5 Essentials for the Ultimate Firepit Area

Firepits are designed to maintain a cozy outdoor flame source in a secure and safe environment for backyard goers. With the increasing availability of affordable accessories, tools, and designs, firepits are increasingly becoming a must-have outdoor essential that creates a focal point for gatherings that span from day to night. 

Firepits provide warmth and an inviting ambience for outdoor entertaining. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. However, a few simple touches can turn your firepit area into the ultimate hangout spot. Here are five firepit essentials for making epic outdoor memories that you won't soon forget. 

1. Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority when enjoying a firepit. Ensure you install safety features like a firepit pad, spark screen, firepit lid, and fireproof sand at the base. Install a firepit cover or weather-resistant storage box to protect your firepit when it is not in use.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure a safe distance between the firepit and any flammable materials. To prevent accidents, install a safety gate and establish clear boundaries that keep kids and pets from getting too close to the fire. By implementing these safety measures, the ones you love can enjoy the firepit without fear. 

2. Comfortable Seating

Since backyard firepits are all about stretching the fun well into the night, comfy furniture is essential for maximizing the benefit of your firepit. A built-in L-shaped bench or outdoor sofa will frame the flames and create a communal and intimate seating arrangement. Benches or chaise seating allow for a duo to stretch their legs or for larger groups to sit side-by-side. Always have extra cushioned chairs, loveseats, and side tables nearby to expand as friends gather. Consider firepit seating that also offers storage so it's easy to keep throw pillows, cushions, and blankets at the ready. Choose high-performance fabrics that are UV-, stain-, mold, and mildew-resistant so that cleaning and maintenance are a breeze.

3. Mood Lighting

Warm lighting draws guests into the space as the sun sets. Not only is lighting essential for safety, but it also affects the perceived scale of the yard. Consider installing low-voltage landscape lighting around the firepit, highlighting key features and pathways. Hang string lights around a fence line, walkways, or any areas to avoid, like ponds, pools, or garages. Add portable lanterns to create a magical atmosphere that is highly functional for guests who need to make their way to the restroom, their car, or up and down steps. Hang meteor shower rain lights or solar-powered bulbs from tree branches to add overhead lighting. And remember to integrate soft lighting into the seats or the exterior rim of the firepit to reduce tripping hazards. 

4. DIY Landscaping

Firepits can be sophisticated glass structures or rustic stone designs, but they're seldom an afterthought when it comes to landscape design. Make the most of a firepit by incorporating landscaping that draws people into the space. Add flowers to pathways that lead to seating. Try palms, ferns, bamboo, or succulents that feel lush without much fuss. Similarly, add pavers, gravel, or stone materials to enhance the area. If appropriate for your yard, add water features like fountains and ponds that add auditory or visual depth.

If you're feeling adventurous or your space lends itself to more color, add fire glass and painted rocks to transform your firepit into a mesmerizing focal point. These decorative materials add a touch of whimsy to your space and captivate attention. 

If the firepit is part of an outdoor kitchen or bar, try a more maximalist design as the season warms and a cozy setup during the cooler months. Use appropriate materials to ensure sound is blocked and bar equipment is hidden or blended into the overall look.

5. Assorted Accessories

Enhance your outdoor firepit experience with creative accessories that make the space even more functional. Firepit tools, such as wood and tool storage, a fire starter kit, a firepit poker, ash bucket, shovel, lid, and fireplace tongs are must-haves. Elevate your firepit by having a designated place for these items and coordinating them to look like a set.

Consider items needed to transform your firepit from just a heat source to a cooking surface. Come prepare for firepit cooking by having a cooler or food storage area to break out the marshmallows, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and more. Firepit cooking accessories include roasting sticks, grill gloves, a cooking grate grill, and more.