around you choose.

seats, people won’t linger. If there’s not enough heat, people might head inside. Luckily, when it comes to sitting around a fire pit, there’s no shortage of creative options.

Safety is the top priority when planning your fire pit area—the seats must be a safe distance from the fire. Most experts recommend three to four feet between seating and the outermost edge of the fire pit. This ensures you are close enough to feel the heat yet not so close as to cause a safety hazard.

Next, you’ll want to consider style and space. Once you’ve decided on the type of fire pit that will work the best for your needs, look at the aesthetics of your home and backyard. Do you want a rustic vibe or a sleek, modern ambiance? How comfortable do you want the seats to be? Sitting on a wooden log bench is great for camping but can get uncomfortable quickly.

Adirondack chairs are the most traditional choice for fire-pit seating. They are comfortable, sit low to the ground, and have wide armrests providing a spot to set drinks and plates. Adirondack chairs come in a myriad of colors and weather-resistant materials. Depending on which kind you select, they can carry a steep price tag at several hundred dollars per chair, but the ease of simply hosing them off makes them a popular choice.

If you have an abundance of space, built-in hardscape circular benches of stone or brick pair beautifully around a fire pit. The curved shape fits perfectly around a circular fire-pit design, and the stone or concrete is fire-resistant. Depending on the material and installation method, this option can vary in price but will last for decades. Include outdoor throw pillows or a bench seat cushion for added comfort.

Transform your backyard into an oasis that brings your daily life outdoors.

Sectional sofas and outdoor furniture are designed for comfort with thick, deep cushions that offer a luxurious space where you might want to take a quick nap. Often made of teak or outdoor wicker, they sit low to the ground so you can enjoy the warmth from the fire. The type of fire pit you selected is important when choosing outdoor furniture with fabric cushions. The smoke smell from a wood-burning fire can penetrate fabric, causing the smoky odor to linger. Additionally, due to rain and snow in the Inland Northwest, store cushions indoors during winter or replace them each year. The cost of outdoor furniture varies widely, so shop around for one in your price range.

Whichever type of fire pit you choose or style of seating and ambiance you set, the joy of spending time outdoors by the fire pit creates lasting memories. Whether wine tasting with friends or hosting a neighborhood outdoor movie night, s’mores roasted over the fire taste just as good on a plush lounge chair as on an old folding patio chair.