How to Build a DIY Gas Fire Pit: Step-by-Step Guide

Nothing invites warmth quite like a fire feature. A gas fire pit offers the warmth of a wood-burning fire pit without the added effort needed to maintain it. Building a DIY gas fire pit is a rewarding project for hands-on enthusiasts, and can be a great addition to your home improvement project list.

Before You Begin

Picking the Right Fire Pit & Fuel Type

• DIY fire pit kits vs total do-it-yourself projects: Do you want to invest in a DIY gas fire pit kit or do you want to completely build the fire pit yourself from the ground up? A kit may be more expensive but much easier to install, especially if you are a beginner DIY-er.
• Natural gas vs liquid propane: Do you want a natural gas fire pit or a propane fire pit? Natural gas pits are generally less expensive to own and operate while having access to a continuous fuel supply. However, they are more difficult and expensive to install and are permanent fixtures. Propane fire pits, meanwhile, can be portable as well as easier and less expensive to install, although they require constant refilling of propane tanks, which can quickly become pricey.

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is key when you want to add a fire feature like an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your outdoor living space.

Ask yourself the following questions before you get started:

• Location: Where will you place your fire pit? It needs to be on a stable, level surface, ideally one that isn't dirt or grass. It should be a safe distance (at least ten feet) from any buildings or other combustible materials.
• Upkeep costs: How much will it cost you to not just buy the parts and install everything, but maintain it all, year after year?
• Maintenance: Besides costs, how much effort will it take to ensure it will work properly for years to come? What extra steps will you need to take to ensure safety?
• Gas lines vs gas tank: What sort of fuel source will your fire pit or fire pit table use? If you use a gas line, where is it? If you use a propane tank, which size is reasonable while ensuring your pit has access to enough fuel? Who will you hire to run and seal any gas lines?
• Compliance: Are there any local building codes or HOA regulations you need to follow before you create your pit? Do you need special permissions or a permit?

Gathering the Materials

• Applicable permits and permissions
• Heat-resistant pavers, concrete blocks, heat-resistant stones, or bricks
• Heat-resistant landscaping adhesive (e.g., mortar)
• Fire pit burner kit (gas burner, ignition system, burner pan, flex lines, gas valves and keys, vents; air mixer for propane models)
• Fire media (fire glass, lava rocks, etc.)
• A propane tank (if not using natural gas)
• Gas-rated tape
• Hose clamps
• Shovel, level, rubber mallet, and tamper
• Sand and pea gravel
• Stainless steel fire ring and wind guard (optional but recommended)
• Specialty gas logs (optional)

Building the Pit

For this guide, we will assume you want to build a natural gas fire pit.

Prep the Area

1. Outline the area you wish to build the pit in with a shovel. Ensure the interior area is the right size to properly hold your burner pan.
2. Begin digging a foundation deep enough for one paver or brick plus at least an inch of sand.
3. Ensure the area is level, using the tamper if needed.
4. Have the licensed gas plumber run the gas line through the designated area.
5. Level the area with sand (1").

Begin the Structure

1. Start stacking your bricks or pavers in the shape, style, and size of the pit you want. Do one layer to start.
2. In between each layer, check that the bricks are level, tamping everything with your rubber mallet if necessary.
3. After ensuring your layer is level, apply high-heat-resistant mortar to your bricks.
4. Start your second layer, with the top bricks going over the gaps between the bottom bricks.
5. Repeat Steps #2 - 4 until your structure reaches the height you want, leaving a brick-width space on opposite sides of the top layer (these spaces will allow for ventilation).
6. Add pea gravel to the interior of the fire pit for a water drainage layer.

Add Hardware & Other Components

1. Install the gas valves to the wall of the pit, in the brick-width spaces.
2. Place the burner pan on top of the structure.
3. Add the fire pit burner on top of the pan.
4. Have a licensed gas plumber connect all gas lines and valves.
5. Have a licensed gas plumber test everything to ensure there are no gas leaks.

Finish

1. Once the hired professional has ensured everything is safe and properly connected, add the final layer of brick to the top wall of the structure.
2. Ensure the top layer of brick is level before adhering with mortar.
3. Add your fire media to the burner pan; you can also add gas logs here, if desired, to manufacturer specifications. Ensure the media does not go more than an inch over the burner.

Caring For Your New Fire Pit

• Clean regularly. Take out any debris, clean the outside with soap and water, dry the exterior with a soft cloth. Clean the connections with a soft-bristled brush.
• Check for leaks or other signs of damage.
• Cover when not in use.

Gas Fire Pit DIY FAQs

How long will a 20 lb propane tank run a fire pit?

The burn time of a 20-lb propane tank will vary based on BTU and setting, with a higher BTU and higher setting both causing the pit to burn through propane at a faster rate. That said, for many models, a high setting will have a burn time of four to six hours and a moderate setting will have a burn time of roughly eight to nine hours.

Does a gas fire pit need a vent?

Yes. Gas fire pits require a vent both for safety reasons (no buildup of gas) and efficiency (better airflow means better combustion).

What safety precautions should I take when building a gas fire pit?

Safety precautions homeowners should take when building an outdoor fire pit include:

• Leveling the area where the fire pit will be
• Building the pit at least ten feet away from homes or other fire hazards
• Confirming locations of gas lines and hiring a licensed gas plumber to connect the lines
• Conducting gas leak tests before completely burying the gas lines

If you decide a gas fire pit DIY project is not the right fit for you, hiring professionals to design, install, and maintain your custom fire pit can be the right choice.