There is something almost primal about gathering around a fire. And if you want that experience to feel truly built-in, considered, and permanent, brick sunken fire pits are the answer.
I became a little obsessed with them after digging (literally) into a corner of my own garden, and I have never looked back. They feel architectural. Intentional. Like they have always belonged there.
What I love most is that sinking the fire pit below ground level changes everything about the experience. The wind is blocked. The heat radiates differently. You sit lower, lean in closer, and the whole gathering feels more intimate.
Add brick and you have a material that weathers beautifully, holds heat brilliantly, and looks incredible whether your garden is formal, rustic, or somewhere gloriously in between.
So I have pulled together 19 ideas to spark your imagination. Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a modest patio, there is a design here that will make you want to grab a trowel and start planning immediately.
19 Brick Sunken Fire Pit Ideas
From clean and contemporary to wonderfully wild and rustic, these 19 brick sunken fire pit designs cover every taste, budget, and garden size — so get ready to take notes.
1) Sunken Circular Brick Fire Ring
Red brick, laid in a perfect circle, drops this fire pit below lawn level for a look that feels both ancient and completely timeless. The sunken design cuts wind, keeps heat low and intimate, and makes the flames the undeniable focal point.
A curved timber bench wraps almost the full circumference. White cushions. Soft throws. It seats a crowd without crowding anyone.
Tip: recess your bench seat into the retaining wall rather than building it separately — you save space and get that seamless, built-in finish that makes this look so polished.
2) Sunken Herringbone Brick Fire Pit
There’s something deeply satisfying about a fire pit you actually step down into. This sunken square pit is laid entirely in aged brick — base, walls, surround — with a gorgeous herringbone pattern on the floor that draws your eye straight to the flame.
The lush, layered greenery behind the raised brick steps makes this feel like a secret garden room. Timber lounge chairs with crisp white cushions flank the space. Simple. Considered. Perfect.
Tip: matching your patio paving brick to your fire pit walls — same tone, same material — is the move that makes everything feel intentional rather than pieced together.
3) Natural Stone-Edged Sunken Brick Pit
Perfect for classic English-style gardens. A square pit, lined with warm red brick and capped with chunky natural stone slabs, sits flush into a flagstone patio — fire glowing at dusk, lush lawn stretching beyond.
The sunken design is the genius here. No above-ground structure to interrupt sightlines. The brick walls radiate heat outward and upward, keeping everyone around it genuinely warm.
Tip: use reclaimed stone for the coping edge — it weathers beautifully and beds in fast. Keep a wooden chair nearby. You will never want to go inside.
4) Sunken Concrete & Brick Fire Pit
A recessed rectangular fire pit sits at the heart of this outdoor room, framed by smooth concrete bench seating on three sides. The brick-lined pit drops below terrace level — that sunken detail is everything. It creates shelter from wind and pulls people inward.
Lush silver-leaved shrubs and mature trees form a soft green backdrop, grounding the minimal concrete palette. The neutral tones let the flame do the talking.
My tip: pair built-in seating directly around a sunken pit like this instead of moveable chairs — it locks in the gathering space and keeps sightlines low and intimate.
5) Reclaimed Brick Sunken Fire Pit
Weathered, aged brick in warm sandy tones sets the mood immediately. The circular sunken pit is built low into the ground, creating a natural amphitheatre feel with a curved seating ledge that wraps almost all the way around. Logs stacked neatly inside — ready to go.
What makes this work so well is the informality. Wild cottage-garden planting spills right up to the edges. No hard landscaping screaming for attention. The nearby stone summerhouse ties the whole scheme together beautifully.
My tip? Source reclaimed bricks rather than new ones. That instant patina is everything — it looks like it’s always been there.
6) Sunken Brick Amphitheatre Fire Pit
Utterly genius. A circular sunken fire pit built from warm aged brick, dropping into the earth in concentric tiers like a miniature amphitheatre. The herringbone-laid brick floor, curved seating walls, and glowing central fire create an almost theatrical intimacy.
What makes this work so well is the layering. The sunken pit shields the flame from wind, the low encircling wall becomes natural seating, and the lush garden backdrop of mature shrubs and flowering plants softens all that hard landscaping beautifully.
Tip: if you’re replicating this, use reclaimed brick for instant warmth and character. New brick can look harsh — aged brick glows like it belongs there.
7) White Painted Brick Mediterranean Sunken Pit
Those linen cushions scattered along the curved bench? They’re what make this space feel lived-in, not just designed. The white-painted brick circular seating wraps around a central brick fire pit — sunken, intimate, utterly inviting.
The terracotta tile floor ties everything together. Mediterranean through and through. Mature olive trees frame the background, with generous clay pots adding organic texture near the whitewashed house facade.
If you’re recreating this, paint your existing brick white first — it instantly elevates raw materials into something refined. Keep cushion colours neutral. Let the warm terracotta tones do the heavy lifting.
8) Decked Brick Sunken Fire Pit
9) Gravel-Set Brick Sunken Fire Pit
Pure evenings. That golden-hour calm when a fire crackles low and the countryside rolls away behind a warm brick wall. This sunken brick fire pit, set flush into a generous gravel circle, delivers exactly that feeling.
The raised brick rim does double duty — it’s a safety edge and an extra perch when the stools fill up. Weathered wooden stools circle the pit loosely, keeping the layout relaxed rather than rigid. Gravel is the smart choice here; it handles rain, it handles embers, and it needs almost zero maintenance.
Tip: keep a tray with drinks and a folded throw within arm’s reach, just like the styling here. It makes the space feel genuinely lived-in.
10) Woodland Brick Sunken Fire Pit
Perfect for gardens that back onto trees or natural woodland. The circular brick surround is set flush into a cobblestone patio, creating that deeply satisfying sunken effect that draws people in and keeps the flame sheltered.
Uplighting on the tree trunks does so much heavy lifting here. It extends the mood vertically, making the whole space feel theatrical after dark. Simple linen-draped wooden chairs are all you need around it.
My tip: lay your cobbles in a concentric pattern radiating out from the pit edge — it anchors the fire as the visual centrepiece and makes the whole patio feel intentional.
11) Circular Brick Pit & Built-In Bench
A continuous curved bench built from the same reclaimed brick as the pit itself — that’s the detail that ties everything together. The sunken fire pit sits at the centre, ringed by concentric brick steps that double as extra seating when guests spill over.
It works because nothing feels added on. The bench, the pit, the paving — all one material, one moment. Throw cushions and a chunky knit blanket keep it from feeling too hard-edged.
Tip: if you’re building something similar, use tumbled or reclaimed brick. The worn finish ages instantly and beds into a garden setting far better than anything fresh off the pallet.
12) Raised-Lip Brick Fire Pit Border
Warm terracotta brick meets cool white gravel. The circular raised-lip border gives this sunken fire pit a clean, architectural edge that feels intentional rather than improvised. I love how the brick tones glow even warmer when the flames are lit at dusk.
The sunken design is clever. It keeps the fire low and safe while drawing the eye down into the garden floor. Surrounded by feathery ornamental grasses, it blends hard landscaping with soft planting beautifully.
My tip: lay the gravel wide around the brick ring — at least a metre — for both safety and visual impact. It frames the whole thing perfectly.
13) Brick & Corten Steel Sunken Fire Pit
One of the smartest combinations in modern garden design. The warm rust tones of corten steel paired with aged brick create a fire pit surround that feels both industrial and deeply inviting. That glow at dusk? Unbeatable.
The sunken seating pit is the real hero here. Built-in brick walls with a slim dark cushion bench wrap around on two sides, keeping guests close to the flame without crowding the patio space. A lantern tucked to one side adds atmosphere without effort.
Tip: if you’re planning something similar, match your brick tone to the corten — warm red bricks complement the steel’s amber patina perfectly. The clipped topiary backdrop seals the look.
14) Sunken Brick Pit at Dusk
That bowl of succulents on the weathered wood coffee table. Most people would walk straight past it, but it anchors the whole space. The recessed brick seating walls do the heavy lifting here — built-in, solid, no wobbling chairs on uneven ground.
Dropping the fire pit zone below garden level is genius. It creates a room without walls. The lawn stays open and expansive above, while down here everything feels sheltered and intimate. I love how the flanking boxwood spheres and the sprawling silver-green herbs soften all that hard brick.
Tip: if you’re planning something similar, match your brick paver flooring to your seating wall brick for that seamless, intentional look.
15) Cobblestone Patio & Sunken Brick Fire Pit
Brick and cobblestone together. That’s the magic here. A circular sunken fire pit, lined entirely in warm red brick, sits flush within a beautifully irregular cobblestone patio — the two materials complementing each other perfectly.
The sunken design is clever. By dropping the fire below patio level, you get better wind protection for the flame, more radiant heat at seated height, and a cleaner, safer look. Two weathered timber armchairs are all you need to make this feel complete.
The lush green backdrop of shrubs and mature trees gives this space a natural enclosure. My tip: keep seating minimal and let the fire pit do all the talking.
16) Sunken Brick Pit & Lawn Seating
Moody. Intimate. Utterly brilliant. A circular brick sunken fire pit set flush into a lush green lawn creates one of the most dramatic garden focal points I’ve ever seen. The flames glow from below ground level, making the fire feel almost magical.
Uplighting in the background picks out trees and a warm brick garden wall — layered lighting is the real secret here. The recessed pit means wind is less of an issue, and the fire stays contained beautifully.
A chunky timber bench sits close enough to feel the warmth. Keep it simple like this. One seat, one fire, zero clutter. That restraint is everything.
17) Sunken Brick Pit & Built-In Log Store
Perfect for the serious entertainer. A recessed brick fire pit sits flush within a flagstone patio, with built-in bench seating on two sides. Cushions tucked in. Fire already lit. It feels effortless.
What I love most is the integrated log store — a brick alcove set into the perimeter wall keeps firewood dry, close, and completely tidy. No ugly log pile dumped on the lawn. Everything has a place.
The warm brick tones tie the whole space together beautifully against that lush green backdrop. Tip: go recessed rather than raised if you want that sheltered, cocooned feeling around the fire. It makes all the difference on a breezy evening.
18) Tropical Brick Sunken Fire Pit
A circular brick wall does double duty here — it’s the fire pit surround and the seating ledge. Clever. The sunken design drops the flame below ground level, which cuts wind interference and makes the heat radiate outward more efficiently. Practical and gorgeous.
Lush tropical planting wraps the entire space. Banana leaves, palms, ferns. The greenery makes the warm brick tones glow even more. I’d add solar pathway lights along the stone flags to extend the atmosphere into the evening.
Rattan furniture and a jute rug keep the natural material palette consistent. Add loose cushions to the brick ledge for instant extra seating when guests arrive.
19) Wintery Sunken Brick Fire Pit
Warm amber flames against a blanket of white snow. This deeply sunken circular brick pit is a masterclass in contrast — glowing embers cutting through a frozen winter garden like something from a dream. The multi-course brick walls hold heat beautifully.
Lanterns dot the snowy ground beyond the pit, echoing the firelight. Snow-capped shrubs and bare trees frame the scene. It feels intimate. Magical, even. The sunken design is clever — it shields flames from wind while creating a natural gathering hollow.
My tip? Lay a circular brick border slightly wider than the pit itself, just like this one. It defines the space and stops guests stepping too close.
Materials and Finishes: Choosing the Right Brick for Your Sunken Fire Pit
Not all bricks are created equal — and this really matters when you are building something that will be exposed to intense heat, rain, frost, and everything in between.
For the walls and base of a sunken fire pit, you want to look specifically at fire bricks (also called refractory bricks) for the innermost layer. These are engineered to handle repeated high temperatures without cracking.
They are denser than standard bricks and a slightly different colour, often a pale buff or cream, which can actually look beautiful against a contrast mortar.
For the outer visible walls, reclaimed red brick is my personal favourite. It has character. It weathers into the garden rather than looking like a new addition.
Engineering bricks in dark charcoal or blue-black are a brilliant choice for a more contemporary look — they are incredibly durable, almost impervious to water absorption, and they photograph brilliantly.
Avoid standard house-facing bricks for the fire-facing inner surfaces; they can spall and crack under thermal stress, which is both a safety concern and a headache to repair.
The mortar matters too. Use a heat-resistant refractory mortar for all joints that will be near the fire itself. For the outer courses above ground level, a standard exterior mortar is fine. Getting this layering right at the build stage means your brick sunken fire pit will last decades rather than seasons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Brick Sunken Fire Pit
The biggest mistake I see is underestimating drainage. A sunken pit is essentially a hole in the ground, and without a proper drainage solution at the base — whether that is a layer of gravel, a central drain, or a permeable base of loose-laid fire bricks — you will end up with a waterlogged pit that is miserable to use and actively accelerates brick deterioration.
Spend time on the base. It is invisible once the pit is finished but it is the difference between a pit you use all year and one that collects leaves and puddles.
Another common error is making it too small. When you dig the hole and stack a couple of courses of brick, it always looks bigger than it feels once you are sitting around it with four or five people and a fire going.
I would suggest going at least 90cm in internal diameter for a circular pit — 120cm if you want it to feel genuinely generous. Depth-wise, 40 to 50cm below finished ground level is a sweet spot.
Deep enough to contain the fire and block wind, shallow enough that the heat still rises comfortably to seated guests.
Finally, do not skip checking your local planning rules or any underground utility lines before you dig. I know it sounds obvious but it is one of those steps that is very easy to skip when you are excited to get started.
A quick call to your utility provider and a look at permitted development guidelines for your area will save you an enormous amount of trouble later.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal depth for a brick sunken fire pit is generally between 30cm and 50cm below ground level. Shallower than 30cm and you lose the wind-blocking benefit that makes sunken pits so enjoyable. Deeper than 50cm and the heat can become too concentrated at the base and the fire becomes harder to manage and load with wood. A depth of around 40cm tends to be the sweet spot for most garden settings, giving you that lovely sheltered, intimate feel while keeping the warmth radiating outward at a comfortable seated height.
For the inner fire-facing surfaces, always use refractory or fire bricks. These are specifically manufactured to withstand repeated high temperatures without cracking or spalling. For the outer visible courses, reclaimed red brick, engineering brick, or standard exterior-grade facing brick all work beautifully depending on the look you want. Pair the inner fire bricks with a heat-resistant refractory mortar and your outer courses with a quality exterior mortar, and the structure will handle years of use without issue.
In most cases in the UK and US, a sunken fire pit is considered a permitted development or a minor landscaping project and does not require formal planning permission. However, there are exceptions — particularly if you live in a listed building, a conservation area, or a property with specific covenants. It is always worth checking with your local planning authority before you start digging. You should also check for underground utilities like gas pipes, electrical cables, and drainage runs using a cable and pipe detector or by contacting your utility providers.
Drainage is the single most important practical consideration for any sunken fire pit. The simplest approach is to lay a 10–15cm base layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone before you begin laying your brick floor. This allows water to percolate away naturally. For clay-heavy soils where drainage is poor, you might consider installing a simple central drain pipe that runs to a soakaway or a nearby drain. Some people also use a fitted metal or timber cover to keep rain out when the pit is not in use, which dramatically reduces the pooling problem in wetter climates.
For comfortable use by four to six people, aim for an internal diameter of at least 90cm for a circular pit, or roughly 80cm x 80cm for a square design. If you entertain larger groups regularly, scaling up to 120cm diameter makes a meaningful difference to how sociable the space feels. Do not forget to factor in seating clearance too — you want at least 60–80cm of usable space between the outer brick edge and any fixed seating so people can move around safely and comfortably.
Yes, absolutely — and a sloped garden can actually produce some of the most dramatic fire pit designs, particularly the tiered amphitheatre style where you use the natural gradient to create stepped brick seating around the pit. The key is to ensure you excavate to a level base at the bottom of the pit regardless of the slope above, and that your retaining brick walls on the uphill side are properly built to handle any soil pressure. On steeper slopes, consulting a landscaper or builder for the structural element is genuinely worthwhile.