The Right Way to Build a Backyard Firepit Area

A backyard firepit is more than just a trendy landscaping feature—it’s a gathering place for family and friends, a way to extend your outdoor enjoyment into the colder months, and a valuable investment in your home. But if it’s not built correctly, it can become an eyesore, a safety hazard, or a maintenance headache. That’s why Double A Ohio takes a strategic, professional approach to every firepit installation we handle.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of building a backyard firepit the right way—from planning and materials to proper construction and long-term functionality.

Why invest in a professionally built firepit?

A custom firepit isn’t just a place to roast marshmallows—it’s a focal point that transforms your backyard into a warm, inviting retreat. Whether you're hosting friends for a fall gathering or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, a well-designed firepit area brings comfort, charm, and lasting value to your home. But to get the most out of your investment, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand both design and construction.

At Double A Ohio, we don’t just install fire features—we integrate them into complete landscape design plans that enhance the overall look, safety, and function of your outdoor living space.

Here’s why a professionally built firepit is worth every dollar:

• • Safety: Fire safety is non-negotiable. Our team ensures that every firepit installation follows proper clearance guidelines from structures, trees, and other flammable surfaces. We use fire-rated materials like refractory brick or steel inserts and design with ventilation in mind to reduce smoke and flare-ups. When paired with features like retaining walls or stone seating areas, your firepit becomes a safe, enjoyable centerpiece—not a liability.
  • Durability: Unlike store-bought firepits or DIY builds that may crack, shift, or wear out, our custom firepit areas are built to last. We excavate and install proper gravel bases, use premium hardscaping materials, and ensure that each layer is compacted and level. The result is a permanent structure that can endure Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy use for many seasons to come.
  • Aesthetics: A firepit should blend seamlessly with your existing paver patio, walkways, or garden beds. We match colors, textures, and materials so that the firepit doesn’t look like an afterthought—it looks like it was always meant to be there. Whether you prefer a rustic natural stone look or sleek, modern concrete block, Double A Ohio delivers a clean, polished appearance that boosts your curb appeal.
  • Functionality: What good is a firepit if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient to use? We build surrounding areas with proper clearances, integrated seating like low retaining walls or custom benches, and thoughtful layout designs that invite guests to gather. We also address site-specific needs like landscape lighting for nighttime use and drainage solutions to keep the area dry and mud-free. Your firepit becomes a true four-season feature, not just a summer novelty.
  • Resale Value: According to real estate experts, professionally designed outdoor living areas—including firepits, patios, and landscape installations—can significantly increase home value. Buyers love seeing finished, functional outdoor spaces that don’t require additional investment. A backyard firepit adds both lifestyle appeal and marketability.

At Double A Ohio, we combine expert craftsmanship, functional planning, and an eye for design to create firepit areas that elevate your property. Whether it’s a stand-alone feature or part of a broader hardscaping or landscape design project, we tailor every firepit to fit your vision, budget, and space. When you work with Double A Ohio, you're not just getting a firepit—you’re getting a personalized outdoor experience built to last.

Key considerations before building a firepit

Before installing your firepit, there are several important decisions and site evaluations that need to happen. These are the steps we follow when assessing your backyard:

• • Choose a location with adequate space, flat ground, and clearance from structures or trees.
  • Decide on fuel type: wood-burning for traditional ambiance or gas for convenience and clean operation.
  • Review local codes and HOA rules regarding fire features, setbacks, and burn regulations.
  • Consider wind direction, sun exposure, and how your firepit will be used.
  • Plan seating and layout in advance, whether with permanent stone benches or movable outdoor furniture.

A well-planned firepit is safer, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to use.

How Double A Ohio builds a firepit area the right way

When Double A Ohio builds a backyard firepit, it's never just a standalone feature—it’s part of a thoughtful, integrated landscape solution. We believe that your outdoor living space should be functional, beautiful, and built to last. That’s why we follow a step-by-step approach designed to ensure every firepit area we create is safe, durable, and a true enhancement to your property.

1. Site inspection and layout planning

Every great outdoor project begins with a thorough assessment. The Double A Ohio team starts by visiting your property to evaluate:

• • • The natural slope and elevation of the yard
    • Existing hardscaping features like patios, walkways, or retaining walls
    • Current drainage conditions and any problem areas
    • How the firepit area will be used—entertaining, relaxation, family gatherings

By understanding the full picture, we can strategically place your firepit so that it’s both a visual focal point and a practical part of your outdoor layout. We also consider how it will blend with nearby garden beds, lawns, or paver patios for a seamless look.

2. Excavation and base preparation

The foundation is what makes or breaks any outdoor structure. We excavate the firepit area to the proper depth and install a thick, compacted gravel base. This base provides:

• • • Long-term stability to prevent shifting or settling
    • Support for heavy materials like stone, block, or steel
    • Natural drainage to keep the area dry and reduce erosion

This careful groundwork ensures your firepit area stays level and intact through years of use and changing weather.

3. Firepit construction with fire-rated materials

Safety and durability are non-negotiable. That’s why Double A Ohio uses fire-rated materials specifically designed to handle extreme heat without cracking or degrading. Depending on the style and functionality you’re looking for, we may install:

• • • Fire-rated concrete blocks or kits
    • Firebrick or steel inserts for heat protection
    • Surround facades made from natural stone, brick, or coordinating pavers

These materials not only meet safety codes but also give your firepit a custom, high-end appearance that elevates your entire landscape.

4. Creating the surrounding space

A great firepit is more than just a ring of stone—it’s the entire environment around it that makes the space enjoyable. Double A Ohio often builds out the area with:

• • • Paver patios or stone platforms that provide a stable, attractive surface for chairs and foot traffic
    • Custom seating walls or built-in stone benches that create a cozy, permanent place to gather
    • Low-voltage landscape lighting that adds ambiance and ensures safe use after sunset
    • Mulch, gravel, or decorative rock to cleanly finish the area and tie it into the rest of your yard

These features not only make the space more functional but also extend its use throughout the seasons.

5. Final touches for functionality and beauty

Once the core features are complete, Double A Ohio adds finishing details that truly bring the firepit area to life:

• • • We address water flow by incorporating smart drainage solutions like grading adjustments, swales, or French drains to prevent standing water and erosion
    • We can surround the area with landscape installations like ornamental grasses, shrubs, or low-maintenance garden beds for added beauty
    • For a polished look, we may add decorative boulders, turf transitions, or integrated retaining walls to stabilize slopes and define space

These finishing touches ensure that your firepit area isn’t just functional—it’s a highlight of your entire outdoor living space.

When you trust Double A Ohio to build your firepit, you get more than just a place to enjoy a fire. You get a fully integrated outdoor feature designed to last, function well, and increase your home’s enjoyment and value. Whether part of a full landscape design or a standalone improvement, we build it the right way from the ground up.

What materials should you use for a firepit?

Choosing the right materials will affect the appearance, longevity, and performance of your firepit area. We recommend:

• • Concrete block: Versatile and affordable, great for structured walls or cores
  • Natural stone: Offers a more rustic, organic feel and timeless appeal
  • Firebrick or steel inserts: Protects the internal fire chamber from heat damage
  • Pavers or flagstone: Durable surfaces for patios and seating areas
  • Decorative gravel: For pathways or low-maintenance filler around the firepit

Double A Ohio always matches materials to your budget, style, and the surrounding features in your yard.

Common mistakes to avoid with firepit construction

Too many DIY firepits fail because they skip important steps or use the wrong materials. Here’s what we help our customers avoid:

• • Poor drainage, which leads to pooling or erosion
  • Using non-fire-rated materials that crack or crumble over time
  • Installing on an uneven base that causes shifting or sinking
  • Placing the firepit too close to flammable surfaces like fences or siding
  • Forgetting to integrate it with the surrounding landscape design

When you work with Double A Ohio, you can be confident the firepit will be built to last and function safely for years to come.

The benefits of integrating firepits with your full landscape

A firepit shouldn’t stand alone—it should enhance your overall outdoor space. We often build firepits alongside:

• • Retaining walls to manage slope and add structure
  • Paver patios for seating and entertaining areas
  • Walkways to connect the firepit to the rest of the yard
  • Outdoor lighting to create a warm, safe environment
  • Drainage solutions to ensure the space remains usable during rainy weather

By combining features, you maximize both function and curb appeal—and that’s where Double A Ohio excels.

Our Service Area

Double A Ohio proudly provides services throughout Central Ohio, including:

• • Marengo
  • Sunbury
  • Galena
  • Johnstown
  • Mount Gilead
  • Delaware
  • Other towns in Knox, Delaware, and Morrow Counties

Get Started on Your Backyard Firepit Today

If you're dreaming of a cozy, well-built firepit area, Double A Ohio is ready to help. Our team specializes in firepit construction, paver patios, retaining walls, drainage, and full-service landscape installations that transform your outdoor space into a true retreat.

Let’s build something beautiful—and functional—together. Contact Double A Ohio today to schedule a consultation and get a custom estimate for your backyard firepit project.