Planning for your DIY gas fire pit can seem a bit overwhelming at times. The easiest solution is to buy a complete kit, but there are less expensive options too.
In this article, we’ll eliminate your uncertainty by thoroughly explaining all of your choices and giving you a decision tree that’s simple to follow.
In addition to the following information, you will need to learn if there are requirements imposed by your HOA (if you have one), or local ordinances regarding the use of fire pits or fire tables. Some situations require the use of CSA-certified gas appliances.
Propane or Natural Gas?
First, you have to decide if you’re going to use Propane or Natural Gas as your fuel source. For many people, the choice is made for them, as they do not have access to natural gas. But even if you do, there may be some instances when you’d opt to use propane instead.
For one thing, it can be quite expensive to set up a natural gas fire pit. That’s because you will need to hire a licensed gas professional to tap into your gas supply and install the proper equipment to run your fire pit safely and effectively. However, once it is set up, a natural gas fire feature is much cheaper to operate. And, you won’t have the inconvenience of constantly swapping out propane tanks.
If you don’t have natural gas available or you want flexibility with the location of your fire pit or table, propane is the answer. Using a propane tank for your fire feature is like operating your gas grill. So, a DIY project using propane is easier and less expensive to get started. If you use a gas grill already, the concept will be familiar, and it won’t involve the expense of running gas lines.
Though keep in mind, that propane does cost 3-4 times more to operate, and you will have to change tanks in and out.
Components Needed for Propane (LP-Liquid Propane) Fire Pit
CSA Burner Kit
Once you’ve determined which gas you’ll be using, your next step is selecting a burner kit.
If you’re looking for easy and all-inclusive, a CSA Fire Pit Burner Kit is the way to go. It includes everything except the fire glass. It comes as a drop-in burner pan, with a spark igniter, flame sensor (thermocouple), control valve, hoses, and a fitting to attach to a standard 20 lb. propane tank. CSA-certified burner kits offer you the easiest installation and the comfort of knowing these components come with built-in safety features.
If you decide to go a different route, you’ll have to assemble the different components.
Burner for Propane Fire Pit
There are two options when choosing a burner for your propane fire pit or table. You can go with just a fire pit burner ring by itself, or a drop-in burner pan fire pit kit, which includes the burner mounted in a drop-in burner pan (but this “kit” does not include other necessary components).
The drop-in burner pan is the easiest option because the burner ring will require the addition of a non-combustible base under the burner ring to support your fire glass or lava rocks.
Propane Connections
Once the burner has been selected, it’s time to choose your connection. For propane fire pits, there are two common options to attach your burner to your propane tank. One type of connection features a key valve to control the gas flow. The other type uses an adjustable regulator attached to the top of your propane tank to adjust gas flow.
Adjustable Regulator
The high pressure adjustable regulator (pictured at right) is the easiest to install and costs less than the key valve option. Since the flame is controlled at the top of your propane tank (with a red knob), you don’t need to mount a key valve, but you will need to have easy access to your propane tank to adjust the flame height.
Note: You can’t use a standard BBQ grill regulator, as it won’t supply sufficient gas to your burner resulting in a very low flame height.
Instead, you’ll need a high-pressure adjustable regulator designed for propane fire pits. If you purchase this type of high-pressure adjustable regulator, you’ll also need to purchase a propane air mixer separately.
Key Valve Regulator
The flow of gas using a (Liquid Propane) LP Burner Connection Kit (pictured at right) is controlled by a key valve instead of a knob on top. It doesn’t require the same degree of access to the tank as the “adjustable regulator” described above.
The silver valve, located about midway down the hose, can be mounted flush with the side of your fire table structure. Then, it’s as simple as inserting the key into the valve and turning it to adjust the flame up or down. You’ll never have to get inside the structure of the fire feature in order to make adjustments.
This type of regulator will cost slightly more, but it’s more convenient and makes it easier to keep your propane tank out of sight.
Also, a propane connection kit of this type includes a propane air mixer, hoses, key valve, and QCC1 connector (to connect to a standard propane tank).
Beware the BTU
Be sure to select the connection kit that is appropriate to the BTU rating of your burner. LP Connection Kits come in two sizes—90,000 BTU/hr. and 150,000 BTU/hr.
A 90,000 BTU kit is for burners with a BTU rating up to 90,000 BTU/hr. For burners with a higher rating than 90,000 BTU/hr., and ranging up to 165,000 BTU/hr., choose the 150,000 BTU Connection Kit.
Spark Igniter
If you want to light your fire pit with the push of a button, you will need a spark igniter. However, Celestial Fire Glass does not recommend using spark igniters in DIY burner pans, especially when using propane. If a spark igniter is a must-have, then a CSA-certified burner kit is highly recommended.
Spark igniters (pictured at right), which are added as an optional component to a DIY burner pan are unreliable and often unsafe – especially when using propane.
For a spark igniter to work properly, it needs to have gas flowing across its tip to ensure that it will ignite as soon as the gas is turned on. Most burner pans have a place to install an optional igniter, but this space is off to the side and doesn’t have gas flowing directly to it.
Since propane is heavier than air, the gas will pool in your burner pan before the level gets high enough to reach the tip of the igniter. When it finally ignites, all of that propane that has pooled in your burner pan will catch fire at once, causing a huge flame over a large area.
If you don’t have a CSA burner kit, the safest way to light your fire pit is to use a butane stick lighter. Before turning on your gas, engage your stick lighter and place the tip of it on the fire glass right above the burner, then slowly turn the gas on. The propane will light in a controlled manner without a large flame jumping out at you—and your family. Once it’s lit, you can then slowly turn the flame up to your desired height.
Components Needed for Natural Gas Fire Pit
CSA Burner Kit with Natural Gas Conversion Kit
When using natural gas, Celestial Fire Glass highly recommends using a CSA-certified burner kit. Unlike propane, natural gas fire pits are connected to an endless supply of gas via the supply line coming into your home. It’s not something you want to take chances with.
CSA kits include safety features that turn off the flow of gas if they do not sense a flame. It’s also the easiest option since it includes everything except the fire glass. It comes with a drop-in burner pan, spark igniter, flame sensor (thermocouple), control valve, and hoses.
To make the CSA burner kit work with natural gas, you’ll need to purchase a CSA Natural Gas Conversion Kit. The conversion kit includes the hose needed for natural gas, including a “quick connect” fitting, along with an appropriately sized orifice and a sleeve to cover the air mixer (not needed for natural gas).
CSA-certified burner kits offer you both the easiest installation and the comfort of knowing these components are safe to operate.
Burner for Natural Gas Fire Pit
If you decide to go with individual components, there are two options when choosing a burner for your natural gas fire pit or table. You can go with just a burner ring by itself, or a drop-in burner kit, which includes the burner mounted in a drop-in burner pan (but this “kit” does not include other necessary components).
The drop-in burner pan is the easiest option because the burner ring will require the addition of a non-combustible base under the burner ring to support your fire glass or lava rocks.
Natural Gas Connection Kit
For a natural gas fire pit, you’ll need a Natural Gas Connection Kit. This includes hoses, orifices, and key valves.
Natural Gas Regulator
You’ll also need a natural gas regulator which delivers an output pressure of between 3.5” and 7” WC (water column). This is higher pressure than typical BBQ grills require.
Your gas installer should have this regulator available to them, be sure to tell them the WC requirements. If your natural gas installer doesn’t have this regulator, Celestial has a natural gas regulator designed for outdoor gas fire pits.
Spark Igniter
Celestial Fire Glass does not recommend using spark igniters in DIY burner pans, even if you’re using natural gas. If a spark igniter is a must-have for you, then a CSA-certified burner kit is highly recommended due to its built-in safety features.
Fire Glass or Lava Rocks
The final touch to any propane or natural gas fire pit is the filler material. Fire glass is the popular choice for most installations. It has a polished feel to it and a wide range of colors makes it design-friendly.
Alternately, lava rocks tend to look best in rustic environments and are a little easier on the budget.
Purchase enough fire media to fill your burner pan to a level where the fire glass just covers the burner (about ½”). You can use our handy fire glass calculator to determine how much you need.
Need Help Planning Your DIY Gas Fire Pit Project?
We understand that sometimes it can get complicated when shopping for technical parts online. If you’re still unsure about exactly what you need, we’ll be happy to break it down for you and explain the purpose of all the parts needed. Give us a call at 301-245-7755, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or contact us online.
