Chuck the Wood: Natural Gas is H-O-T

Outdoor natural gas fire pits are a hot trend in outdoor living. Available in a variety of shapes — tables, bowls or columns — and sizes, natural gas fire pits are designed for all budgets. The fire media covers the burner, allowing the unit to operate safely with decorative enhancements, such as glass gems, lava rock and realistic logs. The decorative nature of gas fire pits makes them an excellent addition to any outdoor living space.

Benefits of natural gas

Natural gas fire pits have multiple advantages over their wood-fired or propane counterparts, such as:

• Convenience: No need for storing or splitting wood. Plus, no messy cleanup!


• Smoke free: No more stinging eyes from smokey wood.


• Save time: Starts instantly. No more spending time starting a fire and waiting for it to build up.


• Cleaner: Say goodbye to soot, ashes or tiny wood chips lying around.


• Safer: No combustible wood or propane tanks.


• Less expensive: Natural gas is less than half the cost of propane.

Fire pit safety tips

Safety is crucial for any combustible device, including natural gas fire pits. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while using your fire pit.

• Make sure the unit is UL-listed for safe operation. A safety ignition and shutdown valve should automatically close the connection to the gas source if a flame isn’t sensed.


• Set the fire pit atop a fire-resistant surface such as metal, pavers or bricks. Many communities require locating a fire pit a minimum of 10 feet from your house. Avoid locating the fire pit near any overhanging tree branches or bushes and keep it clear of leaves and other material that may burn.


• Never use lighter fluid or other accelerants when operating a fire pit, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby whenever it’s in use. Don’t cook over your fire pit unless it’s specifically allowed by the manufacturer.

Operating your fire pit

You should always follow your natural gas fire pit’s manufacturer guidelines in setting up and running your fire pit. Here are a few additional tips for operating your fire pit.

• Once the fire pit is hooked up to the home’s natural gas supply, simply open the natural gas source, press the sparker, and ignite using the valve knob. An electronic ignition, push-button or rotating spark igniter can be safer than using a match or butane torch.


• Never start at maximum output. Always increase the temperature gradually to avoid cracking cold glass or stone burn media. Invest in a quality cover for when the fire pit is not in use.

Natural gas fire pits are the safer, cleaner and more convenient choice for your outdoor living space.