[bigviclbi]

How far would you space bench seats away from a fire pit? I am doing one at my bro's new house and I figured 2' would be good. Any suggestions?

[Stonehenge]

I like to make a paver ring around a fire pit that is a minimum of 5' wide. 2' is too close, IMHO. My foot is 12" long, meaning my toes would only be 12" away from flames, if my heels were against the seating (closer if they weren't). Get a bigger-than-it-ought-to-be-fire or a gust of wind and my toes would be toast.

Give people extra room with the option of moving closer if they'd like to.

[PSUscaper]

For some of the reasons stone mentions, I will say that I'm not a big fan of a 'fixed' seating bench surrounding a fire pit.

If you have ever sat around a campfire, you will know that everyone is different in how they like to sit. Me, for one, like to sit close, and almost have my feet in the fire sometimes. Others like to sit father away. Also, depending on the temp and the the size of the fire you have, people will vary their distances.

Personally, I would rather construct a patio area surrounding the fire pit for chairs and benches that people can move as they please rather than a fixed structure that may or may not work for all people.

[trees]

Size 16 shoes... 2' is WAAAAYYY to close for my comfort. I like the idea of a patio with moveable seating much better. People come in all shapes and sizes. Let each choose their own comfort level.

[bigviclbi]

Sorry, meant to put 3' but you guys are right and i don't think fixed benches are a good idea for a number of reasons. Thanks for the responses, I'm gonna eliminate the benches altogether unless he wants them on the perimeter of the patio.

[Paul]

Seat walls work well around a patio, They increase seating, allow people to gather without taking more area up for movable seating.

[Fine Edge]

If he really wants the fixed seating, try to design a bench in a 1/4 or 1/3 of a circle which will also allow room on the front side for movable seating.

[Randy]

This may sound crazy, but I had thought of putting the fixed seating around an outdoor fire pit in an oval shape as opposed to a circle, for the very fact that the ladies usually like to be closer to the flame than the guys.
Plan on doing one like this in my own yard this summer. Not sure if it will look goofy or not. I think it should look alright.

[kjlhailey]

What about smoke blowing the face and just sitting at the structured bench and taking all that smoke in..Ya definately movable seating hek sell them a nice patio set get some brochures makes some deals.. upsell the project maybe..