Installing a Gas Fire Pit

A significant benefit of having an outdoor living space is the ability to use it for relaxation. Outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, and other furnishings can enhance the ambiance of your backyard or patio, enabling you to enjoy good food, fantastic weather, and the pleasure of friends' company. Another enjoyable element of outdoor living is a fire pit, which offers a gathering place, functions as a decoration, and permits outdoor cooking in a rustic, campfire-style setting. If you're thinking of adding a gas fire pit to your backyard, we recommend you follow these steps.

Steps for Installation

• Before assembling the pit, locate the spot where you intend to build it and establish how you'll supply gas to the site. If you decide to run a gas line to the unit, make sure you contact our certified technicians before you start the project. It's also imperative you examine city ordinances to ensure you build the fire pit legally to code.

• If you're placing it in the grass, mark a 40-inch diameter circle and eliminate all sod, grass, and roots along with 2 inches of the soil from the area. Make sure the place where you plan to build your outdoor gas fire pit has level soil and 1-2 inches of paver base.

• After installing the paver base, if using over a paver patio or in the grass, it’s time for installation of the vapor barrier to prevent ground moisture and protect the gas burner kit. However, if you're pouring a concrete slab, the vapor barrier isn't necessary.

• Lay the first layer of hardscape blocks such as retaining wall block or something comparable. Use a rubber mallet for leveling.

• Lay the subsequent ring of concrete block. Make sure you leave space for the elective vent block and control panel. In the event that you decide to skip the vent block, make sure the concrete blocks have sufficient space between them to permit airflow beneath the burner. For specific instructions, consult your manual.

• After you've spaced the concrete blocks appropriately, remove a block at a time carefully and add concrete adhesive. Restore the block on the ring while applying pressure. Repeat the process for every block.

• Assemble the burner and put it over the blocking ring, ensuring at least an inch overlap to keep the burner ring secure. Consult the manual for appropriate assembly instructions and gas connection.

• Place the 3rd layer of concrete block and repeat the adhesive procedure from step 5.

• Allow the concrete adhesive to cure, then cover the space with approximately 2" of lava rock.

• Light your new fire pit and relax.

Tips to Consider when Installing a Gas Fire Pit

• Select the Appropriate Placement

We recommend you set up your new pit away from neighboring walls or building overhangs. Also, ensure the area is on a non-combustible surface and free of combustible materials. Shift all patio furniture, brooms, cleaning fluids, and other outdoor debris away from the site. If you want to set your fire pit on a wooden deck, ensure you buy a pedestal-style pit for proper heat ventilation. Additionally, watch out for sagging power lines or low-hanging branches, and remember that you should only use a fire pit outdoors. Lighting one indoors could be a fire hazard and increase the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Cover and Maintain It

Although gas burns cleaner than wood, you should still examine the burner occasionally and clean away any obstructions. If it's dirty, clean the burner using a soft brush. Moreover, you should keep the pit covered when you're not using it. Remember, bugs and spiders can find their way in and clog the burner. Rainwater can also damage porous ceramic items such as the simulated logs above the pit.

• Check BTUs

Before you buy a firepit, examine its British thermal units. A normal range is between 40,000-60,000 BTUs. Consider testing out the pit beforehand if possible to establish the flame size it will produce and take into account how winds in your backyard can increase the size of the flame.

The Don’ts of a Gas Fire Pit

• Don't leave it unattended when it's lit
• Don't line it using tin foil
• Don't allow children to play close to it
• Don't cook there unless you've purchased one specifically designed for cooking.

A gas fire pit offers an excellent way of enjoying the ambiance of an outdoor fire without the dangers associated with burning wood. However, this doesn't imply you're in the clear when it comes to safety. Make sure you adopt safety measures to keep it hazard free. As always, our friendly team of professionals is here to answer any questions you may have about buying, installing, or using a gas fire pit. Give us a call today and get started on creating a new space to enjoy in your backyard.