When summer rolls in and the backyard becomes the main hangout, it’s time to get serious about your setup. Fire pit accessories aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re what separate a chaotic mess of sparks and scorched snacks from a smooth, safe, and stylish night by the flames.
If you’re starting from scratch, grab a spark screen, a pair of heat-resistant gloves, and a solid cover. That trio alone can protect your guests, your patio, and your pit. After that? Go wild with cooking tools, lighting, and comfy seating—because your fire pit should be more than a circle of bricks. It should be the heart of summer.
Fire Pit Accessory Tips
- Over 78% of homeowners use fire pit accessories to improve safety, function, and comfort—especially in summer.
- The best fire pit accessories do more than protect—they enhance your backyard’s look and upgrade the entire fire experience.
- From adjustable cooking grates to wind guards and glow-up lighting, the right gear transforms a simple fire into a summer staple.
How the Right Accessories Turned My Fire Pit Fails into Backyard Wins
Before I knew what I was doing with fire pits, I hosted a summer get-together. I had a pile of logs, a basic pit, and what I thought were marshmallow sticks. They were actually skewers meant for kebabs. Metal ones. Without handles.
One child screamed, one adult flung a flaming mallow, and I realized: you need more than enthusiasm—you need the right accessories.
And now, after a decade of trial and error, product testing, and a few more singed eyebrows, here’s the list of fire pit accessories I swear by to create a safe, stylish, and seriously fun summer setup.
Safety First: Accessories That Protect
Let’s start with the basics. According to recent statistics, over 78% of fire pit owners prioritize accessories that improve safety—and for good reason. Enhancing safety not only protects your space but also helps prevent injuries, making every gathering more enjoyable and stress-free.
Spark Screens
This might be the most important thing you add to your setup. A spark screen keeps embers from flying out, and hinged designs make it easy to tend the fire without removing the entire screen. Most are made of durable steel mesh, allowing for proper airflow while offering critical protection. In our judgment, if you’re burning wood logs, a spark screen is not optional. It’s essential.
Heat-Resistant Gloves
I’ve tried everything from barbecue mitts to welding gloves, and what works best are thick gloves rated for at least 450°F. Look for a pair with extended cuffs to protect your wrists and reinforced palms to give you a better grip. To the best of my knowledge, they’re also great for pizza ovens if you’re multitasking your backyard setup…
Fire Pit Mats
Even with a stone patio, it pays to protect your surfaces. A good heat-resistant mat shields wood or composite decking, catches sparks and falling embers, and conveniently rolls up for storage. Place one under the pit and you’ll never have to worry about scorched surfaces again.
Cooking Accessories That’ll Make You the Backyard Chef
Grilling on a fire pit? It’s not just possible—it’s delicious. And with the right gear, it’s easy.
Want to know why an outdoor propane fire pit is a smart choice? Head to our blog.
Adjustable Grates
The best cooking grates let you raise and lower the surface based on flame intensity, giving you better control while grilling. Look for heavy-duty steel or cast iron options, and consider ones with crank lifts or locking legs for added convenience. Make sure the surface area matches your fire pit size for even cooking. Personally, I use mine for burgers, flatbreads, and the occasional veggie kabob, which I always over char. Nobody’s perfect.
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
The wrong sticks are too short, too flimsy, or worse, metal skewers with no handle. The right ones are extendable, have a rotating handle for even toasting, and feature a heat-proof grip. From our vantage point, these are just as important for safety as they are for achieving s’mores perfection.
Popcorn Poppers
Yes, these exist, and they’re amazing. A long-handled design keeps you safely away from the heat, while the covered mesh basket helps reduce flying kernels. It’s a simple way to make movie nights magical. In our opinion, no accessory adds whimsy quite like a fire pit popcorn popper.
Covers That Keep the Elements (and Pigeons) Out
If you’ve ever walked outside to find your fire pit full of water, leaves, or—true story—an entire sandwich a raccoon left behind, you need a cover.
Choosing the right fire pit cover is essential for protecting your investment—read our blog to make the best choice.
Weatherproof Covers
Top options include canvas, or vinyl covers with a drawstring base, UV- and water-resistant coatings, and sizing that matches your specific pit model. To the best of my knowledge, a quality cover can extend your fire pit’s life by years.
Decorative Lids
If you’re after a little more style, consider metal lids that double as a table, wood covers with a rustic look, or heat-treated tops that offer dual-use functionality. From our perspective, this is an easy win for both function and aesthetics.
Seating for Long Nights by the Fire
A fire pit draws people in—but the seating keeps them there.
Modular Lounge Seating
Look for powder-coated aluminum or resin wicker frames, cushions made with fade-resistant fabric, and pieces that can be rearranged for hosting or relaxing. In our experience, a circular arrangement works best because everyone gets equal flame time.
Looking to create a warm and inviting spring patio using fire pits and bowls? Check out this blog.
Foldable Chairs for Smaller Spaces
Ideal for tight patios, portable setups, or extra guest overflow, lightweight and collapsible chairs are a must-have when the invite list grows unexpectedly.
Surrounds and Decorative Screens: Add Style and Structure
Your fire pit might be functional—but what makes it truly stunning? A surround that frames the fire and elevates the whole design.
Stone or Brick Surrounds
These offer a built-in look for permanent fire pits, natural insulation around the burner, and a perfect perch for drinks, feet, or s’mores kits. Use materials like lava stone, slate, or concrete pavers to match your patio aesthetic.
Metal Rings and Decorative Panels
If you want a modern vibe, try laser-cut metal panels with geometric or botanical patterns, powder-coated fire rings that add durability and flair, or surround kits that bolt onto portable pits for a more customized look. In our view, surrounds are where style meets function as they guide the eye and help define the space.
Storage That’s Actually Stylish
Fire pit accessories have a way of piling up. Keep your outdoor space tidy with smart, integrated storage.
Firewood Racks
Functional and fabulous, a good firewood rack should include a weatherproof cover or awning to keep your wood dry, built-in trays for kindling, and a circular or geometric shape that adds to your outdoor decor.
Deck Boxes or Storage Benches
Look for lockable lids, cushion tops that allow the unit to double as seating, and waterproof linings to protect gloves, lighters, or covers. In our opinion, good storage makes the fire pit feel like part of the living space, not just a backyard afterthought.
Heat-Boosting Add-Ons for Breezy Nights
Some summer nights drop 15 degrees when the sun sets. Here’s how to stay warm and cozy without moving indoors.
Reflective Heat Shields
Positioned behind your seating area or fire feature, a heat reflector serves multiple purposes. It reflects radiant heat outward, doubles as a stylish backdrop, and works especially well with built-in benches or retaining walls.
Glass Wind Guards
These surround the burner pan with a protective glass wall that maintains flame stability, enhances safety in breezy areas, and adds a sleek, finished look. From our experience, wind guards are one of the most underrated ways to improve the feel and performance of your fire pit.
Looking for The Ultimate Fire Pit Table Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For and Top Picks? Check out this blog for everything you need to know before buying.
Lighting That Complements Your Glow
Yes, the fire’s the main event. But supporting light can expand your zone and keep things functional (and Instagram-worthy).
Thinking of transforming your outdoor space with DIY projects? Head to our blog for tips.
String Lights and Path Markers
Add ambiance by zigzagging string lights across the patio or pergola and use solar-powered path markers to illuminate entryways. Just be sure to avoid direct overhead bulbs, as they can compete with the natural glow of the flame.
Tabletop Lanterns and LED Pillars
Perfect for coffee tables, outdoor dining setups, and walkways near the fire pit, warm, dimmable LED lanterns add just the right amount of ambiance without overpowering the natural glow of the fire.
Fire Tools That Make Tending Easy
You don’t need a dozen tools—just the right three or four.
Fire Pokers and Tongs
Essential features include extended handles to keep a safe distance from the flame, hook or loop ends for easy hanging, and high-carbon steel construction for long-lasting durability.
Ash Scoops and Brushes
Keep your pit clean and safe with a long-handled ash scoop and heat-resistant brushes designed for fire pit grates and bowls. Cleanup might not be glamorous, but it makes a big difference in performance and longevity.
Final Take: The Right Accessories Make the Best Memories
Whether you’re cooking dinner over an open flame or hosting your third patio party this month, fire pit accessories aren’t just extras—they’re essentials.
They keep your setup safe, your space organized, and your nights effortless. From roasting sticks that don’t singe your fingers to seating that encourages one more round of drinks, it all adds up to one thing:
More time enjoying, less time stressing.
So light the flame. Pass the popcorn. And don’t forget to pack the heat-resistant gloves this time.
Eben Jol
Accessory Evangelist | Backyard Flame Host | Marshmallow Rotisserie Champion
Writing for Starfire Direct
