In ground vs raised fire pit: which is better? For most backyards a raised fire pit or fire ring is the easier choice, because it sheds rain, gets air from below more easily, and can be moved or replaced. An in ground (sunken) fire pit makes sense when you want a permanent, low profile feature and are willing to dig, build a gravel base, and plan for drainage and an air inlet. This guide compares the two for wood burning fires. Your local fire code and HOA rules have the final word on either one.
In ground vs raised fire pit at a glance
| Factor | In ground (sunken) fire pit | Raised fire pit or fire ring |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage | Water collects below grade without a gravel base and drain | Sits above grade; many steel bowls have a drain hole |
| Airflow and smoke | Needs a planned air inlet low in the pit | Easier to feed air from below |
| Heat to seated guests | Flames sit lower relative to people in chairs | Flames sit closer to seated height |
| Safety | Low or no wall can be a tripping hazard | A visible wall or bowl edge marks the fire |
| Ash cleanout | Scoop out from below grade | Easier reach |
| Work involved | Digging, gravel, blocks, drainage | Set on a noncombustible surface, or stack blocks around a ring |
| Permanence | Permanent | Freestanding units can move |
What counts as a sunken fire pit vs an above ground fire pit
An in ground fire pit puts the fire floor below the surrounding grade: typically a hole lined with retaining wall blocks or a steel ring, loose gravel underneath, and pavers or gravel around it. An above ground fire pit puts the fire at or above grade. That covers stacked block rings on a level base, steel fire ring inserts inside a block wall, and freestanding steel bowls. Many builds land in between, with a ring set a few inches into the ground and a course or two of block above grade.
Drainage: the main weakness of an in ground fire pit
A hole in the ground collects rain, so a sunken fire pit in poorly draining soil can hold standing water and wet ash. The Home Depot guide to building an in ground fire pit fills the pit base with 6 inches of loose gravel. For well draining soil it adds a center hole 12 inches across and 18 inches deep filled with large gravel; for poor draining soil or heavy rain it describes a 6 inch wide trench sloping away from the pit.
Raised steel bowls handle rain differently. The Ohioflame Liberty listing describes a Rain Drain with a 4 inch Blocker Plate for when you do not want ash falling through. For drain holes, lids and wet fire media, see our fire pit drainage and rain guide.
Airflow, smoke and heat
A wood fire needs air from below, and the walls of a sunken pit block it, so builds usually add an inlet. The Home Depot design runs a 4 inch aluminum pipe with a 90 degree elbow into the pit, with the cap just above the finished surface. Ohioflame gives similar advice for its fire ring inside a stone wall: air inlets at the bottom of the wall allow better smoke dissipation, and the ring’s octagonal shape leaves air gaps between steel and stone.
Raised designs make airflow easier. Freestanding smokeless pits pull air through base holes and hollow legs, and inserts with an elevated base let air reach the fire from underneath. A raised bowl also puts the flames closer to seated height.
Safety: tripping, kids and embers
A University of Utah Health burn center nurse has noted that people get too close to the flames or accidentally fall in, that kids can be tempted to throw items into the fire, and that coals can stay hot up to 12 hours after being extinguished. A sunken pit with little or no wall above grade is harder to see at night and easier to step into. If you go in ground, a raised lip of block or a steel ring flange gives a visible edge. For both types, a spark screen helps with embers, and ash should cool fully before cleanout.
How deep should an in ground fire pit be?
There is no single code depth. The Home Depot guide digs about 18 inches deep for a finished pit 36 inches across, with 6 inches of loose gravel in the base and the surrounding pavers on 4 inches of gravel and about 1 inch of paver sand. It says to call 811 before digging and to keep the pit at least 15 feet from shrubs, trees and buildings. Local rules can be stricter. For diameter and wall thickness, see our fire pit size guide.
Fire pit ring and insert options for block or in ground builds
A steel fire ring shields the blocks from direct flame. Prices are from our listings at the time of writing.
- Ohioflame Heavy Gauge Fire Ring Round: 3/16 inch steel, 12 inches high, 24, 30 or 36 inch outer diameter (the 30 inch weighs 60 lbs). Use as a stone pit insert or standalone on a noncombustible surface. $374.94 (24 inch), $424.94 (30 inch), $624.94 (36 inch).
- Sunstone StarBBQ 36 inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert: powder coated cold rolled steel, about 55 lbs, wood fuel, 4 piece flat pack for standard stacked stone pits, elevated base. $329.
- Sunstone StarBBQ 48 inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert: same construction at 48 inches, about 65 lbs. $429.
Raised wood burning fire pits that sit on the surface
- Ohioflame Liberty Fire Pit with Hollow Base: 3/16 inch carbon steel with Rain Drain. The 24 inch size is 14 inches high with a 7.5 inch bowl depth and weighs 50 lbs. From $324.94.
- Ohioflame Lunar Fire Bowl: 30 inch diameter, 18 inches high, 15 inch bowl depth, 80 lbs in the smallest size. From $899.99.
- YardCraft The Forge Smokeless Fire Pit: inside diameter of almost 30 inches, fully collapsible, air drawn through base holes and hollow legs. $995.
- Ohioflame Spark Screen: made to order for select Patriot and Liberty pits; the 24 inch screen has a 12 inch center height. From $314.95.
Browse the Ohioflame range or start with our fire pit buying guide. For a gas build, our gas fire pit build guide covers enclosures.
Cost, permanence and local burn rules
A freestanding raised pit costs the pit plus a noncombustible surface, and it can move with you. An in ground build adds blocks, gravel, a ring or insert, drainage and labor, and stays put, so choose the spot carefully.
Burn rules apply to both. Lehi, Utah requires 25 feet between a fire pit and any structure, a pit no larger than 3 feet in diameter with flames under 2 feet, constant attendance, and an on site way to put the fire out. San Diego area fire officials list 25 feet from any structure, a pile 3 feet or less across and 2 feet or less high, and no yard debris burning. Confirm with your fire department and HOA before you build or buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is an in ground fire pit better than an above ground fire pit?
Not by default. An in ground fire pit looks permanent and low but needs drainage and an air inlet. An above ground fire pit is simpler, drains more easily and is easier to see.
How deep should an in ground fire pit be?
One published build digs about 18 inches deep with 6 inches of loose gravel in the base. Check local rules and call 811 first.
Does a sunken fire pit fill with water?
It can, especially in clay or poorly draining soil. A gravel base, a gravel filled drain hole or a trench helps.
Do I need a fire pit ring in a block build?
A steel ring or insert shields the blocks and gives a defined edge. Ohioflame recommends air inlets at the bottom of the stone wall when using its ring as an insert.
Need help choosing a fire ring, insert or freestanding fire pit? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight; orders below that ship for a $200 flat rate. See our return and refund policy before ordering.
