Fire features continue to gain popularity in outdoor living design. There’s just something about the ambiance of fire that attracts people from all walks of life. When adding a fire feature, such as a fire pit, fireplace or fire table to an outdoor living space, these best practice tips can help improve the efficiency and quality of your installations.
START WITH A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FIRE FEATURE
When installing something smaller like a fire pit or fire table, a standard paver base will do the trick. However, an outdoor fireplace may require a base with more reinforcement to prevent shifting. Click here to see a sample cross section of a preliminary design intended for use with the installation of a heavier fireplace. For larger custom projects, it’s often wise to consult a landscape or civil engineer.
REMEMBER THAT FIRE IS HOT
As simple as it sounds, it’s important to protect hardscape materials from heat damage. For fire pit construction, a stainless steel Smoke-Less Fire Pit Insert not only helps protect the wall block, but it’s also a handy tool for arranging the stones during fire pit installation. The ring also adds a finished look to a fire pit.
Another option is to line the interior of a fire pit with fire brick. For fireplace construction, there are many companies that offer fireplace inserts and flue kits. However, do your research and be sure that components are engineered properly for your specific project and rated for outdoor use. A wood-burning fireplace must include fire brick or refractory cement panels, screens and a spark arrestor termination cap. If not, there may be issues with drafting, and local permitting may be tough to acquire.
One new type of fire pit gaining in popularity is a linear gas insert. Our Artisan Cast Stone Rectangle Fire Pit provides the look of natural stone and comes in a single piece that makes installation a breeze. With an amazing look of natural stone, this fire pit is both stylish and durable featuring a penetrating sealer that protects it from the elements while enhancing the richness of color.
KNOW A GOOD PLUMBER
Consult a certified plumber for any gas fire feature installations. In addition, you may want to consider including a gas starter for wood-burning pits and fireplaces, which adds another level of convenience.
Don’t forget to check out Belgard’s Elements home outdoor accessories line to get the best finishing touches for your next project. Grills and ovens, storage, bars and more can be used to upgrade an outdoor space taking it to the next level.
KNOW YOUR CODES
Check with HOAs and municipalities regarding local codes. In most cases, a wood-burning feature will need to be placed 15 or 25 feet from any structure. Gas fire features will not require the same setback, and in many cases can be installed directly adjacent to another structure. Also, find out if wood-burning is even allowed. In many cases, gas may be the only option.
USE LABOR-SAVING FIRE FEATURES
Unless a custom build is required, you can significantly reduce installation time, cost and waste with products like our pre-built modular outdoor fireplaces and our ready-to-install fire pit kits.
USE QUALITY PRODUCTS
Techniseal® Structure Bond is by far the best outdoor masonry foam adhesive on the market. Using a good adhesive will ensure the strength and longevity of your project. It should also be noted that Belgard provides the highest quality and most durable landscape wall products on the market, backed by a lifetime warranty. In addition, our Artforms™ is a revolutionary system that utilizes a large-format modular panel system to create infinite design possibilities with ease.
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