But, even with a longer installation, they do not require the amount of time you would spend by stacking, ordering, and seasoning the wood needed for a wood fire pit. The installation of a gas fireplace differs from a wood fire pit in many ways. A gas fire pit has fewer rules to follow, but the gas and electric lines that go to the fire pit have to be installed correctly and very carefully. The ideal place to build an outdoor fire pit is on a flat, level surface, like a patio or a deck.
The second thing you need to do is choose the type of your future fireplace. There are a few types of gas fireplaces that are suitable for use outside areas: natural gas and propane. Gas outdoor units are very easy to install if you already have gas coming into your property, but a professional is necessary to connect the appliance to the gas main. Dig a hole for the base, then line the sides with wood, extending to the desired height for the fire pit. Fill the hole and form with concrete, properly reinforced with rebar.
Level off the top to create an even base for the fireplace and a fireproof separation between the fire and the surrounding space. The next thing is choosing and designing a frame that will enclose the fireplace. Ensure that there is enough space between the wooden frame and the fireplace to fit in some insulation. To construct the fire pit enclosure, you can use masonry bricks, or you can buy an unfinished enclosure.
The ventilation is super important because provides fresh air for the ignition system to work, allows for continuous airflow and water drainage, and prevents excess gas and heat from building up inside the enclosure.
Before making a fireplace purchase, it's recommended to contact the NFI certified techs at eFireplaceStore. The sheer number of designs and different venting types can be a bit overwhelming at first, but narrowing the selection down to a unit that will fit your requirements can typically be accomplished in a single phone call.
In the long run, making that call will greatly help with your gas fireplace installation. It is important to know the overall width, depth, and height of the intended installation area, as well as the overall ceiling and roof height. Most gas fireplaces will list the approved venting components in the instruction manual, and it's crucial that only those components be used. Those venting components are specifically tested and approved by a major listing agency to ensure safe fireplace operation.
A tech will be able to assist you in putting together the needed list of components. It must also be determined how a gas line and electrical service if needed, will be routed to the installation location. Collecting quotes from reputable local businesses for this initial work will leave you in a much better position to determine the overall cost and timeline of the project. Once this preliminary work has been completed the installation itself can commence. Once the projection has been established, the unit can be pushed into the framed opening and nailed or screwed into position.
Although the framing of the fireplace opening can begin before the appliance itself has shipped to you, we highly recommend having the appliance on-site to check against before commencing the installation.
Follow the framing instructions supplied with the unit to build a framed opening that meets the sizing requirements specified by the manufacturer. Common 2 x 4-dimensional lumber and a 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 header is usually used.
Most manufacturers allow the fireplace to sit directly on a combustible floor. A combustible platform can also be built at this time to raise the unit within the wall opening if you wish. Pay close attention to any side clearances or overhead ceiling clearances outlined by the manufacturer. It's at this time that the consideration for finishing material thickness should also be made.
Whatever the thickness of the material, you must ensure the unit projects forward from the framed opening enough to compensate for the thickness of the finishing material if you are looking for a flush installation. This will ensure that the tile will be relatively flush with the face of the unit when finishing is completed. Some manufacturers provide nailing tabs that will be at different depths on the appliance to help compensate for the setback you need.
If the tabs don't provide enough projection, the unit may need to be shimmed as you install it. Check to make sure the unit is plumb and level before nailing it into position. Cedar shims can be used to make adjustments if needed. Other designs use similar caps or lids for the unused flue collar, while a few designs are a dedicated top or rear vent configuration. The installation of the venting components should come next. Almost all gas vent pipes will use a twist lock attachment method.
Depending on how you are venting the appliance, you may need to uncover or rotate the venting collar on the appliance for your application. For instance, Superior direct vent gas appliances will have the vertical flue collar covered by a plate and the back collar covered by a cap.
If you are venting the appliance vertically, you'll need to remove the plate and discard the insulation and pipe plug within. If venting horizontally, the rear cap would need to be removed in the same fashion.
Once the vent collar has been configured properly, the first piece of pipe can be installed. Before attaching to the appliance, a bead of a direct vent appliance sealant should be applied to the inner pipe wall. Ensure that the dimples on each pipe align with the channels on the flue collar, and firmly twist the pipe clockwise until it ceases to rotate.
Double-check the connection by pulling upward on the pipe. If any dimple pulls loose, the connection was not correctly made and should be attempted again. The screws should only be allowed to penetrate the outer wall of the pipe. Continue your installation with each section of vent pipe , repeating the twist, check, and screw method for the entirety of the run.
Check the pipe run to ensure that you are maintaining the minimum required clearances to combustibles at all times. It's recommended to secure the pipe run every 5 feet by wrapping the pipe with perforated HVAC strapping and securing the strapping to adjacent studs. This will limit the amount of lateral motion in the pipe run. Most manufacturers will also provide a sheet metal firestop that should be installed at the ceiling level.
The firestop can be installed once the ceiling level has been reached. Purchase a Class A fire extinguisher and a safety screen prior to installation. This way, you will not be tempted to use your outdoor fireplace before you have this important safety equipment on site.
Even if your fireplace comes with a glass front or glass doors, consider purchasing a screen to place in front of the glass to reduce the risk of injury. Once you have purchased a fire extinguisher, make sure you know how to use it and maintain the recommended service schedule. There are patio fireplace kits available that offer an affordable, attractive option for installing an outdoor fireplace. These kits can be installed as a do-it-yourself project but, unless you are a contractor or very handy, we recommend hiring an experienced contractor to ensure that the fireplace is installed properly and to benefit from his or her knowledge.
A contractor can help you make sure there is proper ventilation, choose the safest location for your fireplace, make sure your chimney and firebox are properly installed and functioning, and make recommendations that can reduce fire hazards. It is even more important to hire a professional if you plan on installing a gas fireplace, since this will require running a gas line to the location and properly hooking up the gas line to the fireplace.
Once you have installed your patio fireplace, it is now time to enjoy it with your family and friends. To help make sure you can safely incorporate your fire feature into your outdoor entertaining activities, here are 13 tips for safer use of outdoor fireplaces. Dead leaves, twigs, branches, dead grass and other yard debris can pose a serious fire hazard if not cleared away from fire features.
Make sure there is at least a foot area cleared of all yard waste on all sides of your patio fireplace. Avoid low-hanging branches and shrubs growing too close to your fireplace by regularly pruning plants and trees near your fire feature.
Fireplace safety screens can keep sparks and embers from starting fires outside of the firebox, discourage guests from throwing trash, cigarette butts or other materials into the fire, and help to keep kids and pets safer. Even if you have glass doors or a solid, glass front, always use a safety screen placed in front of it as a physical barrier to reduce the risk of your children, pets or guests getting burnt on the hot glass.
Children and pets should always be kept at least three feet away from outdoor fireplaces to help keep them safe. Even if you have a safety screen or glass doors to provide a barrier, these materials can get hot; therefore, it is important that children and animals do not tough them.
Patio fireplaces create a relaxing, welcoming ambiance for outdoor entertaining, but it only takes a second for things to get out of hand. If you are heading inside to make another round of drinks or check on the next course for your dinner party, be sure to put someone in charge of keeping an eye on the fire. Because you'll be working with gas, however, it's important to have a good understanding of how to install a gas fireplace before beginning any installation project.
Although you can install a gas fireplace on your own, you should consider speaking with a licensed contractor since you'll be working with gas and electricity. To begin, set the fireplace on a platform and install the exhaust piping at the top or back of the stove. Then, insert the wall-pass-through, install any remaining piping, and have a professional connect the gas line and electricity. For more tips, like how to build a frame around your fireplace, read on!
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No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Pick a location for the fireplace. Be sure to consider a variety of factors when deciding where your fireplace should go.
The fireplace should enhance the design and character of the room but it should also be placed where installation of a gas line, an electrical circuit, and an exhaust pipe will be most convenient if at all possible. It is usually easiest to install stand alone gas fireplace on an exterior wall, as the venting pipe can go straight out the wall. Also remember that the pipe will need to go between studs, so you should take that into consideration when picking an exact location.
Order a gas fireplace. There are many styles to choose from. It may be helpful to go to a fireplace showroom, so that you can see all the different styles that are available to you. It may be easiest to order all the parts you will need for your exhaust piping when ordering your fireplace.
This will include pipe between the fireplace and the wall, a wall-pass-through, and exterior pieces for the pipe. Build or purchase a platform for the fireplace. The actual fireplace unit is fairly small and it is dangerous to have it sit directly on the floor. To get the fireplace off of the floor, you will need to build a platform.
This could include masonry or ceramic tiles for example. Fireplace companies may have pre-made platforms for you to purchase. It may be most convenient to order a platform when you order your fireplace.
Be sure to consult any manufacturers instructions regarding how the platform should be installed and what it can be made from.
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