How to Design a Cozy Fire Pit Area in Your Backyard: A Complete Guide for Chicago Suburbs

Creating a fire pit area isn’t just about warmth — it’s about crafting a mood, a gathering place, and a reason to stay outside longer. Whether you're sipping cider on a fall evening or hosting marshmallow roasts with friends, a well-designed fire pit space can transform your backyard into an all-season retreat.

This complete guide will help you build a beautiful, practical, and budget-friendly fire pit area — perfect for homes in the Chicago suburbs.

Why Build a Fire Pit Area?

A fire pit adds more than just ambiance. It’s one of the few backyard upgrades that brings both emotional and functional benefits:

• Extends your outdoor season into spring and fall

• Defines a gathering space without building walls

• Encourages conversation and slows down screen time

• Increases property appeal — even a small upgrade can boost resale value

And the best part? You don’t need a contractor or huge budget to make it happen.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Before you shop for materials, take a walk around your yard and ask:

Is the area...

• at least 10–15 ft from your home or any trees/shed?

• free of overhanging branches or fences?

• relatively flat and easy to access?

• visible from inside the house or patio?

Pro tip for Chicago suburbs: Choose a spot that gets natural wind protection — especially important during breezy Midwest evenings.

Step 2: Choose Your Type of Fire Pit

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to choose between the most common types:

DIY Concrete Block Fire Pit (Wood-Burning)

• Inexpensive, durable, and permanent

• Great weekend project

• Total cost: $80–$150

Metal Fire Bowl (Portable, Wood or Gas)

• Modern look, easy to move

• Some models allow for gas hookup

• Cost range: $70–$250

Gas Fire Table

• Clean-burning, stylish, and low-maintenance

• Requires gas line or propane tank

• Cost: $200–$1000+

Don’t forget: Most suburban towns in Illinois require a spark screen or fire ring for safety. Always check local fire codes before building.

Step 3: Build Your Fire Pit Foundation

For a DIY stone fire pit:

1. Mark a circle (36–44 inches wide) with string and spray paint.

2. Dig 4–6 inches deep.

3. Fill the base with gravel for drainage.

4. Stack fire-rated retaining wall blocks in 2–3 layers.

5. Add a steel fire ring insert if desired.

   
   

For a fire bowl or chiminea:

1. Choose a stable surface (concrete pad, pavers, or gravel).

2. Add a heat-resistant pad under the unit if placing on wood or grass.

Step 4: Design the Surrounding Area

This is where the magic happens — when the fire pit becomes a destination.

Seating Ideas:

• Classic Adirondack chairs (wood or poly)

• Built-in benches from cinder blocks and wood

• Moveable stools or cushioned ottomans

Ground Options:

• Gravel or pea stone (cheap, drains well)

• Paver patio (durable and polished)

• Mulch with stepping stones (low-cost, soft)

Lighting:

• Overhead string lights on posts

• Solar lanterns along a path

• Battery-powered table lanterns

Step 5: Add Comfort and Personality

The difference between “just a fire pit” and “outdoor living room” is in the details:

• Weatherproof throw pillows

• Cozy fleece blankets in a basket

• Small side tables for drinks and snacks

• Storage box for kindling and tools

You can also build a DIY firewood rack from leftover bricks or pallets.

Seasonal Tips for Chicago Suburbs

How to Enjoy Your Fire Pit All Year Long

Spring:Once the snow melts, your backyard might look a little rough around the edges. Sweep away leaves and debris, and give your fire pit area a good clean. If you used pavers or built seating, now’s a good time to reseal them. It helps protect against spring rains and extends the life of your setup.

Summer:Summer nights are perfect for sitting outside — until the mosquitoes show up. Keep citronella candles or bug-repellent lanterns nearby, especially after sundown. On breezy evenings, consider using smokeless fire logs to avoid getting smoked out when the wind shifts.

Fall:This is the prime season for fire pits — cool evenings, crisp air, and fewer bugs. Use it often while the weather lasts. Just make sure you have a heavy-duty fire pit cover for when it rains or temperatures start to drop at night. It’ll keep your setup dry and ready for the next gathering.

Winter:Yes, fire pits can work in winter too! Many metal bowls or chimineas are safe to use in cold weather. Just shovel a small area, bring out some Adirondack chairs and throw blankets, and sip something warm by the fire. It’s a surprisingly cozy way to enjoy your backyard — even when it’s 30°F outside.

Safety Checklist

• Always keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby

• Never use lighter fluid or accelerants

• Don’t burn trash, plastics, or pressure-treated wood

• Keep seating at least 3 feet from the flame

• Cover fire pits when not in use

Bonus: Looking for a Full Backyard Makeover?

Still building the basics? Start with our beginner-friendly guide: Backyard Makeover Ideas for Beginners: 7 DIY Projects That Actually Work

It covers lighting, seating zones, garden beds, and more.