Last updated on September 11th, 2023
Having a fire pit is a surefire way to make your backyard cozier and inviting. But once you’ve picked a fire pit, you will need some decent fire pit chairs to go along with it. Of course, you can add your favorite beer or wine, marshmallows, and all the good stuff.
Adirondack chairs offer a lot of charm and comfort, but it’s unclear whether they are safe for a fire pit. So, can you place Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, you can. Adirondack chairs are some of the best seating options for a fire pit. They are typically made of materials that withstand rain, sun, heat, and smoke from a fire pit. Their reclining angle and laid-back profile are great for relaxing, while the classic style helps to enhance your outdoor aesthetics.
In this article, we will show you why a rustic fire pit chair such as an Adirondack is one of the best fire pit seating ideas for your outdoor space, how to safely use it, plus other important topics. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Are Adirondack Chairs Good for Fire Pits?
Yes, Adirondack chairs are well suited for a fire pit. Their geometry and design make them perfect for relaxing, which is the whole essence of staying around a fire pit – to chill, relax and hang out.
More importantly, the chairs are crafted with materials that have weather-resistant properties. This maximizes their resistance against bad weather such as heavy rainfall, simmering UV rays, and extreme heat.
Furthermore, they have a universal appeal that blends well with most outdoor decor depending on the color scheme and how well they are positioned. You can choose either classic or modern design depending on your personal style and needs.
Can You Place Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, you can. Many Adirondack chairs are made from materials such as resin plastic and acacia which can handle moisture and heat well. The chairs also sit low to the ground, making them more comfortable than many seating options. Also, the low geometry ensures the smoke from the fire doesn’t directly get in your face.
Can you place plastic Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, plastic Adirondacks are great for a fire pit. They are particularly recommended if you want something that will be easy to move around. Like other Adirondacks, they are built to stand the test of time and will withstand extreme heat and rain. They require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts and won’t rot or warp.
Can you place wooden Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, you can place your wooden Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. In fact, until now, they’ve been the most traditional choice for fire pit seating. And that is because they have that classic chair look. It’s no wonder most plastic Adirondacks are made to look like wood.
However, for optimal fire safety, ensure the chairs are located at a good distance from the fire pit. This is because wood has a low burning point, so there’s always a possibility of it catching fire if it gets too close to a heat source.
Can you place red Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, red is one of the many colors you can pick when buying an Adirondack chair. Red Adirondack chairs are bright and help to add color to your fire pit area. So, if you’re looking to create a modern look, red is great, as long as it blends nicely with your existing decor. Other colors you may consider are blue, teal, yellow, black, white, and so on.
Can you place white Adirondack chairs around fire pit?
Yes, you can. White Adirondack chairs are versatile and give a clean, fresh feel which is perfect for all seasons. So, they are great if you want something you can use all year round. There’s also evidence to suggest that they hold color in the hot sun.
What to consider when buying Adirondack chairs for your fire pit
Here are the major things to consider when purchasing Adirondack chairs for a fire pit.
Material
This is the first thing you should resolve. Adirondack chairs are typically made of wood or plastic. Both materials can be of different types depending on the brand. Each one has its pros and cons.
Wood Adirondacks are essentially the classic options, but they usually require a lot of maintenance to keep them in top shape. This often involves oiling them down occasionally to prevent rot, warping, and other similar problems.
Plastic Adirondacks, especially hard plastic like polycarbonate, are waterproof and thus require less maintenance. But, they are often made to look like wood. Some plastic Adirondacks may come with a steel frame to increase their stability.
Also, it’s worth noting that wood Adirondack chairs tend to be more expensive than their plastic counterparts. But this doesn’t mean that plastic Adirondacks are cheap, except those made from cheap plastic.
Durability
When it comes to durability, wood Adirondack chairs are usually more durable, but this is only after they’ve been treated to protect them from the harsh weather conditions and infestation. Also, thicker wood has greater stability.
Having said that, many high-grade plastics are just as durable. It all depends on your personal preference.
Whether you choose wood or plastic, make sure the chair is water- and UV-resistant. For wood pieces that are not, you can always apply your favorite paint or sealant over them. Luckily for you, all the products on the list are heavy-duty; most come with UV and water protection.
Storage
If you have storage issues or plan to move the chairs indoors during the off-season, then you would want a foldable chair for easy storage. This makes it easier to transport and store.
Generally, it’s highly recommended to store away Adirondack chairs and other outdoor patio furniture like your love seat during the cold and snowy seasons, regardless of the material. This makes sense since you will not be using them. Doing this will ensure they last longer.
You can also secure the outdoor chairs with waterproof outdoor furniture covers or bungee cords.
Even if you don’t get a foldable chair, make sure it’s something you can carry.
Size
Another thing you should consider when choosing fire pit chairs is their size.
Generally, Adirondack chairs have adaptable sizes. This means that a particular style designed for toddlers is usually wider than most other seating options and will easily fit adults.
Specifically, a standard Adirondack is about 20-inches wide, but some options are over 30-inches wide. Likewise, the height can be up to 38-inches, while the weight limit can be anywhere from 250 to 500 pounds.
Whatever size you choose, make sure it’s not too short or too long for you, as that can affect comfort. You can always get a custom oversize chair if you like.
How far should my Adirondack chair be from the fire pit?
This mostly depends on how much space you have and the type of fire pit (wood or gas). The type and quantity of wood burned can also play a role in your decision, especially if you have embers popping out of the pit.
The general rule is to keep the chairs at least 3 feet away from the edge of the fire pit if you’re using a wood-burning fire pit. For a gas model, at least 2 feet distance should suffice. This is because wood-burning pits are usually hotter.
If you have more space, you can make the distance bigger to enhance safety and create more room for people to move in-between. But never bring the chairs too close as they might get too hot, and things can worsen.
How many Adirondack chairs can you have around a fire pit?
Once again, your available space will determine the number of chairs you can place around your fire pit. Four chairs will be ideal if you have a square fire pit, while you can fit up to 6 chairs with a rounded pit.
For aesthetic purposes, we recommend 3 to 4 chairs. You can add more if you have a bigger space or expect more guests. But make sure there’s enough spacing between the fire pit and chairs so people can move freely.
How tall should a fire pit be for Adirondack chairs?
This depends on the height of your Adirondack chair. So, you will need to conduct your own research to arrive at the ideal height. In most cases, the pit would be 12 – 14 inches above the ground. The idea is to ensure the pit is a few inches taller than the seat height.
How Much Room Should You Leave Around a Fire Pit?
It’s recommended to leave at least 7 feet around a fire pit. This is important to create enough room for your chairs and to avoid walking too close to the fire. The measurement should be done from the center of the fire pit.
For a gas fire pit, you can have less space as long as the chairs don’t get hot. But make sure you allow at least 7 feet for a wooden pit.
In general, it’s best to have more space than less for safety purposes.
Safety Tips for using Adirondack chairs for fire pits
There are a few safety rules you want to keep when using Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. This will help keep you safe and everyone else and ensure you have the best experience.
You must check the wind condition before starting your fire pit, especially if it’s an open flame. It’s usually more difficult to kindle the fire when the wind is turbulent.
Also, sparks can be easily blown out of the fire and may settle on a flammable item. This is why fire pits must not be located under tree branches, close to dry wood, or any other structure or object that can catch fire.
To further protect your furniture, add a gas flame guard or spark screen to contain the fire over a pit and prevent sparks from flying around.
This is recommended even in less windy conditions. There’s always a tendency for an unprotected flame to blow and reach outside the burner pan. Besides being safer, fire pits with flame guards also appear more beautiful to look upon.
It’s also recommended to keep shovels and water close, as well as a fire extinguisher. This is important in case of an emergency. Even when you’ve done everything right, things can still go wrong, so you always want to be prepared.
Lastly, never leave the fire pit unattended.
FAQs – Adirondack chairs around fire pit
How wide should a fire pit sitting area be?
A fire pit sitting area can be anywhere from 12 to 18 inches, depending on the size of the pit and the available space. For smaller pits, the seat width can be lesser, but it shouldn’t be less than 8 inches.
Do the chairs get hot by the fire pit heat?
This depends on the position of the chairs. If you place the chairs too close to the fire pit, chances are that they will get hot, and this can happen with any object, as fire pits are a powerful source of heat. With most modern fire pits, you can get a little close to the fire, but it’s still recommended to keep a good distance for safety reasons.
What Type of Chairs Are Good Around a Fire Pit?
There are many seating options for a fire pit. These include Adirondack chairs, rocking patio chairs, fire pit benches, sling chairs, zero gravity chairs, gliders, sectionals, etc. The most important thing is to choose a comfortable and weather-resistant chair. You can also add a seat cushion to the chair if you need a more comfortable seating.
How wide is an Adirondack chair?
The dimensions of Adirondack chairs tend to vary with each product. But most chairs are usually about 26 to 34 inches wide, while the seating area is around 20 inches wide. Likewise, the height can be up to 36 inches or more.
How much clearance do you need for a fire pit?
This depends on the location of the fire pit and the objects or materials you have around it. If you have flammable materials around, it’s recommended to keep a minimum clearance of 36″ between the material and the edge of the burner pan. However, if there are no flammable materials around, this rule doesn’t apply.
Summary – Adirondack chairs around fire pit on patio
Adirondack chairs around fire pit on patio isa fun way to wind down and create beautiful memories in your outdoor space. The chairs are weather-resistant, comfortable and easy to maintain. Plus, most of them usually cost around $100-$200.
We hope you found this guide helpful. Now, you know how to scoot your chairs for the best experience and other safety tips you need to follow.
When picking the best Adirondack chair, make sure you select something that reflects your style.