3
hotter than a gas fire. If a gas ring is to be
used, there is not need to line it with
brick, except for appearance.
H.
Select desired finish materials. The
exterior finish may be either fabricated
stone, thin veneer, natural stone, stain,
tile, brick or stucco. Surface area to be
covered is 20 square feet and 14 linear
feet of coping. An extension kit adds 3
square feet of surface and 2 linear feet of
coping.
I.
Contract with a stone mason to finish the
exterior. Make sure that refractory cement
is used.
J.
The most common use of gas is with a
burner ring and gas logs. If using natural
gas, install Stone Age burner kit and
connect to the gas line. Sample burner
kits are shown in Figure 6.
K.
For an attractive fire, the burner ring can
be covered with lava rock or decorative
glass. Or, gas logs may be installed on a
grate. In this case, it is not necessary to
install fire brick
Fire Pit Burner it
Fire Pit Ring Burner Kit
FireStar Burner
Figure 6. Fire Pit Burner Kits
4.0 Use
Once the fire pit is completed, wait at least 28
days
before building a fire to give the cement adequate
time to cure. This will provide ample time for any
water residue to evaporate, eliminating the adverse
reaction of the combination of water and fire.
During this time, keep a cover over the fire pit to
prevent collection of additional moisture.
Recommend using a grate in the fire pit when
burning wood. This will permit air to circulate
under the fire, resulting in complete burning.
WARNING: Never use gasoline, gasoline-type
lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal
lighter fluid or similar liquids to
start or “freshen up” a fire. Keep
all such liquids well away from
the fireplace while it is in use.
4.1 Selection of Wood
A. Use of cured or seasoned wood is preferred.
B. Most any kind of scrap wood can be used.
However, scrap wood will produce sparks so
use of a spark arrestor screen is recommended.
C. Treated or painted wood, coal, or woods
dipped in pine tar should not be used because
they will leave a combustible residue.
4.2 Starting a Fire
A fire pit can bring many hours of enjoyment,
comfort and warmth if operated and maintained
properly. Certain safety precautions must be
observed to eliminate the dangers associated with
fire and provide a satisfactory, smoke free fire.
A. Keep combustible furniture/pillows at least
four feet from the fire pit.
B. Never leave the fire unattended.
C. Be extremely careful when adding wood and
handling fireplace tools.
D. Remove any excess ash from the fireplace.
Excessive ash may reduce airflow. Some
owners prefer to leave a small layer to insulate
the cold refractory below the grate, helping
fire starting.
E. Crumble several newspapers across the fire
area underneath the grate. Criss-cross kindling
wood on top of the grate, above the
newspaper.
F. Lay three logs on the grate; two side by side
and the third in pyramid fashion on top. Split
logs will start faster. Make sure there is space
between the logs for air circulation. As the air
is heated, it is drawn upwards through the
space between the logs, creating more
combustion.
