Have Questions About Fire Pit Inserts?
No matter which part of the world you live - warm, tropical, cold, or somewhere between - most homeowners want a fiery outdoor oasis. It's a bridge from the interior to the exterior, an extension to the scenic beauty of the great outdoors.
Whether you've decided to add a patio, deck, outdoor kitchen, or the like, no outdoor living space is complete without the spark from a fire feature. And, you don't have to be rich to do it! You can host year-round entertainment at a fraction of the cost you'd pay for some of the common prefabricated structures.
In this article, we'll teach you some ways to create a custom fire feature as the focal point of your backyard using a fire pit insert. We'll explain how fire pit inserts differ from pre-built fire pits. This includes the costs for materials, installation, fuel, and maintenance. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of getting one.
As more people attune themselves to the trendy outdoor designs, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Most people end up selecting from piles of mass-produced products with no originality. But, you do not have to succumb to these basic, ill-fitting fire pit assemblies. Don't fill the void of empty space in your backyard with generic styles that everyone has. All you need is a fire pit insert to create a custom design to fit your unique outdoor space.
A fire pit insert or drop-in fire pit includes all the components needed to operate a fire pit, excluding the enclosure or surround. For wood-burning, a fire pit ring is a type of fire pit insert. A gas-fire pit insert consists of a fire pit burner, burner pan, ignition system, flex gas line, a gas valve, and key.
Like indoor fireplace inserts must be installed into an existing firebox or structural opening, a fire pit insert works the same way. It must also be built into an appropriate structure. Most contractors install fire pit inserts in landscape projects, water features, or the like.
Fire pit inserts, in a sense, are more malleable. They allow you to design masterful creations without the limitations of pre-built fire pits. They are also more cost-effective than purchasing a complete fire pit.
From a more practical standpoint, not every backyard can fit a cookie-cutter fire appliance. Some backyards are larger or smaller than others, and some are far less traditional in shape and size altogether. With this in mind, a fire pit insert serves as an equalizer for all, ensuring everyone has access to the alluring mystique of fire.
But, there are some downsides you may want to consider as well.
Fire pit inserts call for a bit of technical know-how to install. Thus, the cost-effectiveness associated with them will decrease if you need to hire a contractor to get the job done. While the more basic wood-burning fire pit inserts are easy for even the most novice DIYer, gas models are not quite so simple.
In other words, drop-in fire pits need more elbow grease to install. So, these may not be the ideal choice for those with a "set-it-and-forget-it" mindset.
Depending on the scale of your fire feature design, you may need more than one or two fire pit inserts to complete the look that you are going for. And, having to install more than one or two fire pit inserts can increase the cost of the job in a major way. This can far exceed the price you would pay for one standard fire pit unit.
Keep this in mind as you plan out the design of your backyard fire feature. The more ambitious the project, the more money you can expect to spend.
When it comes to any major home renovations or remodeling projects, it's always a good idea to do a bit of research on the front end. You want to calculate potential expenses to help you develop a more realistic budget.
Whether you plan on installing the fire pit yourself or hiring outside help, we'll share some general cost estimates. These estimations were retrieved from HomeAdvisor.com and based on different building materials, fuel types, and installation needs.
It's also worth searching at locally-owned shops in your area that sell overstocked source material. These shops often have stones that are more igneous and dense to handle intense heat. In other words, you don't have to overspend to get quality materials for the look that you want.
This may be seen as a no brainer, but the size of your fire pit often dictates most of the expenses you can expect to incur. Larger units will inevitably need more material for an enclosure. Also, the fuel type will dictate whether you'll need to hire plumbers or electricians.
Most outside contractors will charge by the hour for labor for full fire pit installations. The average project can run anywhere between four and eight hours. You can look to spend approximately $200 to $500 on labor if hiring an outside contractor. But, if you choose to construct the fire pit yourself, you will save a great deal of money.
Here is a breakdown of the expenses you can expect by fuel cost and labor performed by a professional contractor you may need to hire for assistance.
This can become pretty pricey, usually around $600 or so for both the labor cost of the plumber and the gas line components themselves. Not to mention, natural gas fire pits tend to be more stationary structures and are less portable than propane versions.
It can be a major blow to your dreams of installing a fire pit for your outdoor living area if it is not permitted in your region or municipality. To prevent wasting time and money, we urge you to check with local authorities to determine the permissibility of fire pits in your areas.
Most freestanding wood-burning or propane units do not need a permit for installation. If you are planning on installing a natural gas fire pit or one with an electric ignition system, you will likely need some type of permit. The permits themselves are inexpensive. But, it's better to follow all laws and regulations to prevent unwanted fines.
Another factor to take into consideration is the location you plan to install. There are some major Do's and Don'ts you'll want to know, for sure. For instance, never install a fire pit near overhanging branches or trees or where there is a significant amount of dry brush nearby. These locations pose serious fire hazards for your home and nearby structures, including nearby homes.
Also, make sure that you plan to install your fire pit on a level surface with significant drainage so that water pooling isn't an issue.
Now that we've discussed some of the major things to consider before purchasing a fire pit insert, you may be wondering about your options.
In the next section, we will cover the different types of burners and flame patterns, burner pan shapes and enclosures. We'll also discuss the common materials from which they are made.
There is a large variety of burner shapes and sizes available for each type of fire pit insert. It boils down to your preferred flame pattern and the look that you're going for in your fire feature.
Let's start by examining eight different burner shapes and the flame patterns each of them produces. Please note that most manufacturers offer customization options for customers, too. So, it is possible to buy specific burner shapes and sizes. Featured below is a list of common shapes and sizes that are mass-produced and readily available.