Rules for a Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplace

Advantages of Natural Gas

• The use of natural gas for outdoor fireplaces and firepits eliminates the need for purchasing, storing and cutting wood for fires. Natural gas burns clean and is widely available in many communities. Natural gas burns hot and efficiently, with fewer toxic emissions. Natural gas fireplaces provide immediate light and warmth without the need for kindling and careful fire tending.

Types of Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplaces

• Homeowners can choose from a wide range of outdoor fireplace styles, from the simple and rustic to the ornate and impressive. Stone or brick facing is often used for outdoor fireplaces. Fireplaces can be installed at the edge of decks or patios or dug in the center of the outdoor area for a firepit. Many manufacturers offer prefabricated fireboxes that do-it-yourselfers can install easily.

Installation

• Locate outdoor fireplaces some distance away from the home structure itself and away from flammable materials that are generally kept outside the home, such as paper products, solvents, cardboard products and cloth materials.

  Outdoor natural gas fireplaces require a natural gas connection that extends from the house. This pipeline can be installed under the deck or patio to the site of the fireplace. Consult your local building department for codes on outdoor natural gas installations. Local codes may require a certified natural gas line technician or your gas company to do this work.

  Free-standing fireplaces will require cutting into deck or patio materials and the laying of a fireproof base for the fireplace. Stone or brick held with mortar is generally used to build a structure surrounding the natural gas burner and firebox. A wet saw that you can purchase from home improvement stores or rent from equipment rental stores will help to cut materials for corners and edges. You can add a wooden mantle to soften the look of the hard stone surface.

Safety Rules

• Clean the burner periodically and ensure that the gas connection is secure and burns effectively. Never leave a fire unattended while it is still burning. Keep a water source or extinguisher nearby in case of accidental ignition of materials near the fire. Shut off the burner entirely before retiring for the night.