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Sunken Fire Pits

Sunken Fire Pits

Beautifully designed sunken fire pits and outdoor seating areas that bring warmth, atmosphere and architectural character to the garden.

Few garden features create quite the same sense of occasion as a beautifully designed fire pit. Whether it's a quiet evening outdoors or a gathering with friends and family, a sunken seating area creates a natural focal point and an inviting space to spend time long after the sun goes down.

At Tom Child, we design and construct bespoke sunken fire pits as part of the wider landscape. Combining traditional building expertise with thoughtful garden design, we create carefully integrated spaces that feel comfortable, practical and naturally connected to the surrounding garden.

A beautiful feature starts with careful planning

A sunken fire pit may look simple, but creating one successfully requires considerably more thought than positioning a seating area around a flame.

Excavation, ground conditions, retaining walls, drainage, ventilation and safe access all need to be considered before construction begins.

We carefully assess:

• The natural levels and layout of the garden

• Ground conditions and excavation requirements

• Retaining walls and structural stability

• Drainage and potential water accumulation

• Safe access and step dimensions

• Seating heights and proportions

• Exposure to wind and surrounding planting

• Fire safety, ventilation and suitable clearances

These details are especially important where seating areas sit below the surrounding ground.

Careful planning ensures the space feels like an intentional part of the landscape rather than an isolated feature.

Designed around the way you entertain

No two gardens are the same, and a fire pit should reflect both the property and how the space will be used.

Depending on the design, we may incorporate:

• Circular sunken seating — creating an intimate arrangement around a central fire

• Contemporary square and rectangular designs — providing clean architectural lines

• Built-in seating — maximising usable space and creating a cohesive appearance

• Natural stone features — introducing warmth, texture and traditional character

• Porcelain and architectural paving — complementing contemporary terraces

• Integrated lighting — creating atmosphere and improving visibility after dark

• Raised planting and screening — bringing privacy and softness to the surrounding space

The aim is to create somewhere that feels inviting whether the fire is lit or not.

Construction beneath the surface

Sunken seating areas introduce structural considerations that don't exist with conventional patios.

Excavation changes the surrounding ground levels, while walls may be required to retain soil and support nearby landscaping.

We pay particular attention to:

• Suitable foundations and retaining structures

• Waterproofing and moisture management where required

• Drainage and water removal

• Accurate levels and setting out

• Steps and safe circulation

• Appropriate paving and wall materials

• Structural loads and adjoining features

• Safe access for future maintenance

Because rainwater naturally collects in lower areas, drainage is particularly important.

Depending on the ground conditions and layout, suitable drainage outlets or pumped solutions may need to be considered.

Getting these fundamentals right is essential to creating a space that remains attractive, safe and comfortable throughout the year.

Choosing the right fire feature

The fire itself should suit the design, practical requirements and surroundings.

Different fuel types offer different characteristics.

Wood-burning fire pits provide the familiar atmosphere of a traditional open fire, with natural flames and the sound of burning logs. However, they require suitable clearances, safe ash disposal and careful consideration of smoke, neighbouring properties and local smoke-control requirements.

Gas fire features offer greater control and convenience, with adjustable flames and no need to store logs or dispose of ash. They require suitable fuel arrangements, ventilation and specialist installation, with gas work undertaken by appropriately registered professionals.

Whichever option is selected, the fire feature must be suitable for its location, with particular attention to ventilation, combustible materials, manufacturer requirements and safe distances from seating and structures.

Comfort, atmosphere and materials

A beautifully constructed sunken seating area should feel as comfortable as an outdoor living room.

The relationship between seating height, depth, step positioning and the central fire determines how naturally the space works.

Material selection also plays an important role.

Natural stone and traditional brickwork can create a timeless, established appearance, while smooth architectural finishes and porcelain paving are often better suited to contemporary gardens.

We consider:

• Comfortable seating proportions

• Durable and weather-resistant materials

• Suitable surfaces around the fire

• Lighting for steps and surrounding pathways

• Privacy and protection from prevailing winds

• Space for furniture and outdoor cushions

• Practical maintenance and cleaning

Small design decisions can make a significant difference to how often the space is used and enjoyed.

Integrated into the wider landscape

The most successful sunken fire pits feel naturally connected to the garden.

Rather than treating the seating area as a standalone feature, we consider how it relates to nearby patios, lawns, planting and garden structures.

A series of broad steps might connect the fire pit to an upper dining terrace, while raised borders and ornamental grasses can soften the surrounding walls.

Discreet garden lighting can highlight changes in level, and carefully positioned planting can create a more intimate atmosphere without enclosing the space.

When these elements work together, the fire pit becomes a natural destination within the garden.

Making more of your outdoor space

A sunken seating area can introduce an entirely new dimension to a garden.

It can provide separation from a larger terrace, make productive use of changes in level or create a sheltered space for relaxing and entertaining.

Even when the fire isn't in use, the surrounding seating and architectural detailing can provide an attractive focal point.

At Tom Child, our approach combines structural knowledge, quality materials and careful craftsmanship to create outdoor spaces designed for enjoyment as well as lasting performance.

A place to gather

A well-designed sunken fire pit is about much more than warmth. It creates a sense of place — somewhere to gather, unwind and enjoy the garden throughout the changing seasons.

Established in 1995, Tom Child combines decades of landscaping and construction experience to create bespoke outdoor living spaces that complement the property and wider landscape.

Based in Purley, Tom Child designs and builds bespoke sunken fire pits and outdoor seating areas across Wallington, Cheam, Chipstead, Banstead, Kingswood, Woldingham and the surrounding Surrey and South London areas.