Choosing a fire pit is easier when you start with one question: how do you want to use the space? The right size depends on the room you have, how many people usually gather around the fire, and whether you want a compact evening fire or a larger centerpiece for family and friends.
This guide walks through the practical differences between several popular fire pit sizes so you can choose a size that fits your backyard instead of simply buying the biggest one available.
What fire pit size is best for most backyards?
For many homeowners, a fire pit in the mid-size range gives a good balance of warmth, presence, and room for seating. Smaller fire pits work especially well on more compact patios or for couples and small groups, while larger bowls make more sense when the fire pit will be the main gathering point for a bigger outdoor space.
At Evergreen Patio, three useful reference points are our 24-inch Scout Fire Pit, 36-inch Legacy Fire Pit, and 37-inch Pioneer Fire Pit.
24-inch fire pit: compact and easy to place
A 24-inch fire pit is a strong choice when you want a real wood-burning fire without letting the fire pit dominate the entire patio.
It can work well for smaller patios, tighter backyard seating areas, couples, and smaller gatherings. It is also easier to design around when you already have chairs, a table, or other outdoor furniture competing for space.
Evergreen Patio's 24-inch Scout is designed as a compact, heavy-duty option for customers who want durability in a smaller footprint.
36-inch fire pit: a versatile family size
A 36-inch fire pit gives you noticeably more fire area and visual presence. For a backyard where several people regularly gather, this size can feel more proportional to a larger seating arrangement.
It is a useful choice for family gatherings, entertaining friends, and patios where the fire pit is intended to be one of the main features rather than a small accent.
Our 36-inch Legacy Fire Pit is built around that balance: large enough to anchor a gathering area without automatically moving into an oversized fire-pit footprint.
37-inch deep fire pit: for customers who want a bigger fire
Diameter is not the only measurement that changes the experience. Bowl shape and depth matter too.
The 37-inch Pioneer Fire Pit uses a deeper hemisphere-style bowl. That makes it a different experience from simply moving up one inch in diameter. It is designed for customers who want a substantial fire pit with room for bigger wood fires and a more dramatic centerpiece.
Fire pit size comparison
| Size | Best suited for | Overall feel |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inch | Smaller patios, couples, small groups | Compact and easy to place |
| 36 inch | Family gatherings and larger seating areas | Versatile backyard centerpiece |
| 37 inch deep bowl | Larger fires and customers wanting more presence | Deep, substantial gathering fire |
How much room should you leave around a fire pit?
Do not choose a fire pit based only on whether the bowl itself fits. Think about the entire gathering area: the fire pit, chairs, walking room, and safe distance from structures and combustible materials.
Before ordering, measure the usable area and lay out the approximate fire pit diameter on the ground. Then place your chairs around that outline. This simple test gives you a much better feel for whether a 24-inch, 36-inch, or larger fire pit suits the space.
Always follow the applicable local fire and safety requirements when choosing placement and clearances.
How many chairs do you want around the fire?
Your seating plan is one of the quickest ways to narrow down the size.
- Small conversational setup: A compact pit can keep a few chairs feeling connected without creating a large empty center.
- Family seating area: A mid-size pit generally creates a stronger focal point when several chairs surround it.
- Large gathering space: A larger or deeper bowl can better match the scale of a broad patio and larger seating circle.
The goal is not to maximize diameter. The goal is to make the fire pit look and feel proportional to the people and furniture around it.
Think about the kind of fire you actually want
If you mainly want a relaxed evening fire for two or four people, you may not need a large bowl. If you regularly host groups and want the fire itself to be a major part of the gathering, moving up in size can make sense.
Also consider how you plan to use accessories. Many Evergreen Patio fire pits are available with options such as snuffer lids and grill grates, which can make the fire pit more useful beyond simply sitting around a flame. You can browse the full Fire Pits & Accessories collection to compare sizes and configurations.
Does fire pit material matter as much as size?
Yes. Size gets most of the attention when people shop, but construction matters if you want the fire pit to stay in your backyard for years rather than a season or two.
Evergreen Patio's heavy-duty fire pits are built in Georgia from solid American steel and are designed for real wood fires and repeated outdoor use. When comparing fire pits, look beyond diameter and consider the material, steel thickness, construction, replacement expectations, and whether the product is designed to be a long-term part of the outdoor space.
So, what size fire pit should you buy?
If space is limited or your gatherings are usually small, start by looking at a 24-inch fire pit. If you want a versatile family-size centerpiece, a 36-inch model is a strong place to look. If your priority is a deeper bowl and larger fires, compare a 37-inch hemisphere-style design.
The best choice is the one that fits the way you actually use your backyard.
Still comparing? Browse all of our heavy-duty steel fire pits, or compare the 24-inch Scout, 36-inch Legacy, and 37-inch Pioneer side by side.
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