Fire Pit Inspiration

It's critical to be informed on safe methods for recreational fires. Refer to your community's bylaws to see if having outdoor fires is permitted. Fires must be kept under control and safely away from any combustible surfaces, be located at least 10 feet from the property boundary, and not endanger the surrounding environment.

Fire Pits can be designed to reflect your home’s unique architectural design. Traditional fire pits may have a weathered, timeworn appearance, reflecting the cues of quarried stone. A modern fire pit may include paver accent bands such as a darker hue of Series™, or employ unique face textures with the patented U-Cara Multi-Face Wall System. Make sure you choose products, colors and styles that reflect your design goals, while also understanding which products are appropriate for use on a fire pit application.

A circular seat wall framed around a fire pit provides a natural elegance to any outdoor project. Turn your seating wall into a cozy nook, complete with cushions, blankets and pillows to keep warm around the fire at night.

Decorative fire features, such as fire tables and fire bowls, can be the perfect addition to elevate the style and function of your outdoor living space. Fire tables are typically fueled by gas, either through an underground gas line or through a propane tank, making them easy to use and maintain. With their mesmerizing flames and comfortable warmth, fire bowls are an excellent alternative to traditional fireplaces, adding a unique visual element to your outdoor area. These fire features can also be anchored to the top of pillars to allow you to define outdoor "rooms" with ease.

While wood-burning fire pits need dry wood to stay lit, gas fire pits commonly operate using natural gas or propane. Generally speaking, wood-burning fire pits are significantly more affordable than gas fire pits, but they require more work to keep lit. Based on your budget and the available outdoor space, a Unilock Authorized Contractor can assist you in obtaining estimates for both and assisting you in choosing the better option.

One often overlooked feature on fire pits is proper ventilation systems. While pre-built fireplaces normally come with a pipe and chimney which provides good air flow, in-ground fire pits require properly designed air vents for proper operation and safety. Ventilation, especially on propane fire pits, is crucial in order to release excess stored gas. Speak to a Unilock Authorized Contractor to determine from a design standpoint the best way to install a ventilation system on your fire pit.

Remove any debris from the burner, such as rocks and leaves, after the fire pit has cooled. To clean the fire pit, use a moist cloth, warm water, and soap. Maintaining burner cleanliness makes it possible for fuel to flow easily and freely. Always refer to safety manuals that come with your natural gas burner.

Excessive heat in your fire pits may cause the concrete units to breakdown over time, if not properly designed to handle high temperatures. If you have built an above ground fire pit, we recommend lining the fire pit with a metal liner or fire-rated brick to provide protection from the high temperatures. In addition to being excellent at absorbing heat, metal fire pit inserts are made to preserve the structural integrity of your fire pit and come pre-packaged with most Unilock fire pit kits.