How to Plan Your Gas Fire Pit Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a gas fire pit is one of the most satisfying outdoor improvements you can make — but the planning needs to happen before the product arrives, not after. The most common installation delays come from surprises that weren't anticipated: the wrong fuel type was ordered, the gas line wasn't run to the right location, or the electrical wasn't in place for an electronic ignition system.

This guide gives you a clear pre-installation checklist so everything is ready on delivery day.

Step 1: Choose Your Fuel Type First

This decision happens before anything else, because it determines everything downstream. Your two options are Liquid Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG) — and this choice is specified at purchase, not something you can switch without returning the unit.

Choose LP If:

• You don't have natural gas service at your home, or the gas meter is far from your fire pit location
• You want maximum flexibility — LP tanks can be placed anywhere, making the fire pit portable if needed
• Your installation is in a location where running a gas line is cost-prohibitive
• You want to avoid the permitting process often required for gas line work

Choose Natural Gas If:

• Your home has natural gas service and the meter is reasonably close to your fire pit location
• You want the convenience of never running out of fuel or swapping tanks
• You plan to use the fire pit very frequently — the ongoing LP cost adds up over time
• You're building a permanent outdoor kitchen where all appliances will run on natural gas

Step 2: Get Your Gas Line or LP Setup Right

For Natural Gas

Have a licensed plumber or gas fitter run a dedicated natural gas line to your fire pit location before the product arrives. The line must be properly sized for the BTU demand of your specific unit — an undersized gas line causes low flame pressure that can't be corrected after installation without replacing the line.

Key specifications to give your plumber:

• BTU rating of your specific fire pit or burner (found in the product spec sheet — call us for this)
• Distance from the gas meter to the fire pit location
• Type of pipe (CSST or rigid black iron both work — your plumber will recommend based on the run)

The gas line should terminate with a manual shutoff valve and a flex connector point within 12" of where the fire pit will sit.

For LP (Propane)

LP setups are simpler — you connect the regulator and hose assembly (included with most HPC products) to a standard 20 lb, 100 lb, or 200 lb propane tank. A 20 lb tank works for occasional use; a 100 lb or 200 lb tank is better for regular use because it provides more consistent gas pressure and lasts much longer between refills.

Position the tank in a ventilated area within reach of the included hose assembly (typically 10 feet). The tank should not be inside an enclosed cabinet without proper ventilation.

Step 3: Understand Electronic Ignition Electrical Requirements

If your fire pit has Electronic Ignition (EI), it requires a power source. Most HPC electronic ignition systems operate on 24VAC or 120VAC — this is specified in the product name (look for "24VAC" or "120VAC" in the SKU or title).

• 24VAC systems: Require a 24-volt transformer. The transformer typically plugs into a standard outdoor GFCI outlet nearby.
• 120VAC systems: Require a dedicated 120V outdoor GFCI outlet within cable reach of the fire pit.

Have an electrician install the appropriate outlet before delivery if one doesn't exist at the installation location. Outdoor outlets must be weatherproof and GFCI protected per code.

Match Lit and Push Button Flame Sensing systems require no electricity — they're mechanically operated and completely self-contained.

Step 4: Prepare Your Surface

Gas fire pits require a stable, level, non-combustible surface. Concrete, pavers, natural stone, and tile are all appropriate. Decking requires caution — confirm with your deck contractor or the product specs that the deck can handle the radiant heat from the fire pit's underside without damage or fire risk. Some fire pit designs are rated for use on wood decks; others are not.

Ready-to-Finish fire pit kits require a permanent surround structure (stone, concrete block, brick) that you build around the burner hardware. The surround must be non-combustible and provide adequate clearance around the fire pan as specified in the installation instructions.

Step 5: Clearances

Maintain appropriate clearances from combustible materials:

• Overhead clearance: minimum 8–10 feet from any overhead structure (pergola, awning, tree branches)
• Horizontal clearance: typically 3–5 feet from any combustible wall, fence, or structure
• Wind: position the fire pit so prevailing wind directions don't push flame toward seating or structures

Check your specific product's installation manual for exact clearance requirements — these vary by burner size and design.

Step 6: Order the Right Accessories

Before delivery day, also have on hand:

• Glass wind guard (if not included) — dramatically improves flame performance in any wind conditions
• Lava rock or fire glass for the burner pan (if not included in your kit)
• LP hose and regulator assembly (if LP and not included)
• A quality vinyl or canvas cover for weather protection

Browse fire pit accessories here.

Ready to Start Planning?

Our team can walk you through every specification for your specific product and installation scenario — what gas line size your plumber needs, whether your planned surface works, which ignition system makes sense for your situation. Call us at 1-732-320-9269, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm EST.