs can be contained within the ring.

This design is using a more natural or organic looking boulder placement.

Some of the more popular natural choices utilize boulders, large stones and sand or fire bricks to create an organic shaped pit.  These types of designs work well in estate-type backyards or those that face lakes or other natural environments.  They seem to connect your yard with the space beyond.

Whether you prefer to use one of the more natural styles depicted here or like the idea of chiminea for a more controlled fire in a decorative patio feature, fire is an element that any patio enthusiast can appreciate.

At Patio Covers Place, we like sharing ideas that our readers have with others.  If you are inspired by these ideas and create your own fire pit design that you think is worthy, send a photo our way, we’d love to see it!

Some of these firepit tables are more large in size and depth allowing for a larger fire to be had in them.  Others are more attractive because of their smaller size.  Any way you strike it, it is possible to get the best of both worlds – sitting and chatting and a crackling fire nearby.  These are just a few of the fire pit designs that are available.

Cast Aluminum 52″ Round Chat Beverage Cooler / Fire pit Table by Alfresco Home – Metal (22-0332-AW) The lost art of conversation returns with this . This four function chat table is constructed of rust-proof polished cast aluminum. It can be used as a serving table, barbecue for roasting, a beverage cooler or a log burning fire pit with screen. This table offers an exquisite patterns and detailing that this chat table will be the centerpiece of your outdoor area. This design was created to blend outdoor comfort and good looks!

Shinerich Industries SRFG04 Square Table Gas Fire Pit 36” square gas fire pit with stamped steel tabletop, steel lid for table use. Full open door for a convenient tank access. Stainless steel burner and black steel fire bowl with lava rocks to create beautiful flames. 25,000 to 40,000 BTU adjustable heat output. Slideable cylinder holder suitable for use with 20 lb. LP tank. LP tank not included. Black cover for storage.

The best feature of the fire pit table is the ability to quickly snuff it out and go inside.  There are both traditional wood styles and also propane versions.  Like with a patio fireplace that is connected to propane, you’ll need to run the lines and this will limit the portability factor of the table.  Outdoor fireplaces that are meant to run on propane are usually hard-lined so that they can be built in place and enjoyed that way.

This should not deter you from getting a gas or propane fire pit table, however, because they are simple to clean up and often require much less maintenance.  Additionally, when you are done with the fire, you just turn it off – literally.  While the material in the bowl may still remain hot for some time, the coals will not be dangerous or burning for long. Compare these tables with other fire pit designs and you’ll quickly realize how convenient they are for their given purpose. Admittedly not as fun to roast marshmallows over, but great intimate sitting areas with a place for your drink.

Another popular thing in fireplace design is the use of materials like lava rocks and fireglass for a more dramatic effect.  These materials really need propane to work.  These are meant to replace wood as the ‘fuel’ for the fire and their glow can provide a nice ambiance and effect to your patio space.  Much like a chiminea, these are not meant to provide much in the way of heat.  The overall purpose of the decorative glass and chiminea fires are for ambiance.

With other patio dining furniture you will not get the combined effect of warmth or at least a warm glow and the ability to sit and chat.  These tables often take the form of a cocktail table – elevated more than a traditional table top.  When you are sitting at one of these, you are more apt to be enjoying the company of others and it makes for a great party atmosphere.  If you entertain outdoors much, then the patio fire pit table is worth a look.