Outdoor Fire Features FAQs

What should I do if I smell gas when operating my outdoor fire feature?

Do I need to have a gas contractor install my gas fire feature?

What are BTUs?

Are the fire bowls stable?

Can wood be burned in my concrete fire bowl?

How do I protect my fire bowl from the weather?

Can I install a fire pit on my covered patio?

What should I burn in my wood burning fire pit?

Can I cook over my fire table?

Can my fire table be used indoors?

What happens to my fire table when it rains?

Can my fire feature be left outside year around?

Can fire and water bowls be used indoors?

How do I turn off my gas burning fire feature?

Why can't I burn wood in these outdoor fireplaces?

Do tiki torches require canisters or need to be refilled?

Are the tiki torches wind resistant?

 

What should I do if I smell gas when operating my outdoor fire feature?

DO NOT IGNITE the fuel! If there is a malfunction with your gas connection or fuel source, this can be extremely dangerous to you, your loved ones, and your property!

Make sure all gas valves are in the off position.

Immediately call your gas service technician and relay the problem. Do not operate your fire feature until your service person has inspected, fixed, and cleared your fuel setup to resume use.

• If your gas service technician is unavailable and the gas odor is still present, call the fire department.

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Do I need to have a gas contractor install my gas fire feature?

In accordance with local, state, and federal government codes, gas appliances need to be installed safely and properly. Having an experienced professional to conduct this task is highly advised.

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What are BTUs?

BTUs stands for British Thermal Units. It is a unit of measurement that tells you the amount of thermal (heat) energy that a fire feature is capable of delivering. One BTU is the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. While many appliances have been replaced by the joule, our outdoor burners and fireplaces still use the popular BTUs as a measure of heat output.

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Are the fire bowls stable?

Yes, all of our fire bowls are very stable. Just like a mixing bowl that you would have in your kitchen, the bottom of the basin flattens on the bottom ever so slightly to keep it from rolling or tipping over. Due to the sheer size of some or our products, the height and weight of the fire bowl itself will also help with stability.

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Can wood be burned in my concrete fire bowl?

No. Wood burns at a higher temperature than gas, which puts your concrete bowl at the potential risk of cracking and breaking from the heat. We recommend never using wood in your concrete fire bowl.

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How do I protect my fire bowl from the weather?

A great option for protecting your fire bowl is to apply a good quality concrete sealer. This should be done at least once a year. Remember to thoroughly clean your fire bowl before applying the sealer. We also recommend getting a cover to keep your product looking like brand new!

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Can I install a fire pit on my covered patio?

Not only do we strongly caution against this idea, there are also local codes in your area that require all structures and combustibles to be at least 3 feet from your fire pit in all directions. Flowers, shrubs, and gardens should be at least 5 feet away. Be sure to evaluate the area overhead - branches and structural coverings can ignite quickly! Always place fire features on a non-flammable surfaces, such as dirt, concrete, pavers, or bricks - never on a wood deck or on the grass! You may want to check with your local code enforcement agency regarding fire pit regulations.

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What should I burn in my wood burning fire pit?

Natural wood is recommended over wood that has been treated. Chemically altered logs will give off toxic fumes and unpleasant smells when burned. 

NEVER burn garbage or paper products in your fire pit! Pieces of burning refuse tends to "fly away" and may start a fire wherever it lands. Fire glass, lava rock, ceramic river stones, and other luxury media are meant to be used with gas burning features. Attempting to incorporate these to your wood burning fire pit can cause these items to explode. Lighter fluid and gasoline are not suggested for igniting a fire in your outdoor feature. Instead, choose kindling, fatwood fire starters, or a stainless steel gas log lighter to help you light a wood fire.

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Can I cook over my fire table?

Gas burning features are NOT for culinary use. We do not recommend cooking with a gas fire table, for the simple reason that if food falls into the firebox, it can be very difficult to clean and remove from the burner or media. Drippings from food into the gas burner could also pose a fire hazard.

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Can my fire table be used indoors?

NO. Fire tables are only meant to be used outdoors. Keep in mind your should have a minimum of 3 feet clearance from the sides of the fire table to any combustible structures. Never place your fire table in an enclosed structure.

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What happens to my fire table when it rains?

If the fire table is uncovered, water will not build up in the burner - it will drain out the bottom.

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Can my fire feature be left outside year around?

Yes! Our gas fire tables are durable and are made to withstand all weather conditions. We recommend purchasing a cover for your fire table so you can enjoy this unique fire feature for many years to come.

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Can fire and water bowls be used indoors?

NO. These types of bowls are only meant to be used outdoors. They must be connected to an outdoor water system (such as a pool controller) and placed in an area that can fully support the weight of some of our larger bowls. Please keep in mind you should have a minimum 36 inch clearance from the sides of your fire and water bowl to any combustible structures. Never place fire features in an enclosed structure!

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How do I turn off my gas burning fire feature?

All fire bowls have a gas valve and key that will allow you to shut off the gas flow.

NEVER pour water over your gas burning feature to extinguish the flames! This could cause your  bowl to crack.

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Why can't I burn wood in these outdoor fireplaces?

Our line of gas outdoor fireplaces are made of glass fiber reinforced concrete. Wood fires actually burn hotter than gas fires. The concrete can't take all that heat and will crack and/ or explode. 

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Do tiki torches require canisters or need to be refilled?

No. All of our tiki torches are hardwires to your gas lines and have the options of a match lit ignition system or an electronic ignition. 

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Are the tiki torches wind resistant?

The torches are designed with thermophile technology that automatically relights the torch flame if it should blow out. There's also a glow plug, hot surface ignition built into the torches that help resist being extinguished by the rain. 

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