Outdoor

21 Awesome Sunken Fire Pit Ideas To Steal for Cozy Nights

A fire pit can enhance any outdoor gathering, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for spending quality time with family and friends. Sitting by a fire pit is a delightful experience that everyone can enjoy. While most fire pits have surrounding benches for socializing and dining, sunken fire pits with seating areas offer a unique and comfortable design that’s perfect for relaxing outdoors. The sunken area provides a sense of intimacy and warmth, making it a great space for unwinding and socializing, especially in the evening. If you’re considering a sunken fire pit, take a look at the showcase below for some great ideas.

DIY sunken fire pit with seating:

1. Start by measuring out the size and depth you want for the fire pit, then dig the hole accordingly.

2. Dig a trench next and fill it with cement to securely anchor the concrete blocks.

3. Layer two rows of heavy concrete blocks to form the base.

4. Build the frame using lengths of timber, experimenting to find the right dimensions for your bench seat.

5. Once the back of the seat is completed, begin adding the decking boards. We used merbau decking boards, the same type we used for our deck earlier in the year.

6. Finish attaching the decking boards and add strips along the concrete blocks to enhance the appearance.

7. With the seating in place, add final touches such as painting the concrete blocks white, laying down a weed mat, and spreading white pebbles.

8. To complete the ambiance, install festoon lights. Now you’ll enjoy spending time in your backyard year-round. Whether it’s summer or winter, day or night, the fire pit has become the perfect spot to relax and unwind!

Source: englishoakdesigns.co.uk

Source: legacylandscapesllc.com

What is a Sunken Fire Pit?

A sunken fire pit is a unique and stylish outdoor feature that is built into the ground, providing a cozy and intimate space for family and friends to gather around a warm fire. It is usually made of stone, brick or concrete and can come in different shapes and sizes.

How to Build a Sunken Fire Pit:

Building a sunken fire pit can be a fun and rewarding project, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are six steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Choose the area where you want to install your sunken fire pit, and mark it out with stakes and string. Then, using a shovel or backhoe, excavate the area to a depth of about 18 inches.

Source: houzz.com

Step 2: Once the area is excavated, create a base using gravel and sand. Spread a layer of gravel over the bottom of the pit, then add a layer of sand on top. This will help with drainage and provide a stable base for your fire pit.

Step 3: Next, it’s time to build the walls of your fire pit. You can use a variety of materials, such as brick, stone, or concrete blocks. Stack the materials up to create a wall around the perimeter of the pit, leaving a hole in the center for the fire. Make sure the walls are level and sturdy.

Step 4: Once the walls are in place, you’ll need to install a fire ring or grate to contain the fire. This will help keep the fire contained and prevent it from spreading. You can purchase a fire ring or grate from a home improvement store, or you can make your own using metal or steel.

Step 5: To make your sunken fire pit more comfortable, you may want to add a seating area around the perimeter of the pit. This can be as simple as a few chairs or benches, or you can create a more elaborate seating area using built-in benches or retaining walls.

Step 6: Finally, add some decorative elements to your fire pit to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can add fire glass or lava rock to the center of the pit for a colorful accent, or you can add plants or flowers around the perimeter to soften the look of the walls.

By following these six steps, you can create a beautiful and functional sunken fire pit that will provide hours of enjoyment for you and your friends and family.