Natural Stone Fire Pit Design & Maintenance Considerations (2024)

FAQs

What to consider when building a fire pit? ›

A fire pit should be built at least 15 feet from any structure and close to a water source. Ideally, you'll want it on level ground. That will make building it much easier and sitting around it more comfortable.

Fire pit pressure

If the natural gas pressure or propane is too high a regulator must be installed before the fire feature for proper operation of the unit. These regulators can be used with natural gas or propane and most of them are adjustable.

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit? To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

This barrier will prevent the fire pit material from getting too hot and causing problems. Whether you choose a natural stone fire pit or even one made with manufactured materials, a liner will add an element of safety and security.

Best to use only clean, dry firewood in your pit. Matches and kindling: As with combustibles other than firewood, fluids used to start fires also can damage a fire pit. Never get a fire going with gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, charcoal starter or any other accelerant.

Drainage is a must when making a fire pit!

Fire pits should not be placed too close to a house or other backyard structures; and they should also not be placed too close to trees, shrubs, or other plants.

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

Fire-rated bricks or half bricks at the base of a fire pit will allow oxygen to fan the flames. Bricks can also withstand high temperatures, making them a suitable material for your fire pit.

Does my natural gas fire pit need a vent? ›

While natural gas doesn't weigh as much as propane, there is still the risk of a gas leak from the supply lines or connection points, which may result in a build up within the cabinet or structure. Proper ventilation in any fire pit, propane or natural gas, is necessary.

You do not need an air mixer with any natural gas or propane burner purchased from Montana Fire Pits. The reason is, air is mixed through a hole at the base of each jet. However, you will need a regulator for propane set ups, and sometimes with natural gas.

Natural gas require a 3.78mm orifice. Note: If you are converting to and using natural gas you MUST install the air shutter over burner pipe to cover the air holes (see Fig.

What rocks to avoid? To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to know which rocks to avoid. Porous rocks, including limestone, sandstone, pumice, and shale, are notorious for absorbing water and should be avoided in your campfire. River rocks, often rounded from years of water erosion, are remarkably deceptive.

While attractive for other landscaping uses, basalt is generally not a rock you want in your fire pit. The main reason is because of the possibility of explosion with exposure to high heat due to the water that often accumulates inside.

Natural lava rocks and fire-proof sand are excellent base layers for a fire pit.

Among all the given options sandstones, especially the compacted type has more fire-resisting properties. Additional Information: Characteristics of Sandstone: It is a type of rock that has quartz, or sand bound together with cementing minerals like mica, feldspar, etc.