A natural gas outdoor fire pit can create a great gathering place for fall, spring and mild winter weather. Using natural gas gives you a constant source of fuel, without refilling propane cylinders, struggling with propane supply lines or buying wood.
In this article, we review some of the benefits of investing in an outdoor firepit with natural gas as a fuel source and discuss options of permanent or portable solutions.
Types of Outdoor Fire Pits
When searching for outdoor fire pit ideas, there are several options. But it really comes down to whether you want a permanent, semi permanent or portable solution.
Permanent fire pits are typically designed in conjunction with a patio and larger outdoor space. Constructed of stone, brick or concrete, outdoor patio fire pits are a great fit for natural gas as a fuel source.
Semi-Permanent fire pits are pre-fabricated designs that could be moved, but are cumbersome to do so once installed. This includes large fire pit tables, like the one shown below. Large semi-permanent fire pit tables are a good fit for natural gas, to avoid messy propane tanks and supply lines.
Portable fire pits are less suited to natural gas connections simply because they are designed to be moved around, while your gas connection is permanent. These are more likely candidates for propane.
Examples of each design are shown below.
Benefits of a Natural Gas Outdoor Fire Pit
Convenience & Easy of Use– If you already have a natural gas fireplace, you know how convenient and easy they are to use. No hauling wood or filling propane tanks. Just a flick of a switch and you have fire. You can even light some fire pits using an app on your phone for instant ambiance.
Aesthetics – With propane as your fuel source, you have to plan out where to hide your tank, and how to keep the connection hose from becoming a trip hazard. Your natural gas line will be underground. Add ceramic logs or fire crystals to enhance the look.
Energy Efficiency – In terms of energy efficiency, natural gas fireplaces are highly effective at generating heat. Many designs come with adjustable settings, allowing you to control the flame and heat output based on your comfort level. Almost all the energy from the natural gas is converted into heat, maximizing warmth and minimizing waste
Low Cost Fuel Source – Compared to wood and propane, natural gas is a low cost fuel. And this is especially true if you’re in a deregulated market like Georgia, Ohio or Pennsylvania, where you can shop for your natural gas supplier.
Clean Burning Fuel – A natural gas fireplace offers a consistent flame that burns evenly and steadily. And without the smoke, soot and ash that you normally think of with an outdoor fire.
Increased Property Value – Homebuyers are looking for outdoor features that allow them to enjoy more time in their yard, and a landscaped yard and patio with a gas fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be a big selling point.
Drawbacks of a Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplace
Cost is the biggest negative for a natural gas fire pit.
While natural gas is a low cost fuel source, a fire pit can be expensive to build, ranging from $900 on the low side for semi-permanent firepit, to $5,000+ for a stone fire pit integrated with a patio.
You’ll need to hire a plumber to run your gas line. And your gas meter location could also impact placement and design.
Running a Gas Line for an Outdoor Fire Pit.
Working with natural gas is not a DIY project. You’ll want to work with a licensed plumber to add a gas line for your outdoor fire pit.
Your plumber will need to properly size the lines. That ensures delivery of the proper volume and pressure of gas. They’ll install a new T-junction fitting on your current gas line and run the gas line to your firepit. Then for safety they’ll install a shut-off valve both near the meter and by the fire pit.
