Building a Fire Pit with a View: Designing for the Pacific Northwest Landscape
The Pacific Northwest is a region defined by natural beauty. From the shimmering waters of Puget Sound to the snowcapped peaks of the Cascades and Olympics, the landscape is a backdrop that homeowners never take for granted. It’s why so many of us choose to spend time outdoors year-round—bundled in layers, sipping something warm, and soaking in the view.
Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your home doesn’t just bring warmth and ambiance. Done thoughtfully, it can frame and enhance those breathtaking views, transforming your backyard into a retreat that celebrates the unique character of the PNW.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we believe placement and design are just as important as the fire pit itself. Here’s how to create a setup that harmonizes with the Pacific Northwest landscape.
Why Views Matter in Fire Pit Design
A fire pit isn’t only about function—it’s about creating experiences. When paired with the right backdrop, a fire pit becomes more than a heat source. It’s a stage for connection, a frame for the horizon, and a focal point that enhances the natural beauty already around you.
In the PNW, that might mean:
Turning your waterfront property into a private lodge-like escape.
Highlighting forested surroundings without losing the intimacy of the fire.
Making an urban backyard feel expansive by aligning with skyline or garden views.
By carefully considering your placement and design choices, your fire pit will feel like it belongs to the land—not just placed on it.
Placement Tips for Iconic PNW Settings
Waterfront Homes: Framing the Horizon
If you’re lucky enough to have property along Puget Sound, Lake Washington, or the islands, your view is the star. The fire pit should enhance, not compete.
Orient seating toward the water, with the fire pit in the foreground. Guests will enjoy the warmth of the fire while still soaking in the view.
Keep the fire pit slightly off-center rather than directly blocking the line of sight. This balances the scene without creating obstruction.
Use low-profile designs (like RB73 Quaruba fireplaces) that radiate heat while preserving visibility.
👉 Imagine sipping wine at sunset, fire crackling, while ferries glide across the Sound. The fire becomes part of the moment without overwhelming it.
Forested Settings: Creating Natural Frames
For homes nestled among the evergreens, the goal is to celebrate the forest while maintaining fire safety.
Clear just enough space for your fire pit, ensuring it’s at least 25 feet from overhanging branches or combustible vegetation.
Use natural stone, gravel, or COR-TEN steel to complement the woodland surroundings.
Position seating so the fire provides a cozy counterpoint to towering trees—warmth in contrast to cool, shaded forest.
👉 The effect feels like a wilderness retreat, right in your own backyard.
Urban Backyards: Making the Most of Limited Views
Even small city lots can feel expansive with smart fire pit placement.
Align your fire pit with your best available sightline—a skyline peek, a neighboring garden, or your own landscaping focal point.
Use compact, vertical fireplaces that add architectural interest without overwhelming tight spaces.
Combine with built-in benches or L-shaped seating to maximize seating in smaller yards.
👉 The right setup makes an urban patio feel less like a yard and more like an intimate outdoor lounge.
Design Ideas for Seamless Outdoor Living
Placement is just the beginning. The design choices around your fire pit elevate the space from functional to unforgettable.
Curved Seating for Connection
A circular or semi-circular seating arrangement draws guests in, creating a natural sense of intimacy. Pair chairs or built-in benches with cushions for both comfort and style.
Natural Materials for a PNW Feel
The Pacific Northwest aesthetic is all about balance between modern living and rugged nature. Materials like:
Stone for retaining walls or patios.
Wood decking for warmth underfoot.
COR-TEN steel for fire pits that weather into rich, earthy tones.
These choices blend seamlessly into local landscapes.
Lighting That Complements the Fire
Avoid harsh floodlights that overpower the flames. Instead:
Add pathway lights for safety.
Use string lights or lanterns to create ambiance.
Keep lighting levels low so the fire’s glow remains the centerpiece.
The goal is harmony—not distraction.
Extending the Season with Heaters and Covers
The beauty of a fire pit is that it makes outdoor living possible beyond summer months. But in the PNW, where evenings are cool even in July, pairing your fire pit with outdoor heaters creates true four-season usability.
Wall or ceiling-mounted heaters work perfectly under covered patios.
Freestanding heaters can extend warmth to the edges of your gathering space.
Fire pit + heater combos layer ambiance with comfort so every guest feels cozy.
Add a pergola or weatherproof cover, and your backyard transforms into a year-round retreat, rain or shine.
Safety and Regulations to Remember
Designing with views in mind doesn’t mean forgetting safety. In the Puget Sound region:
Recreational fires must be under 3 feet in diameter and placed at least 25 feet from combustible structures.
Only dry, seasoned wood is allowed—never yard debris or trash.
Always check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for burn ban alerts.
With thoughtful placement, you can design for beauty and stay compliant with local regulations.
Bringing It All Together: Examples of PNW Fire Pit Design
The Waterfront Retreat: A COR-TEN steel Quaruba fireplace placed on a stone patio, with Adirondack chairs facing the Sound, and soft string lights overhead.
The Forest Nook: A low fire pit ringed by gravel, surrounded by cedar benches, framed by evergreens with the fire as a warm anchor.
The Urban Escape: A vertical fireplace on a compact deck, paired with built-in seating and skyline views framed by potted greenery.
Each design celebrates its setting while creating a comfortable, inviting space for gatherings.
FAQs: Designing Fire Pits with Views
Will a fire pit block my view?
Not if designed thoughtfully. Low-profile or glass-sided fireplaces allow you to enjoy both the fire and the landscape.
What’s the best surface material for PNW fire pits?
Stone, gravel, or concrete are ideal—they drain well and complement the natural aesthetic.
Can I still use a fire pit if I live under frequent burn bans?
Yes—many homeowners pair wood-burning fire pits with gas fire tables or heaters to stay compliant during restrictions.
How do I make a small backyard feel bigger with a fire pit?
Orient seating toward your best view, and use vertical fireplaces or compact models that provide warmth without taking up too much floor space.
Is COR-TEN steel a good choice for PNW landscapes?
Absolutely. COR-TEN thrives in the wet/dry cycles of the region, developing a protective patina that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.
Final Thoughts
The Pacific Northwest offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the country—and your outdoor living space should celebrate that. A well-placed, thoughtfully designed fire pit doesn’t just provide warmth. It frames the view, enhances your connection to nature, and transforms your backyard into a retreat you’ll enjoy year-round.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we specialize in helping homeowners design fire pit setups that complement the unique beauty of the PNW landscape. From COR-TEN steel fireplaces to full-service delivery and installation, we make it easy to create an outdoor living space that’s safe, stylish, and perfectly aligned with your view.
🔥 Ready to design your dream fire pit with a view? Explore our collection today and discover how a handcrafted fireplace can elevate your backyard into a destination.
