Choosing the Right Size Fire Pit for Your Garden

Whether you’re gathering with family and friends for a cosy evening under the stars or looking to extend your outdoor living season into the cooler months, a fire pit offers unmatched versatility and charm.

This guide will help you navigate the key considerations when choosing the perfect fire pit for your garden. From selecting the right size and material to matching the style with your outdoor space, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Our collection offers something for every garden, ranging from contemporary corten steel designs to timeless mild steel bowls.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fire Pit

Purpose: Decorative, Functional, or Both?

If you’re looking for a stunning garden centrepiece, opt for designs like the Corten Steel Stela Burner or the Toro Fire Table, which combine visual appeal with ambient warmth. For those who love outdoor cooking, choose multi-purpose options such as fire tables with BBQ capabilities or deep-recessed models for safety while grilling. For dual-use designs, you can combine style and practicality with fire pits like the Corten Steel Curved Fire Pit, perfect for intimate gatherings and outdoor cooking.

Match Your Garden Style 

Plan for Practicality

For all-weather durability, choose fire pits crafted from corten steel – which develops a protective rust layer to withstand rain, frost, and sun. Portable designs like the Flat Pack Fire Pit are easy to store and assemble, perfect for smaller spaces or spontaneous use. If you’re looking for something suitable for a coastal or damp environment, your best choice is a model with built-in drainage or raised feet to minimise water damage and staining.

Fire Pit Styles to Suit Every Garden

Choosing the perfect fire pit for your garden starts with understanding the variety of designs available. At Round Wood, we offer a curated selection of fire pits, each crafted to suit different styles, spaces, and functions.

Corten Steel Fire Pits

Known for their striking weathered appearance and unmatched durability, corten steel fire pits add a modern edge to any outdoor space. Over time, they develop a rich, rust-like patina that enhances their rustic charm.

  • Magna Fire Pit: With its dramatic flared design, the Magna Fire Pit is a bold statement piece. Its shape creates a stunning centrepiece that draws the eye and sparks conversation.
  • Toro Fire Table: Perfect for families, the Toro Fire Table combines safety and style. Its recessed design ensures protection from stray sparks while offering a flat surface for casual entertaining.
  • Stela Burner: This tall, sleek fire pit adds vertical interest to any outdoor area. Ideal as a focal point, it blends seamlessly into modern settings.

Why Choose Corten Steel?

Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that forms a protective rust layer over time when exposed to the elements. Its key features include:

  • Rustic Look: The rich, warm tones of its patina bring a natural and earthy feel to your garden, blending seamlessly with plants and landscaping.
  • Weather Resistance: The rust layer acts as a barrier, protecting the core steel from further corrosion and ensuring longevity in harsh weather conditions.
  • Low Maintenance: Corten steel requires minimal upkeep, as the patina stabilises over time and eliminates the need for painting or sealing.
  • Perfect For: Contemporary, rustic, or industrial garden designs seeking a standout feature with timeless charm.

Mild Steel Fire Pits

Mild steel fire pits offer a classic and practical solution for those who appreciate a natural, evolving aesthetic. Over time, these fire pits develop a unique patina that adds character to your garden.

  • Bowl Fire Pit: Simple yet impactful, the Bowl Fire Pit is perfect for creating a cosy gathering spot. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to move while its robust material ensures years of use.

Why Choose Mild Steel?

Mild steel is a versatile material that is durable and lightweight, mild steel develops a patina of its own over time, giving it a weathered and characterful appearance. Its key features include:

  • Rustic Appeal: Like corten steel, mild steel gains a unique aesthetic as it ages, making it ideal for gardens with a more traditional or vintage vibe.
  • Cost-Effective: It offers an affordable alternative to other materials while still providing excellent durability.
  • Lightweight and Flexible: Mild steel fire pits are easier to move and reposition, making them perfect for smaller or evolving garden spaces.
  • Perfect For: Traditional or transitional gardens looking for practicality without sacrificing style.

Features and Accessories of Your Fire Pit

When choosing a fire pit, the right built-in features can ultimately be the decider. Here are some that set our range apart:

1. Drainage

Fire pits exposed to the elements can collect water, which may affect their usability and longevity. Built-in drainage ensures your fire pit is ready to use after rain and reduces the risk of water-related damage, particularly in mild steel models.

2. Materials

Materials like corten steel develop a protective rust patina during the weathering process, curing the steel and sealing and protecting the fire pit against corrosion. Any surface marks or scratches will also disappear as the steel weathers. 

3. Functionality

Some fire pits offer more than just warmth, they’re designed to serve multiple roles in your outdoor space. Many of our fire pits contain the fire safely while offering wood or briquette storage. 

4. Safety

Built-in safety features make our fire pits suitable for families and those with limited outdoor space. Some examples include recessed designs to contain sparks and embers and sturdy construction for stability, even on uneven surfaces.

Placement and Safety Considerations

Closeup of glowing outdoor campfire in fall

A fire pit can transform your garden into a warm and inviting space, but it’s important to position and use it safely to protect your property and loved ones. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your fire pit while maintaining a safe environment.

Choose a Fire-Safe Surface

Fire pits generate intense heat that can damage or ignite nearby materials if not properly placed. Stone, gravel, or concrete provide a stable, fire-resistant base. Avoid placing the fire pit directly on grass, wood decking, or other flammable surfaces without a protective barrier. If you are placing your fire pit on grass, consider an option with a stand or holes in the base for maximum airflow.

Provide Ventilations

Fire pits need open airflow to burn safely and efficiently. It’s important to avoid enclosed spaces like garages, covered patios, or under low-hanging structures. An open garden area or patio is the best location for a fire pit.

Keep Safety Equipment Nearby

Having the right tools on hand can help you quickly address any unexpected situations. For any fire, it’s handy to keep a bucket of sand or water nearby for extinguishing small fires and heat-resistant gloves and tools for handling hot surfaces or repositioning logs and briquettes.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FIRE PIT SAFETY

Choose the Perfect Fire Pit for Your Garden

The group of young people are sitting around the bonfire and talking and singing songsup of young people are sitting around the bonfire and talking and singing songs

By choosing the right fire pit for your garden, you can create a space that suits your needs, and enhances your outdoor living experience year-round. At Round Wood of Mayfield, our carefully crafted range of fire pits combines durability, functionality, and stunning design. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of corten steel, the timeless appeal of mild steel, or compact designs for smaller spaces, we have the perfect option to suit every garden style.

Ready to find your ideal fire pit? Explore our collection today and take the first step toward completing your outdoor space. Browse online or get in touch for expert advice.

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