For those looking to bring warmth and comfort to an outdoor area of their property, gone are the days where you were forced to rely on the collection of firewood and the laborious hand-building of a fire. Today’s modern technology allows for beautiful, modern outdoor gas fireplace setups where your flames are on-demand, and these can be placed just about anywhere on your property that is convenient.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer the best selection of outdoor gas fire pits you’ll find in for your needs in Park City, Heber and Salt Lake City. Because it’s a newer concept, some of our clients have basic questions about how to place and lay out an outdoor gas fire pit – where it should go, how to arrange furniture around it, and more. Here are some tips on each of these areas and more.

Where to Install an Outdoor Gas Fire Pit

One of the first and most important considerations is where to install the gas fire pit. When deciding on a location, be sure to consider the following:

• The size of your outdoor area and the space you have available
• Windy areas that may affect smoke flow
• Accessibility for both connecting to an existing gas line and for ongoing maintenance
• Level of safety needed for small children or pets
• The amount of heat desired and the best way to disperse it
• Whether you want a view or not

Probably the largest area to consider, however, is the general traffic flow and aesthetic of your outdoor area. Try to ensure it doesn’t block a pathway and that the layout of chairs, tables and other furniture is organized so as to increase enjoyment for all who use the space.

Shade or Sun?

One particular factor to consider is whether you’d like the area around your outdoor gas fire pit to be in full sun or shaded. For some, a little shade can be nice for those who might want to take a break from their regular conversation and enjoy the natural beauty of your property.

For others, the presence of any shade will block out too much light and obscure the wonderful beauty of your outdoor area. Consider your own preferences and what would work best for both you, your family, and any other guests who may be enjoying your outdoor space.

Propane or Natural Gas?

Within the realm of gas fireplaces, you have the option of using propane or natural gas. For some, it is simply a matter of convenience: if your house already has a connection for natural gas then this might be the easier option.

If it doesn’t, then one major factor you’ll have to consider if you want to go this route is a supply of fuel for your fire pit. You will have to arrange for a local gas professional to come and connect the fire pit to your house’s gas line, so this should be taken into account when considering cost.

For those wanting a more flexible approach, propane is definitely the better choice. Propane tanks come in a variety of sizes and can easily be refilled or switched out for another tank if needed. This makes it extremely easy to maintain a steady supply of fuel for your outdoor gas fire pit.

Choosing the Actual Size of the Space

Another vital factor to consider when installing an outdoor gas fire pit is the actual size of the space you want it in. Fire pits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so finding one that fits your area will be essential for achieving the desired look.

Try to pick a fire pit that allows for easy access around it and doesn’t take up too much additional space. It should also be placed in a spot that will provide adequate air circulation around the area, to allow for proper heat dispersal and safety from any potential fire hazards.

Finally, check with your local building codes to ensure you are following all necessary rules and regulations when installing an outdoor gas fire pit. This includes making sure you don’t exceed any limits on the size or type of fire pits allowed in your area.

Furniture Placement Considerations

Once you’ve chosen where to install the outdoor gas fire pit, it’s time to think about how you want to arrange the seating around it.

The most important consideration here is that there needs to be enough space for people to move around without having their chairs too close together or too far away from the fire pit. When setting up furniture, keep in mind that you want a comfortable arrangement that allows for conversation, but also enough space for people to move around without feeling cramped.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that fire and furniture don’t mix! Be sure to keep any furniture at least three feet away from the actual gas fire pit in order to ensure safety.

With the right basic planning, you can create a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor space that your friends and family will love. The addition of an outdoor gas fire pit is sure to add warmth, light, and beauty to any outdoor area. With the right setup considerations in place, you can be sure that your outdoor gas fire pit will provide years of safe and enjoyable use.

For more here, or to learn about any of our indoor or outdoor fireplace products for clients in SLC, Park City, Heber and surrounding parts of Utah, speak to our team at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.