A fire pit can bring the charm of a campfire to your backyard. With so many fire pit styles and shapes available, it can be challenging to choose the most suitable one. So, should you get a square or a round fire pit?
A square fire pit is a great choice for contemporary-style backyards. They’re also easier to build if you’re making one from scratch. Round fire pits are more traditional and can create an inviting atmosphere. Your choice will depend on your personal style and outdoor space.
This article will compare round and square-shaped fire pits so that you can decide which one is best for you. I’ll also provide some things to consider to make the decision process easier. Let’s dive in!
Square Fire Pits
Square fire pits are a popular choice for many homeowners, and they have a clean, modern look that can complement any modern backyard space. They are also easier to incorporate into existing patio or deck designs.
The clean lines of a square fire pit make it an excellent choice for a more minimalist space, and it’s definitely a consideration if you want a fire pit that makes an elegant statement. They’re also a good choice if you want to use your fire pit for cooking or entertaining.
One of the main benefits of a square fire pit is that they offer a more contemporary look and will look fantastic in any modern backyard. They’re also easy to build if you have some basic construction skills.
However, due to their shape, square fire pits can be less engaging than round fire pits. They also might not offer as much heat as a round fire pit.
Round Fire Pits
Round fire pits are the traditional choice and tend to be the most popular type of fire pit. They’re perfect for large gatherings since everyone can sit around the fire and enjoy its warmth.
If you’re planning on building a round fire pit, the process is more complicated than that for a square fire pit.
The main advantage of a round fire pit is that the flames are evenly distributed, so each person around the fire can enjoy the heat. This is because the flames are contained in a circular shape, allowing the fire pit to radiate heat more effectively than a square or rectangular fire pit. Round fire pits help people engage more since everyone faces each other.
If you have a lot of space in your backyard, a round fire pit is a great way to fill it. It’s also very popular for patio use since it looks more natural and organic than a square or rectangular fire pit.
The main disadvantage of a round fire pit is that it can take up a lot of space, and it may not be the best choice if you have a small backyard or patio.
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How To Choose the Right Fire Pit for Your Space
When choosing a fire pit, there are many factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fire pit for your space:
1. Consider Your Fire Pit’s Seating Area
If you already have a fire pit area in your backyard, you should consider its shape and layout before settling on a fire pit shape.
With a square fire pit, your seating area would need to be able to accommodate chairs around all four sides. However, if you plan on using benches or outdoor sofas in your fire pit area, a square-shaped fire pit would be a better choice.
You can usually get away with a slightly smaller fire pit area if you choose a round one because you can arrange the chairs closer together. If you want a bench around your fire pit but you want a round one, consider buying or making a circular one.
2. Think About Your Preferred Style
Does your backyard have a classic look? Traditional backyards typically have softer or rounded flower bed edges, and suit the timeless look of a round fire pit. A round fire pit can blend in well with a traditional backyard.
On the other hand, a contemporary backyard often has plenty of straight lines, sharp edges and bold features. With its clean lines and striking appearance, a square-shaped fire pit would make a fantastic focal point in a modern garden.
3. What Kind of Ambiance Do You Want to Create?
Everyone has something in mind when they want to incorporate a fire pit into their backyard. Some folks want to emulate the cozy and wholesome atmosphere of a traditional campfire. Others may want their fire pit to enhance the look of their outdoor space and take the edge off a chilly evening.
A round fire pit is ideal if you want to use it for a fun social gathering, roast marshmallows, and spend a cozy evening out in your backyard. Since it can usually accommodate more people, a round fire pit is great if you enjoy entertaining a large crowd.
You should consider a square fire pit if you want it to be an impressive feature for outdoor entertaining.
4. How Much Heat You Want
Round fire pits radiate heat in all directions, making them ideal for creating a warm atmosphere for a large group of people. A round fire pit is also better if you live in a colder climate or want to extend your outdoor season.
Square fire pits produce more concentrated heat, but due to their shape, fewer guests can take advantage of them, making them great for small groups and for creating an intimate ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Square and round-shaped fire pits are the most common shapes, and it can be difficult to choose between them.
A round fire pit is ideal for large groups and if you want to create a cozy, campfire atmosphere. In contrast, square-shaped fire pits make beautiful and striking features in any contemporary backyard and are suitable for intimate fireside gatherings.
