20 Outdoor Sunken Fire Pit Ideas for Cozy Outdoor Gatherings
Outdoor sunken fire pit ideas are the perfect way to bring warmth and charm to your backyard. If you ve been searching for a stylish yet cozy upgrade, a sunken fire pit can completely transform your outdoor space into a welcoming retreat.
This type of design not only creates a protected seating area but also adds a unique focal point where family and friends naturally gather.
In this article, you ll discover 20 creative sunken fire pit ideas that suit different styles, budgets, and yard sizes.
Whether you love rustic stone, modern concrete, or a simple DIY build, these inspiring designs will help you create the ultimate spot for fall and winter evenings. Get ready to choose one that makes your backyard unforgettable.
#1 An Outdoor Sunken Fire Pit With Swiming Pool Design
Source: Feature-IN Scapes
This outdoor sunken fire pit creates the perfect balance of style and comfort beside a refreshing swimming pool. The sleek stone walls frame the pit beautifully, while turquoise cushions add a pop of color and make the seating extra inviting.
You can light the fire on cool evenings and enjoy the warmth right after a swim, creating a cozy yet luxurious backyard retreat.
To recreate this look, use stacked stone or concrete blocks for the fire pit and install built-in bench seating around it. Add water-friendly cushions so the area stays functional year-round.
This design gives you both relaxation by the fire and the refreshing feel of a pool in one seamless space.
#2 A Sunken Fire Pit With Crushed Pebble Ground
This sunken fire pit idea embraces a simple yet modern design that feels both clean and inviting. The gravel ground keeps maintenance low while adding a sleek contrast to the white steps and concrete walls.
Wooden slat benches line the seating area, softened with patterned cushions for comfort and style. You can easily recreate this look by placing a metal fire bowl in the center and surrounding it with gravel for a fire-safe base.
Add built-in seating with wooden slats or recycled decking boards for a polished finish. This setup gives you a cozy gathering spot that blends beautifully with a minimalist landscape.
#3 A Sunken Fire PÃt With Deck Design
This sunken fire pit design feels like a hidden retreat tucked right into your deck. The wooden walls and benches wrap around the space, creating a cozy nook that feels private and inviting.
Soft cushions add comfort, while the round metal fire bowl in the center keeps the vibe relaxed and easy to maintain. You can recreate this look by lining the pit with timber boards and filling the ground with gravel for drainage and fire safety.
Add built-in steps for convenient access and decorate with a few plants to soften the edges. It s the perfect setup for unwinding with friends and soaking in the natural view around you.
#4 A Sunken Fire Pit Alongside A Stream
This sunken fire pit feels like a natural escape right in the backyard. Surrounded by stone and set beside a charming stream, it blends seamlessly with the landscape for a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere.
The curved wooden bench adds a cozy touch, and the bright pillows make the space cheerful and inviting. To achieve this look, use natural rocks or boulders around the pit and let water features flow nearby for extra serenity.
Build a circular stone fire pit in the center and add curved seating to match the organic lines. It s an ideal setup if you want your fire pit to feel like part of a garden retreat.
#5 A Sunken For Backyard
This sunken fire pit design transforms the backyard into a cozy nighttime retreat. The circular seating, lined with soft cushions, creates an inviting space where everyone feels connected around the glowing fire.
Subtle ground lighting highlights the steps and seating, making the area both safe and beautifully atmospheric after dark. You can recreate this look by building a round concrete or stone fire pit and surrounding it with built-in benches.
Add cushions in neutral tones for comfort and consider installing outdoor lighting to enhance the mood. This setup is perfect for hosting late-night conversations and enjoying crisp evenings under the trees.
#6 A Stoney Sunken Sitting Area
This sunken fire pit brings a warm, exotic touch to the backyard with its stone walls and rich, patterned cushions. The golden glow of the fire reflects beautifully off the textured stones, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere.
Surrounded by lush greenery and cozy lighting, the space feels like a retreat where you can relax for hours. To recreate this look, use natural stone for the pit and line the seating area with layered cushions for comfort.
Add lanterns or candles around the edges to enhance the mood in the evenings. This design is perfect if you want your outdoor space to feel like a tropical lounge with plenty of charm.
#7 Come On Down
This sunken fire pit design blends modern simplicity with natural charm. The wooden deck surrounds the pit beautifully, while built-in steps lead you down into a cozy lounge area.
Cushions in deep tones make the seating stylish and comfortable, inviting you to relax beside the square stone fire pit. To create this look, frame the fire area with clean concrete edges and use wood decking for a seamless finish.
Add layered outdoor cushions or low floor seating for a casual yet chic vibe. This setup is perfect if you want a backyard that feels both sleek and welcoming.
#8 A Rock Sunken Fite Pit Idea
Source: Kelly M
This rustic sunken fire pit feels like it was carved right into nature itself. The entire area is built with rough-hewn stones, creating a timeless and earthy atmosphere that blends with the surrounding woods.
The open view of the field makes it the perfect spot to enjoy sunsets or crisp autumn evenings. To achieve this look, gather natural stones of varying sizes and stack them tightly for both the seating and pit walls.
Keep the center simple with a wood-burning fire to maintain that authentic, outdoorsy charm. This design is ideal if you want a backyard feature that feels organic, grounded, and completely at home in the landscape.
#9 Simple Place In Backyard For Beautiful Seating With A Sunken Fire Pit and A Small Pool
This sunken fire pit feels like a natural hideaway, blending beautifully with its stone surroundings. The circular pit is framed by large rocks, giving it a rugged and earthy charm that suits the garden s lush greenery.
A simple stone bench with cushions provides comfort while keeping the design organic and understated. You can create this look by using rough stones or boulders to form the seating wall and filling the ground with gravel for easy upkeep.
Add a few soft pillows to the stone seats for warmth and style. Paired with the nearby wooden hot tub, this setup makes the perfect spot for relaxation after a long day.
#10 A Rock Sunken Fire Pit For Patio
This sunken fire pit creates a perfect gathering space right outside the home. The circular stone design feels both sturdy and inviting, with natural boulders forming a seating wall around the fire.
The textured patio floor adds elegance, tying the fire pit seamlessly into the modern house backdrop. To build this look, use large flat stones or pavers for the base and stack boulders around the edge for character.
Keep the fire pit simple with a stone ring to hold wood fires securely. This design is ideal for evenings when you want to step out from indoors and enjoy warmth and conversation under the open sky.
#11 A Sunken Fire Pit With Concrete Seating And Crushed Pebble Ground
This sunken fire pit design is all about simplicity and modern appeal. The curved concrete bench creates a clean, sculptural look that frames the fire beautifully.
The pit itself sits on a bed of dark gravel, adding contrast while keeping the area safe and low-maintenance. To recreate this style, pour a rounded concrete seating wall and set the pit slightly below ground level.
Use gravel or small pebbles around the fire for drainage and safety. This setup is perfect if you love sleek, minimalist designs that still feel warm and inviting.
#12 Immerse Into Nature
Source: VintageNow
This sunken fire pit design feels like a hidden retreat in the middle of a meadow. Surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers, it creates a peaceful escape that blends effortlessly with nature.
The stone seating wall paired with plush white loungers makes the space both stylish and incredibly relaxing. To create this vibe, keep the fire pit simple with a small metal or stone base and let the natural greenery act as the backdrop.
Add comfortable cushions or lounge chairs to make the seating inviting. This setup is perfect if you dream of a cozy outdoor nook that feels private, fresh, and close to the land.
#13 Wood Design With A Sunken Fire Pit
This sunken fire pit design brings a cozy and intimate vibe with its clever use of wood and warm lighting. The built-in benches, softened with faux fur throws and cushions, make the space inviting for cool evenings.
LED lights under the seating create a soft glow, giving the whole setup a magical touch after sunset. To recreate this look, build a wooden deck with a lowered center and frame the fire pit with simple box-style seating.
Add white stones and ornamental grasses on the sides for a clean, modern accent. This design is perfect if you want an outdoor retreat that feels both stylish and snug, especially at night.
#14 Cozy Outdoor Seating Area with Metal and Concrete Fire Pits
This sunken fire pit design combines modern style with smart functionality. The sleek concrete base holds a round fire bowl, making the centerpiece both practical and striking.
Built-in benches line the space, with storage underneath neatly stacked with firewood for easy access. Soft cushions in muted tones make the seating area comfortable while keeping the look chic.
To recreate this, use concrete or stone for the fire pit base and add bench seating with hidden storage beneath. Surround the setup with greenery for a fresh contrast, and you ll have a cozy corner that feels both stylish and efficient.
#15 An Outdoor Sunken With Wood And Pebble Design
Source: Taylor Levinson
This sunken fire pit offers a simple and charming backyard retreat. Wooden framing defines the seating area, while gravel on the ground keeps the space low-maintenance and clean.
A small portable fire bowl sits at the center, making it easy to light a fire whenever you want. You can recreate this look by building a wooden border with built-in benches and filling the base with pebbles or crushed stone.
Add a lightweight fire pit that can be moved or replaced as needed for flexibility. This design is great for smaller yards and gives you a cozy gathering spot without requiring a big budget.
#16 A Sunken Fire Pit On Lawn
This sunken fire pit design feels welcoming and modern, perfect for relaxing evenings outdoors. The built-in seating is sleek and accented with bright cushions that add a pop of color against the earthy tones.
Pebbles fill the base, creating a clean and safe surface around the fire pit. To recreate this look, frame the seating with concrete or wood, and choose bold pillows to bring in personality.
Place a metal fire bowl in the center for easy use and durability. This cozy corner instantly transforms the yard into a warm gathering spot for family and friends.
#17 A Sunken Fire Pit With Furnitures
This sunken fire pit combines modern elegance with comfort for the perfect outdoor lounge. The square concrete fire pit stands out in the center, framed by clean wooden decking that gives the area a sleek finish.
Plush outdoor sofas and chairs surround the space, making it ideal for gatherings with family or friends. To achieve this look, use a combination of wood and concrete for a balanced design that feels both warm and contemporary.
Place comfortable outdoor furniture around the pit to make the area inviting. This setup is perfect for anyone who loves stylish, functional spaces that encourage long evenings by the fire.
#18 Turned The In-Ground Trampoline Hole Into A Sunken Fire Pit
Source: Cari Young McCormick
This sunken fire pit design creates a striking focal point with its curved stucco seating and warm earthy tones. The circular bench wraps around the fire, making it perfect for conversations and shared moments.
Paver stones on the ground add texture and durability, giving the whole space a polished finish. To achieve this look, use stucco or concrete to shape the seating area and line the base with interlocking pavers.
Place a simple stone fire ring in the center for easy wood burning. This setup works especially well in desert or southwestern-inspired yards, offering both function and inviting style.
#19 An Outdoor Sunken Fire Pit With Deck Design For A Large Garden
This sunken fire pit design feels modern, fresh, and seamlessly integrated into the garden. The L-shaped built-in seating with plush cushions makes it perfect for lounging with friends or family.
Surrounded by trees and greenery, the space feels private and cozy, almost like an outdoor living room. To create this look, dig a square pit, line the walls with stone or concrete, and add built-in benches topped with cushions for comfort.
Keep the fire pit simple with a square stone or concrete base for a clean finish. This setup is ideal if you want a backyard retreat that feels both stylish and naturally inviting.
#20 Sunken Patio With Decomposed Granite And Boulders Creating A Fire Pit
This sunken fire pit blends rustic charm with a touch of modern comfort. Natural boulders form the pit s edge, giving the space an organic and grounded feel.
The curved seating with colorful cushions adds brightness and makes the area perfect for casual gatherings. To recreate this style, use large rocks or stacked stone for the fire pit and pair it with smooth, built-in seating for contrast.
Add vibrant outdoor pillows to bring energy and warmth to the space. This design works beautifully if you want a backyard spot that feels natural yet inviting for friends and family.