Fire Pit Planning

General Concept and Design

  • Just getting started? We recommend having an inspiration picture of how you’d like your finished fire pit to look.
  • Consider size and shape of the structure as well as the type of furniture you want to put around it. Do you prefer round, square, rectangular? How big is your firepit and seating area? Will you have built in seating – for example, concrete benches?
  • Will you be connecting the fire pit to your existing house gas line? Or will you be using a portable propane tank?
  • How many people would you like to be able to accommodate around the fire pit?
  • Do you need the firepit to have a flat edge around it, where you can set plates or drinks?
  • What type of flame do you like? A big traditional triangular flame? Or something long, linear and contemporary?

Gas Supply

If connecting to your house gas line, you will want to first consult with a plumber and determine the BTU size of your main house meter. Additional calculations may be required if you have several gas appliances at your home.

If you aren’t yet sure about the fire pit structure or burner – a good amount to plumb for is 250,000 BTUs. This should give you more than enough for an average size firepit and gives you flexibility later if you want to install a BBQ on the same line.

    • Both Natural Gas and Propane may be used – Supply Pressure and BTU ratings need to be regulated for both
    • For Natural Gas: Supply Pressure should be set between 3.5″ – 7″ Water Column
    • For Propane*: Supply Pressure should be set between 8″ – 11″ Water Column
    • *If using a 20 lb. propane tank, consider the maximum BTU output of a tank that size ranges from about 90,000 – 125,000 BTU† and a regulator must be used
    • The BTU rating of the 20 pound tank limits your burner options to sizes that are rated for 125,000 or fewer BTU

Burner

  • The shape and size of your fire pit burner assembly will be determined by the size and shape of your fire pit STRUCTURE.
    • Choose a burner based off of the inside dimension of your enclosure – the fire pit pan will be at least 6″ larger than the burner to provide at least 3″ between the edge of the burner and the inside edge of the pit
    • If you will have a capstone on the top of your structure, make sure you consider the inside dimension of the capstone – for example, if the capstone overhangs the opening, your burner assembly will need to fit within that

Plate or Pan?

  • Plate? or Pan?
    • Plates are totally flat and work best when you will use lava rock, and also when the capstone and walls are flush inside.
    • Pans have a 2″ tall (or taller) sidewall and are perfect for holding smaller media, like glass
    • Plates or Pans should be installed at least 3-4″ below the top surface of your structure
    • The burner plate/pan separates the air mixer from the burner in propane applications, but in all constructions it helps with water drainage and ventilation

Shut-Off Valve

  • Shut-Off Valve and Flange Extension – In many cases, the shut-off valve will be located inside the fire pit – if you’re using a key valve and your structure walls are thicker than 3″ it may be necessary to use a flange extension and a longer key*

Ventilation

  • Ventilation
  • For all fire pit burners, adequate ventilation is recommended – check local building codes for your area
  • For LP systems – it’s REQUIRED
    • The recommended amount of ventilation is 36in² – or (2) 18in² vents on two opposing sides to create proper airflow

Installation Bracketry

  • Installation Bracketry
    • Designed to simplify the installation of a fire pit pan/plate
      • Flexible installation collars can bend for round enclosures, and can be anchored in with concrete screws
      • Heavy duty brackets can support extra large burner assemblies with heavy media

Media

  • Fire Media – Is the last step to finishing your gas fire pit
    • Both lava rock and fire glass may be used to complete your fire pit, the choice between the two is purely aesthetic
    • Lava Rock comes in multiple sizes and your choice of rough, black lava – or round, tumbled “Beach” Lava
    • Fire Glass looks like crushed crystals and comes in multiple sizes and colors
    • Fire Beads look like small flat-ish round stones, approx 1″ in diameter, and come in multiple colors
    • Manmade fire stones are available that look like large River Rocks, or smaller Creek Stones
    • Fire Spheres (also sometimes called “Cannon Balls” or Fire Balls) are currently very trendy and come in different sizes and colors
    • Faux logs (ceramic) are available in different styles – from the very traditional campfire tipi style, to burnt branches that can be arranged in a more organic formation