Outdoor Fire Pit FAQs

Outdoor fire pits provide the perfect combination of heat and ambiance to keep the party going long after the sun goes down. Whether you are planning a relaxing evening and using the fire pit to create a romantic glow for an outdoor dinner or an exciting night of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows with family and friends, outdoor fire pits create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.

Outdoor Fire Pits come in a variety of sizes and styles and multiple fuel options as well. Wood burning outdoor fire pits are available for those who enjoy the crackling sounds and smoky smells of a real wood burning fire, propane and natural gas fire pits to appeal to those who want instant heat and ambiance and a realistic flame without all of the mess and maintenance, and gel fuel outdoor fire pits for those who want a small fire that provides gentle heat and the convenience of disposable or refillable gel fuel canisters.

The following Outdoor Firepit FAQs provide useful information regarding wood burning, gas burning, and gel alcohol burning outdoor fire pits. The tips and advice discussed in this article will help you choose which type of outdoor fire pits is best for you, how to operate it, and how to maintain to ensure that you get years of enjoyment out of your investment.

Wood Burning Outdoor Firepit FAQs

Is there anything I can use to help start a fire in my wood burning firepit?

Can I leave my wood burning outdoor firepit out rear round?

How should I clean my wood burning firepit?

Does it matter what type of wood I burn in my outdoor firepit?

Can I use my wood burning firepit on my deck or patio?

Can I use manufactured logs in my wood burning firepit?

I have excess smoke coming from my wood burning outdoor firepit. What causes this and how can I control it?

Is it normal for my outdoor firepit to rust?

How should I position my fire pit?

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Gas Burning Outdoor Firepit FAQs

Can I cook on my gas firepit?

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

Can I burn wood in my gas outdoor firepit?

Will wind affect the flame on a gas burning outdoor firepit?

Do Gas Outdoor Firepits require a lot of assembly?

Can I use my gas firepit inside?

Can I convert my liquid propane gas firepit to a natural gas firepit?

Are there any clearances to combustible materials that I have to follow when setting up my gas firepit?

How long will a 20lb propane tank last to fuel my outdoor firepit?

Is placement of the logs important?

Will the logs change color?

Answers to Wood Burning Outdoor Firepit FAQs

Question: Is there anything I can use to help start a fire in my wood burning firepit?

• Answer: Yes. There are a lot of fire starters that you can use with your wood burning outdoor firepit to quickly and easily start a fire. For example, Safe Lite Fire Starter Squares, Super Cedar FireStarters, Fatwood Fire Starter, Pine Cone Fire Starters, and Ceramic Firestarting Stones are all safe for use with outdoor firepits. Many of these firestarters will work even if they get wet and they don't produce toxic chemicals or dangerous flare-ups. See our entire collection of firestarters to get a roaring fire going in your outdoor wood burning firepit in minutes.

Question: Can I leave my wood burning outdoor firepit out rear round?

• Answer: Outdoor Firepits are made with durable all-weather materials. However, if your firepit came with a firepit cover you should cover it when it is not being used to protect it from harsh weather conditions. If your firepit did not come with a vinyl firepit cover, you can cover it with a tarp or store it in a dry covered location to prolong the life of the firepit.

Question: How should I clean my wood burning firepit?

• Answer: Once the wood burning fire is completely out, the firepit is cool to the touch and the ashes have been removed and properly disposed of, you can clean your wood Burning Outdoor Firepit with a mild dish washing detergent or baking soda. Stubborn surfaces can be washed with a citrus based degreaser and a nylon scrubbing brush. Built-up creosote should be removed with a chimney cleaning product. After lathering the wood burning outdoor firepit with a cleaner, rinse it clean with water and wipe it down with a cloth to dry it.

Question: Does it matter what type of wood I burn in my outdoor firepit?

• Answer: It is recommended that you burn dry, seasoned hardwood in your wood burning outdoor firepit. Dry, well seasoned hardwoods will burn hotter, more completely and create less smoke. Dry, well seasoned firewood will have a moisture level of 20 percent or less. The moisture content of firewood can easily be determined by using a moisture meter.

Question: Can I use my wood burning firepit on my deck or patio?

• Answer: Wood Burning Outdoor Firepits should only be used on hard, level non-combustible surfaces such as concrete, rock, or stone. Wood Burning Outdoor Firepits should not be placed on wooden decks or patios without non-combustible protection underneath.

Question: Can I use manufactured logs in my wood burning firepit?

• Answer: Wood fire pits can use manufactured logs like Duraflame. However, be aware that manufactured logs contain chemicals that can break down the finish on some types of steel fire pits more quickly than regular wood. They will also start faster and sometimes burn hotter and have more noxious smoke.

Question: I have excess smoke coming from my wood burning outdoor firepit. What causes this and how can I control it?

• Answer: Your wood burning outdoor firepit may be producing excess amounts of smoke for any of the following reasons:
  

  1. If your outdoor firepit is new and you are burning a fire in it for the first time it may produce smoke. This is because new outdoor firepits need to have an initial burn of about 30 minutes to allow any excess materials from the manufacturing process to burn off.

  2. The specie of wood you use in your outdoor wood burning firepit can also determine the amount of smoke the fire produces. This is why we suggest using only dry, well seasoned hardwoods in your outdoor firepit.

  3. The amount of wind around the firepit can also determine how much smoke the wood burning fire produces. The more wind there is generally means that the fire will produce larger amounts of smoke.

Question: Is it normal for my outdoor firepit to rust?

• Answer: If your firepit is made from non-stainless steel materials it will rust over time. Rust is the result of the oxidation of iron in the presence of water and oxygen. Stainless steel outdoor firepits will not rust however they will turn yellow over time. This is a natural occurrence due to the heat of the fire on the stainless steel and can be reduced by using a high quality stainless steel polish.

Question: How should I position my fire pit?

• Answer: Depending on the arrangement of your outdoor area, it is always best to place your outdoor firepit in an area that will not only maximize its affect on your decor but is also safe and convenient. When positioning your outdoor firepit, be sure to clear it of any brush and vegetation. Never place your outdoor firepit under trees or hanging branches as they can catch fire by stray sparks and embers and be sure that the firepit is placed on a non-combustible surface.

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Answers to Gas Burning Outdoor Firepit FAQs

Question: Can I cook on my gas firepit?

• Answer: No. Cooking on a gas firepit is not recommended.

Question: What should I do if I smell gas when operating my outdoor firepit?

• Answer: If you smell gas do not light the appliance. Do not touch any electric switches or use any phone in your building. Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone and follow the gas supplier's instructions. If you can't reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

Question: Can I burn wood in my gas outdoor firepit?

• Answer: NO!!! Due to the intense heat generated by a wood burning fire, your outdoor fire pit will crack. NEVER burn wood in your Gas Fire Pit!

Question: Will wind affect the flame on a gas burning outdoor firepit?

• Answer: No. But if the wind is strong enough to extinguish the flame you should not be using the firepit until the winds die down.

Question: Do Gas Outdoor Firepits require a lot of assembly?

Answer: Some of the fire pits come completely assembled and are ready to go right out of the box. Many of the models do require some assembly, but the manufacturers try to keep the time and complexity of putting one together to a minimum so most of the time they can be assembled in a matter of minutes.  If you have a natural gas outdoor firepit you will need to someone who is certified run a gas line for you.

Question: Can I use my gas firepit inside?

• Answer: Gas firepits should only be used outdoors. You should not use your gas firepit in a building, garage, or any other enclosed area.

Question: Can I convert my liquid propane gas firepit to a natural gas firepit?

• Answer: Check your owners manual. Some outdoor firepits you can convert however, others do not allow it and you may void your warranty if you attempt to convert it.

Question: Are there any clearances to combustible materials that I have to follow when setting up my gas firepit?

• Answer: Check your owner's manual. Each firepit may have different requirements for placement away from walls, structures or buildings.

Question: How long will a 20lb propane tank last to fuel my outdoor firepit?

• Answer: Using a standard grill gas tank, your outdoor fireplace will burn for approximately 10 hours when on the high flame setting. This is an average and you may find your tank will last a little bit longer than 10 hours.

Question: Is placement of the logs important?

• Answer: For some of the model log placement is important, see manual for details of log placement. If log placement is not specified in the manual, you can place the logs how you like.

Question: Will the logs change color?

• Answer: The logs will not change color, but you will notice a carbon build up from propane gas. This is normal. You can clean the logs using soap and water. Be sure to dry the logs thoroughly after cleaning.

   

  

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  Would you like the look and feel of a campfire with the safety of a fireplace? Enjoy the beauty and comfort of a fire in your backyard with an outdoor fire pit. A fire pit provides the safety of a confined fire so you can relax and enjoy the pleasure of a campfire without the worry of it getting out of control.

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