Article: Where to Put a Gas Fire Pit: Clearances, Placement and Size
Where to Put a Gas Fire Pit: Clearances, Placement and Size
A gas fire pit is easy to live with: no smoke in your eyes and no ash to sweep. The part that takes care is the spot. Every gas fire pit comes with minimum clearances to walls, roofs and anything that can burn. Those numbers, not a rule of thumb, decide where it can go and how big it can be.
Clearances come from your fire pit's manual
There is no single distance that applies to every gas fire pit. Clearances depend on the manufacturer, the model and often the burner's output (BTU). The installation manual and the label on the unit are the authority. Your local building and fire officials may add their own rules on top.
Look in the manual for three numbers:
- Side clearance: from the edge of the fire pit to walls, railings, plants or anything combustible.
- Overhead clearance: from the top of the fire pit to anything above it.
- Floor: what the fire pit is allowed to sit on.
What two manufacturers we carry specify
To show how much these numbers vary, here is what two manufacturers we carry publish in their installation manuals:
| Manufacturer (manual) | Side clearance | Overhead clearance | Floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Fyre Designs (fire pit installation and owner's manual) | 3 ft from the unit to any construction | 6 ft from the top of the unit; do not install under overhead construction lower than that | Hard, level surface; the manual states combustible materials are permitted |
| The Outdoor Plus, up to 65,000 BTU (low-voltage ignition manual) | 36" from structure or combustibles | 96" minimum | On a combustible floor such as wood decking, non-combustible floor paneling is required under the unit |
| The Outdoor Plus, 66,000–200,000 BTU (same manual) | 48" from structure or combustibles | No overhead construction | As above |
Two things stand out. The same patio can suit one fire pit and not another. And the bigger the burner, the more room it needs. Always check the manual for the exact model you are considering.
Under a pergola, roof or covered patio
Gas fire pits are for outdoor use only. The manuals say never to install one inside a building, garage, shed, breezeway or any other enclosed area, and The Outdoor Plus adds: not under a sealed overhead structure. Under a roof or pergola, the overhead clearance in the manual is the number to beat, and some higher-output models allow no overhead construction at all. American Fyre Designs also notes that sooting may build up over time on a ceiling above the unit.
What to put it on
Manufacturers ask for a hard, stable and level surface. A concrete slab, pavers or stone is the simplest choice. Wood and composite decks are where manuals differ most: one may allow a combustible floor, another requires non-combustible paneling under the unit. Check the manual, and for a deck, confirm with your local authority before you buy.
Choosing the spot
With the clearances in hand, walk your yard and look for a spot that is:
- Away from openings into the house. The Outdoor Plus manual says not to place a fire pit under or near windows or vents.
- Clear of trees, shrubs and overhanging branches.
- Out of main walkways, so nobody brushes past a hot surface.
- Sheltered from strong wind. American Fyre Designs says not to operate its units in high winds, which can expose the unit to direct flame and crack or discolor the finish. The manufacturer offers an optional wind guard for some models.
- Well drained. American Fyre Designs says not to use a unit if any part of it has been underwater until a qualified technician has inspected it.
- Easy to reach for the gas line, the shutoff and future service.
Sizing a fire pit to your space
Work outward from the clearances:
- Start with the fire pit's own footprint.
- Add the side clearance from its manual on every side. For example, a model needing 36" adds 3 ft all around; a 48" model adds 4 ft.
- Add room for seating beyond that zone, plus space to walk behind the chairs.
If the result does not fit, look at a smaller, lower-BTU model with smaller clearances, or a fire pit table with a ledge for drinks. A bigger flame is not always better on a compact patio.
Gas, power and shutoff
- Gas line or tank. Natural gas needs a line run to the spot. Propane models use a tank, often in the table base or a separate enclosure, which has clearance rules of its own. Either way, a licensed gas professional should install and check the connection.
- Shutoff. The Outdoor Plus requires a gas shutoff on the outside of the fire pit, for emergencies and maintenance.
- Power. Electronic ignition can need power at the spot. American Fyre Designs, for example, specifies a properly wired 120 VAC GFCI grounded receptacle with a weatherproof in-use cover for its electronic ignition models. Check the manual for yours.
- Codes. Installers follow the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54) or the International Fuel Gas Code, the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70) and local codes, as the manufacturers' manuals require.
- Inspection. American Fyre Designs calls for the unit to be inspected before use and at least annually by a qualified service person.
Common questions
How far should a gas fire pit be from my house? At least the side clearance in its manual. The two manufacturers above specify 36" to 48" from structures, depending on the model. Keep it away from windows and vents.
Can I put a gas fire pit under a covered patio? Only if the manual's overhead clearance is met. The models above need 6 to 8 ft above them, and some allow no overhead construction at all.
Can a gas fire pit go on a wood or composite deck? It depends on the model. Some manuals permit a combustible floor; others require non-combustible paneling under the unit. Check the manual and your local rules.
Do I need a professional to install it? Manufacturers recommend a professional who is licensed for gas piping in your area.
Not sure about your space?
Send us a photo of your patio, rough measurements and what you have overhead, and we will help you narrow down fire pits whose manuals fit your space. Call (949) 619-7824.
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