4 Seating Options For Your Fire Pit in Wheaton and Hinsdale, IL Areas

Gathering with family and friends around a fire pit is one of the great joys of outdoor living. Whether your space is formal or casual, a fire is irresistible. It’s the perfect setting for creating wonderful memories. But, “where” to put everyone is sometimes a challenge. Here are 4 seating options for your fire pit in Wheaton and Hinsdale, IL, areas.

1. Chairs

Adirondack chairs are the classic fire pit seating options. They are stylish, in a casual and friendly way, and the main benefit is that everyone can be as close to the fire as they like. Some people may love to sit close to the fire, while others prefer to keep their distance and only occasionally put their feet up to warm them.

The challenge with large chairs (whether they are Adirondack-style or cushioned lounge chairs) is that there is only so much space around a fire pit. The area can quickly become very crowded, which can make navigating around the fire pit a challenge.

The ideal situation for using Adirondack chairs around the fire pit is if the fire pit itself is large (so that nobody is pushed out to the perimeter), and that there is ample space around the fire pit to comfortably position enough chairs for the whole crew.

2. Wooden Benches

Wooden benches offer more seating for a larger group of people, since several people can share a single bench. They can be moved closer or further from the fire (as long as the bench’s occupants all agree), and they eliminate the cluttered feeling of a chair-filled space. The downside is that they may not have backrests, which can get uncomfortable after a while. If you choose to have benches around your fire pit, opt for benches with backrests. This will keep the party going longer! Benches are also better suited to a larger fire pit area with ample space to position the benches for optimal comfort.

3. Seat Walls

Seat walls are the masonry version of wooden benches. They partially surround the fire pit, which means you’ll still have an “entry point” to the fire area that can accommodate one or two freestanding chairs. Seat walls serve to create a defined fire pit area that visually ties in with the rest of the patio. However, there are a few important drawbacks to seat walls: they are not particularly comfortable for extended fireside chats, unless you provide cushions to sit on. They often don’t have backrests, which again gets uncomfortable. And, they cannot be repositioned to suit individuals. Seat walls are great if you have limited space and want to avoid clutter around the fire pit.

4. High-back Seat Walls

Seat walls with a backrest serve the same space-defining function as backless seat walls. In addition, they create a cozier - and warmer - space since the heat from the fire pit reflects off the back rests. All in all it’s a more intimate and welcoming experience. Again, you’ll need to provide cushions to sit on, and people won’t be able to adjust their proximity to the fire. However, this is a stylish way to create a conversation-pit style fire area. In fact, fire pits with high-back masonry seating can be positioned lower than the rest of the outdoor living areas (recessed into the ground, or on a slope) for a dramatic miniature amphitheater effect.