Fire Pit Guide

An Extensive Guide to Natural Gas and Liquid Propane Fire Projects

1) Dimensions & Locations

Creating the Perfect Space

Fire features help create spaces to gather, to keep warm, and to provide ambiance. Utilize your backyard, deck, patio, pool area, courtyard; get creative with fire feature locations. 

  • Wood and synthetic decks are perfectly safe for gas fire features.
  • There’s no need to protect the material the fire feature is setting on.
  • Most of the heat rises above the burner plate.
  • Design Idea Use multiple fires to create beautiful fire vignettes.

Use these measurements as a good starting point for your designing and planning. 

Master Reference Guide 

Round & Square standard opening sizes. This is the diameter of the “burn area”:

    • 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″
    • Add .5″ to 1″ to your opening to make room for the plate

Rectangular standard opening sizes

    • See H-STYLE and TREE-STYLE burner pages and use the Plate sizes to determine standard opening sizes
    • Add .5″ to 1″ to your opening to make room for the plate

Ideal top ledge width 

  • This is where you set drinks on, put feet up on, etc…
  • 5″ to 12″
  • What’s your preference? You could go with no ledge or with a large table-top ledge.
  •  

Depth of Plate

    • 3″ to 5″ deep 
    • 4″ is ideal
    • From the top of the plate to the top of the jet is about 3″

Clearances

    • Seating: We prefer seating to be around 20″ away from the outside edge of a fire table or fire pit.
    • Space around the burner: 5″ or more recommended
    • Clearance from a combustible wall or fixture: 36″
    • Combustible ceiling/overhang: 10 Feet Recommended

Click image below for a visual clearance guide

How far you set your seating from a fire determines how much heat you feel. If you live in a cooler climate, get closer. If it’s a mild climate, you may not feel the need to sit as close. 

How to keep warm

    • Seating should be 18″ to 24″ from the edge of the fire feature
    • Only design tall fire features if you have tall chairs. For normal seating, standard height of fire features are around 16″ – 25″
    • For maximum warmth, keep it between 16″ and 20″ tall

Determining the proper height

      • If you plan on using 24v electronic ignition, you will need 10″-14″ of space below the plate
      • You can dig down below the fire feature to make more space if necessary
      • You can even design your fire to be at ground level
      • Avoid going higher than 24″, as you may feel less heat from the fire. Of course you can make it a taller table if you’d like to set taller chairs next to it.

Consider measuring and marking out your space. Click the image below for inspiration

If you live in a coastal region near the ocean with corrosive salt-air, carefully consider the fire pit building materials that you choose.

  • For the burner and fittings, we recommend brass.
  • For the flex line, we recommend stainless steel.
  • For a complete fire pit, we recommend powder coated aluminumthermally modified wood, raw Corten steelGFRC concrete, or a ready to finish kit with tile or stone.  

To view fire pits that we offer for those in ocean regions, view our COASTAL OPTIMIZED collection. 

Video: Planning a Backyard Improvement Project

Video: Key Dimensions of Fire Pits and Outdoor Living Spaces

2) Working With a Contractor

Is it necessary?

Propane – Supplying and Installing

    • Search “propane supplier near me”
    • There are also various online stores that supply propane regulators for situations that call for more than 200K BTUs
    • For burners 200K BTUs or lower, purchase a regulator HERE
    • For higher BTUs over longer distances, sometimes 2 regulators are needed – a 10psi at the tank, and a 2nd stage (11-13″wc) near the fire feature

Natural Gas -Running a Gas Line and Making Connections

      • Plumbers
      • HVAC Specialists

Building or Designing A Fire Feature

    • Landscape architects & designers
    • Masons for concrete and stonework
    • Pool designers
    • General contractors
    • Montana Fire Pits!

Moving Your Complete System to its Location

    • General contractors
    • Moving companies
    • A few strong friends will do

Your contractor needs to know the volume (BTUs) and pressure (water column – see “Fuel” section) required by the burner or fire feature you choose. You should also download/forward to your contractor the following documents that apply to your build. 

Location of Gas Stub

    • Can be off-center or on-center, depending on the size of your fire feature
    • Most commonly, your plumber will hard-pipe from the gas stub to the key valve inlet. If the plumber decides to use a flex line, most flex lines are 36″ long, so the gas stub should be within 36″ of where the key valve is located in the fire feature.
    • The key valve is generally located on the side of the fire pit, so if it makes sense for your build, place the gas stub off-center to reduce the distance of gas stub to key valve
    • Instruct the contractor to keep the gas stub as low as possible to make room for electronic ignition, or in the case that the plate sets fairly low
    • On some builds, the plate sits only 8″ off the ground
    • All of our complete systems are open underneath to give extra leeway for gas stub location

Compliance with the following standards:

  • ANSI Z21.97/CSA 2.41 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances
  • The burner system is certified nationally, however, it is up to the customer or contractor to verify local requirements
  • List of Certified Burners

Massachusetts

Effective May 5, 2021 over 100 Warming Trends CROSSFIRE burners will be approved for use in Massachusetts.

All gas products approved for use can be found on the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) website: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). To confirm the approval of a product, simply:

  1. Visit the OCABR website.
  2. Select “Product Information” from the drop down, then click “Go.”
  3. Enter Product information.
    1. Select “Gas”
    2. Manufacturer: Warming Trends, LLC
    3. Model Number: Enter the burner type and BTU output (i.e. CFB180, CFBT290, CFBO140) If you do not have the model information, you may search using only the manufacturer name to bring up all Warming Trends burners that are accepted. 

Click “Find Products” and see the listing of accepted products.

Canadian Customers

Most metropolitan areas in Canada will require an automatic shutoff for fire pits over 65K BTUs in order to get a permit or certification.

  • Our Premium Electronic Ignition system has the proper fuel and flame censors to automatically shut down the fire when needed. Combine it with a dial timer to increase safety and ease.
  • You can still purchase higher BTU burners without the premium ignition, and we will ship it with a fitting that limits the burner to 65K BTUs in the case that you’d like to have it certified.

3) Project Types

Components | Complete | Custom

Paver fire pits are one of the simpler and more affordable options. Our burner packages will be the absolute best way to add fire. Here’s what you need to know:

How to find pavers/stacked stone to build your fire pit:

    • Search online- “paver fire pit kit”
    • Shop a nearby big box store
    • Contact a landscape company

How to determine which burner package you need

    • Pick the burner based on the standard plate size
    • Make sure the plate size fits in the opening of your paver kit
    • Avoid ordering a larger plate and placing it between paver stone layers. This causes a gap between layers. Though in some cases it might work just fine.
    • If you want flexibility with the opening size, check out our Universal Paver Kits.

What if the plate is not a perfect fit

    • If the plate is a little too big, you can cut it with a grinder/cutoff wheel, or a jigsaw with metal cutting blade
    • If the plate is too small, watch THIS VIDEO

How to install the burner package

    • Watch this helpful VIDEO

What if you want a beautiful, functional, high-heat fire feature without all the hassle of designing or building it? A complete system is what you need.

  • Made-to-order and shipped directly to you
  • No need to worry about freight costs; they’re built in
  • We merge the best burners with the best vessels which means you get more heat/BTUs compared to big box store fire pits
  • Available in steel and GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete)
  • The systems come with flame-height adjusting key valve
  • Electronic Ignition is optional, and using a lighter is perfectly fine as well
  • Simply have a plumber connect the gas and you’re ready to go
  • Steel can be customized in shape, size, and color

Ready-to-Finish kits come with everything you need to hook up and burn a gas fire. You simply finish the kit with your choice of veneer.

What is it made of?

    • 1″ Aluminum Frame
    • Concrete board

What comes with it

    • Pan & Burner
    • Key valve for flame height adjustment
    • 2 Vents (you’ll decide where these go and cut the openings)

Ideas for finishing

    • Tile, stone, granite, steel, stucco, wood… get creative
    • Contact a general contractor, mason, or landscape professional if DIY is not your thing

Maybe you’ll be adding a pool to your space, and you’d like to have multiple fires adding to the beauty of the design. Consider the incredible concrete options for your project:

Customizing a fire feature to fit your space perfectly is always an option. We’ve helped put fire in some incredibly creative spaces.

Fire Walls

    • Long fire features that create the semblance of a wall of fire

Custom Ready-to-Finish (RTF)

    • Tell us what size you want and we can put a quote together
    • Some RTFs can accommodate upgraded burners for more BTUs

Custom Burner Sizes

    • Let us know your inside dimensions and available BTUs

Click HERE for a custom quote

Fire features are becoming increasingly more popular in commercial spaces such as hotels and restaurants. Safety and ease-of-use is of paramount importance. 

  • Consider COMPLETE SYSTEMS
  • If needed for your space, ELECTRONIC IGNITION with a dial timer creates the ability for non-staff members to safely initiate the fire
  • Use our BURNERS for a better flame and better experience in any fire feature
  • Glass flame guards are available if required

If you purchase a fire pit with a low capacity burner and want to upgrade to a Warming Trends burner, can it be done? Most likely, yes!

  • If you’re handy and creative, you can probably make it work
  • Do your due diligence to make sure the systems will marry correctly
  • Review our Master Reference Guide and make sure you don’t need a larger key valve or flex line
  • If your fire feature already has a plate, you can set our burner right on top of it, or use a layer of lava rock below the burner
  • Because there are so many variables, it is difficult for us to provide solid advice on retrofitting
  • Since the Warming Trends Brass Burner System is generally much hotter, using sub-standard materials could result in destruction of your fire pit
  •  

Click image below for ideas on grade-level fire pits. 

 Concrete vs. Steel

Installing a Key Valve – Paver Fire Pit

The Process of Receiving a Complete Fire System

How it Works: Ready to Finish Kits

Podcast Discussion about Ready to Finish Kits

4) Fuel

Gas Line Sizing | Pressure | BTUs

There are various pros/cons of Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG). The difference between LP and NG Warming Trends burners are the “jets”. If, down the road, you need to convert from LP to NG or vice-versa, you can do so by purchasing replacement jets from us at $25 each. 

Propane – pros

    • Flexibility/portability
    • Opens up new location possibilities
    • Sometimes NG is not available

Propane – cons

    • More expensive to burn than NG
    • Heavier than air, so it sinks down. This makes ventilation more important.
    • Requires refilling the tank
    • Hiding the propane tank can present new aesthetic challenges
    • Black soot tends to build up faster on fire media such as ceramic logs and cannonballs (it can be cleaned off)

Natural Gas – Pros

    • Cheaper to burn; you probably won’t even notice an increase in your gas bill. Clients of ours have reported $0.25 – $0.75 per hour
    • You won’t run out, so burn to your heart’s content without the dreaded “we’re out of gas”
    • Since it’s lighter than air and rises, there’s less likelihood of unwanted fuel accumulation in the vessel
    • Slightly cleaner burning; less soot build up

Natural Gas – Cons

    • Limited to what’s available in your area
    • May require upgraded meter or larger diameter fuel lines to provide adequate BTUs
    • The volume and pressure can be affected by other appliances
    • Might require a longer gas line, depending on where your fire feature will live  
    • Would be difficult to change the fire feature’s location after installation
    • Check the side of your gas meter for a BTU rating. Most commonly they are rated at 250K BTUs

Even though the standard key valve inlet is 3/4″, you may need a larger gas line to span long distances.

In order to get the proper volume and pressure of fuel, you need a gas line that is large enough in diameter to carry it sufficiently. For the most accurate assessment, consult a fuel professional. For a rough estimate, utilize our gas line sizing charts below. 

*Make sure the BTUs from your line can supply at least 60-70% of what the burner is rated at.

Propane Gas Line Sizing Chart

Natural Gas Line Sizing Chart

Gas line sizing variables

    • Using angled couplings can reduce the volume/flow of fuel
    • Adding a 90 degree angle in your line adds the equivalent of 5 feet of distance
    • Running different sized lines over various distances is acceptable, but for maximum fuel volume, run larger lines over long distances
    • Number of appliances, whether it’s a dedicated line or not; all these factors play a role in volume and pressure
    • Pro Tip: if you haven’t installed your gas line yet, consider running it in conduit so that if you ever need to repair or change it, you won’t have to dig it up

You can have great gas pressure, but if your line is too small, you may not get the desired flame. Think about it like filling up a swimming pool. If you reduce the nozzle size significantly, you may have a ton of pressure, but it’s going to take longer to fill up the pool. You need both pressure and volume to get a great flame. This is why the size of the gas line is so important. 

Now that you understand the importance of volume (BTUs), let’s talk pressure. 

Optimal Pressure:

  • LP: 11-13″ water column (w.c.)
  • NG: 7-10″ water column (w.c.)

Water Column is the term used to measure pressure. There are 27.7 inches of water column pressure in 1 PSI of pressure. So 7″wc is about 1/4 PSI. This is the normal pressure that household natural gas is delivered.

The device used to measure pressure of this type is called a Manometer

Pressure too High? You may experience unwanted noise

Pressure too Low? The flame will not be as tall and hot

Location of Gas Stub

  • Most commonly the gas stub is positioned underneath the fire feature so that you don’t see it
  • If you can’t bring the gas up underneath, consider one of our steel Venture Series fire tables or Ready to Finish Kits. These systems can have 4 adjustable feet installed underneath. The feet will raise the fire table to create a gap large enough for you to run your gas line underneath.
  • It can be off-center or on-center, depending on the size of your fire feature
  • You may want to go off-center if you’re using electronic ignition
  • The key valve is generally located on the side of the fire pit, so if it makes sense for your build, place the gas stub off-center to reduce the distance of gas stub to key valve
  • Most often, the plumber will use hard pipe to connect from the gas stub to the key valve. However, if they decide to use a flexible line, most lines are 36″ long, so it makes sense to try and keep the gas stub within 36″ from the key valve location
  • Instruct the contractor to keep the gas stub as low as possible to make room for electronic ignition, or in the case that the plate sets fairly low
  • On some builds, the plate sits only 8″ off the ground

You DO NOT need an air mixer with any of our burners. Air is mixed at each jet. 

LP Regulators

    • For optimal regulation for burners over 290K BTUs, contact a local propane supplier
    • For regulators 290K BTUs or lower, purchase our REGULATOR KIT
    • From the tank, propane is HIGH PRESSURE, so it must be regulated down, because the burners are low pressure
    • For longer gas lines, we often use a high pressure (10psi) regulator at the tank end, and a “2nd stage” regulator on the other end of the line to bring the pressure to 11-13″wc

Natural Gas Regulators

    • You may or may not need a regulator for a natural gas connection. The ideal pressure for a natural gas burner is 7″ water column, which is common household natural gas pressure. However, some households have “upgraded” gas meters with higher pressure, such as 2 psi meters. In those cases, you should have your local plumber or HVAC specialist use a regulator to bring the pressure down to 7″ water column. These specifications are called out within the Warming Trends manual that came with the burner. 
    • Natural gas regulators are very specific to each situation, and so we do not carry these products. Consult your local plumber or HVAC specialist. 

Standard 20lb Tank

  • A standard 20lb/5 gallon BBQ propane tank can be used for burner systems 180K BTUs and under
  • Burn time varies from 6-12 hours, depending on how hot you run it
  • Results may vary, and it is common for the fuel to “freeze up” with burners 180K BTUs and up. What that means is that after 45 minutes or so, the flame only goes to about half. Remedy this by having a 2nd tank available to swap out when needed.

30lb or 40lb Tank

  • This is a better option for most of our burners from 100K to 200k BTUs
  • It will give you longer burn times
  • Still relatively small and easy to move

High Volume Tanks

  • Contact your local propane supplier

Hiding the Tank

  • You can always run a larger diameter line and hide the tank in an inconspicuous location
  • You can purchase a 20lb propane tank cover that make hiding the tank simple and aesthetically pleasing.

Gas Consumption

  • All of our burners operate with best-in-class efficiency due to the engineered jets. They mix fuel and oxygen at the flame; which produces taller, brighter, and hotter flames while using less fuel.
  • Tests show that Crossfire burners use half the amount of fuel compared to conventional stainless steel burners while producing the same flame. Another way to think of it is that you get TWICE the flame with the same amount of fuel. 

Here is a very rough estimate to base your natural gas consumption off of:

  • 280K BTU burner will cost roughly $0.75/hour, depending on natural gas prices in your area
  • Gas consumption is reduced when you throttle down the fire using the key valve
  • Considering using a top layer of fire media to retain more heat and burn less fuel

Compliance with the following standards:

  • ANSI Z21.97/CSA 2.41 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances
  • The burner system is certified nationally, however, it is up to the customer or contractor to verify local requirements

Certified Burners

Massachusetts

Effective May 5, 2021 over 100 Warming Trends CROSSFIRE burners will be approved for use in Massachusetts. 

All gas products approved for use can be found on the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) website: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). To confirm the approval of a product, simply:

  1. Visit the OCABR website.
  2. Select “Product Information” from the drop down, then click “Go.”
  3. Enter Product information.
    1. Select “Gas” 
    2. Manufacturer: Warming Trends, LLC
    3. Model Number: Enter the burner type and BTU output (i.e. CFB180, CFBT290, CFBO140) If you do not have the model information, you may search using only the manufacturer name to bring up all Warming Trends burners that are accepted. 

Click “Find Products” and see the listing of accepted products. 

Canadian Customers

Most metropolitan areas in Canada will require an automatic shutoff for fire pits over 65K BTUs in order to get a permit or certification.

  • Our Premium Electronic Ignition system has the proper fuel and flame censors to automatically shut down the fire when needed. Combine it with a dial timer to increase safety and ease. 
  • You can still purchase higher BTU burners without the premium ignition, and we will ship it with a fitting that limits the burner to 65K BTUs in the case that you’d like to have it certified.

 

Tips on Getting Bigger Flames – Fuel

Concealing a Propane Tank

5) Which Burner is Best

Shapes | BTUs | Sizes

Tips

For the most natural flame pattern, maneuver fire media such as lava rocks, glass, cannon fireballs or logs to help the flame converge. 

Original Crossfire

  • Designed for round and square openings
  • Lower priced than octagonal style
  • Spreads the flame out just a bit compared to octagonal style
  • Range from 60,000 BTUs to 450,000 BTUs

Octagonal Crossfire

  • Designed for round and square openings
  • Allows you to have more BTUs (heat) in a smaller opening
  • Because of the angle of the jets, you can get taller flames compared to the original style
  • The premium “upgraded” version of the original

Tree Style Crossfire

  • Ideal for rectangular openings
  • More BTUs in a tighter space compared to H-style and Linear style
  • Good for openings 14″ to 30″ wide

H-Style Crossfire

  • Ideal for rectangular openings
  • Lower priced than the Tree style
  • Spreads the flame out just a bit compared to tree style
  • Designed to be a better option if your opening is wider and you have fewer BTUs available from your gas line

Linear Style Crossfire

  • Ideal for rectangular openings
  • Lower priced than the Tree style
  • Single row of jets works great in narrower openings
  • Ideal for openings 10″ to 20″ wide (wider is also OK)
  • Few BTUs required from your gas line
  • Still gives great heat output, flame height, and natural flame convergence

Burner/Plate/BTU size reference – Click Here

Shape & Size

    • Square, Round, Rectangular, Custom
    • Standard Round & Square Opening sizes
      • 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″

Do you need a plate/pan?

    • See PLATES & PANS to help answer this question
    • If YES, choose a burner that has a plate size that works with your opening
    • If NO, make sure you keep 5-6″ of clear space around the burner so that the heat doesn’t harm your top
    • Custom cut plates are available

This part is simple: just make sure your gas line can supply at least 60-70% of what the burner is rated at.

Example: 

  • Desired Burner: 180K BTUs
  • Minimum Required Fuel Volume: at least 108K BTUs

How Hot?

  • All of the burners we carry are HOT
  • All Crossfire models have the same “jets”; providing hotter, brighter, taller flames

Why do Warming Trends burners have so many more BTUs than others?

  • The secret is in the jets (no, you can’t just buy the jets. Nice try!)
  • Other burners are made by poking small holes in stainless steel tubes. Gas just seeps out without mixing oxygen. The flame is small and not as hot or controlled, hence the smaller BTU ratings
  • Going with a stainless steel burner greatly increases the risk of being bummed with your fire 🙁
  • Crossfire burners produce twice the amount of flame with the same amount of fuel as conventional stainless steel burners

 

Standard stainless steel burners are basically metal piping with holes punched in them. The gas seeps out inefficiently because you don’t get a good burn rate with the fuel. Much of the fuel is left unburnt and escapes into the atmosphere.

Warming Trends brass burners have engineered “JETS” that mix oxygen with fuel at the base of the flame. The actual fuel hole is a tiny pin sized opening, but there are small air intake holes on the side. This creates what’s called the venturi effect. The fuel is mixed up and dispersed with oxygen to get you the best burn rate possible. This means insane amounts of heat and flame with LESS fuel consumption. It is creates the best fire experience in the industry.

Almost everyday we get inquiries like this: “I have a fire pit with a stainless steel burner but I’m not happy with the flame. It’s only 5″ high and it doesn’t put out any heat. What can I do?”

This is the reason why we ONLY carry Warming Trends Crossfire brass burners; because we don’t want to have that difficult conversation with our customers. If you have an adequate fuel supply, you WILL be satisfied with our burners!

You may pay more upfront for all brass, but you will pay less over time for these reasons:

  • Brass does not corrode over time
  • This is not a disposable item, it is a lifetime item 
  • You won’t feel the need to “upgrade” to get a better flame… you will already have THE BEST
  • LIFETIME warranty! 
  • Twice the flame
  • Most efficient use of your fuel

Compliance with the following standards:

  • ANSI Z21.97/CSA 2.41 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances
  • The burner system is certified nationally, however, it is up to the customer or contractor to verify local requirements

Certified Burners

Massachusetts

Effective May 5, 2021 over 100 Warming Trends CROSSFIRE burners will be approved for use in Massachusetts.

All gas products approved for use can be found on the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) website: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). To confirm the approval of a product, simply:

  1. Visit the OCABR website.
  2. Select “Product Information” from the drop down, then click “Go.”
  3. Enter Product information.
    1. Select “Gas”
    2. Manufacturer: Warming Trends, LLC
    3. Model Number: Enter the burner type and BTU output (i.e. CFB180, CFBT290, CFBO140) If you do not have the model information, you may search using only the manufacturer name to bring up all Warming Trends burners that are accepted. 

Click “Find Products” and see the listing of accepted products.

Canadian Customers

Most metropolitan areas in Canada will require an automatic shutoff for fire pits over 65K BTUs in order to get a permit or certification.

  • Our Premium Electronic Ignition system has the proper fuel and flame censors to automatically shut down the fire when needed. Combine it with a dial timer to increase safety and ease.
  • You can still purchase higher BTU burners without the premium ignition, and we will ship it with a fitting that limits the burner to 65K BTUs in the case that you’d like to have it certified.

 

6) Key Valve & Flex Lines

The main purpose of a key valve is to enable flame-height adjustment and the ability to easily turn off the gas. The flex line simply connects the key valve to the burner. Do you need a key valve/flex line?
  • We recommend it for 85% of all fire feature builds
  • If you’d rather use a gas valve or propane nozzle, you can. Just make sure it’s close enough to your fire feature for safe lighting
  • Even if you have the Premium Electronic ignition, if you want the ability to adjust the flame height, you still need a key valve and flex line kit

Important: When you order a burner package and select YES for flex line/key valve, or you order a complete system from us, we will include the proper sizes and fittings required to connect the key valve to the burner. It will be the best setup for the system that you ordered.

CLICK HERE for Key Valve/Flex Line Sizes

All of the flex lines we provide are whistle free. In order for a large volume of fuel to continue through the key valve on to the burner without any loud whistling, a special line is required. Some standard, yellow flex lines will whistle very loudly when you turn up the fire. 

Keep in mind, there’s a difference between whistling and the sound of mild, rushing wind. No matter what, you’ll probably have the sound of air moving through lines. That’s normal. Sometimes if there is moisture in the line, it can cause a mild whistle or gurgling sound. Over time, it should evaporate. Meanwhile, keep the burner covered when it rains. 

We recommend that you schedule a professional to connect the components. With that in mind, here are some installation tips:

Key Valve Installation

  • Prime the valve before installation. Described in THIS VIDEO
  • You’ll need a hole in your fire feature to install this
  • Our complete systems come pre-drilled
  • The hole should be approx. 1-1/4″ in diameter
  • For paver builds, or any fire feature with a thick wall, consider adding a key valve extension to your order
  • Pro Tip: If hard pipe is not used to connect to the inlet of the key valve, you may notice that it moves when the key is turned. You may need to get creative and assemble a sort of “key valve mounting bracket” to keep the key valve stable.

Flex Line Installation

  • Standard ‘straight’ fittings require pipe dope or tape in order to seal
  • ‘Flared’ fittings do NOT require pipe dope or tape
  • Watch the videos to see where each fitting goes

Assembly: Flex Line/Key Valve Kit – 255K BTUs and Under

Assembly: Dual Flex Line/Key Valve Kit – 260K BTUs and Up

Installing a Key Valve

Overview of Flex Line/Key Valve Kit

Key Valve Not Turning

7) Plates & Pans

*A burner plate or pan is required for use with any ignition system other than match lit.

The main purpose of the plate or pan is to hold in the media (lava rock, glass, etc). It also acts like the hood of a car, in that it can be lifted up and out in order to access the gas line or key valve underneath. 

What’s it made of?

  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum does not rust

Is it ALWAYS necessary?

  • No, in some cases a plate is not necessary
  • You may decide to fill up the space with some gravel or lava rock and set the burner on that instead of a plate or pan
  • Using a plate/pan is the most convenient for installation and maintenance

Does the plate attach to the burner?

  • In most cases, yes
    • When you order a package from us, most of the time it will come with a threaded piece welded on to the plate/pan. In these instances, the burner threads onto the coupling.
    • It’s very simple to remove or attach the burner (righty-tighty, lefty-loosy… make sure to re-apply pipe dope/tape!)
  • It’s not required that the burner attaches to the plate/pan. You can set the burner directly on the plate/pan. This will reduce the height of the burner by 3/4″. This might be beneficial if you want to cover your fire feature with a flat cover.
  • How large should the hole be in the center of the plate to allow the gas line to fit?  We recommend a 2 inch hole

If you’re going to use your own plate/pan and would like to place a Warming Trends burner on it, we recommend you cut a hole in the center of the plate/pan. The hole should be about 2″ in diameter to make room for the gas line.

Plates (No Sidewalls)

  • Appropriate for most builds
  • Sidewalls are not necessary when the burner is in the common position- recessed 3-5 inches below the finished top
  • Use stacked cinder blocks, bricks, or pavers under the plate. This makes for a simple and sturdy plate mount

Pans (2″ or 3″ Sidewalls. 2″ is Standard.)

  • If the top of your fire table overlaps, or encroaches into your opening, and its thickness is less than 3 inches, you may want a pan instead of a plate (since the pan has to be smaller than the smallest part of the inside diameter) 
  • The sidewalls help contain the fire media/lava rock

Drop-In Pans (2″ or 3″ Sidewalls + 1″-2″ Lip)

  • Sometimes necessary if you plan on building a portable fire feature and aren’t able to stack up blocks under the plate
  • You will see a brushed aluminum metal band on the top of your fire feature when you use a drop in pan
  • Drop-in pans are available as a custom order – CLICK HERE

There are many methods to mount a plate/pan inside your fire feature. We’re just going to tell you our favorite way to do things because… well, it has worked well so far! With that being said, these methods may not work in all situations, so put your problem-solving hat on and get creative.

*Complete & RTF Systems:  you won’t need to worry about plate/pan mounting; they’re designed for simplicity

Mounting the Plate/Pan

  • Consider stacking up cinder blocks, bricks, or pavers inside the fire feature cavity
  • Place the plate/pan directly on the blocks
  • Adjust the block height by either adding some fill, or by digging underneath
  • Most commonly, plates/pans are mounted 3″-5″ below the finished top of the fire feature

Plate/Pan Depth

  • 4-5″ below the finished top is recommended
  • Recessing it deeper may make the fire seem smaller, and you won’t see the media as well
  • Recessing it to be more shallow can give it a “proud” look; where all the parts stick up high and make a statement. Though you may have to ‘mound’ the fire media up higher in order to cover the jets. It’s not a bad look, but you won’t be able to use a flat metal cover if that’s.
  • The depth at which the plate sits is really up to you. Keep in mind, the burner sits 3″ high from plate to the tip of the jet

If your fire feature is already built and you can’t use a standard sized plate, you have a few options:

Cut your plate to size on-site

    • Use a jig-saw with metal blade, or a grinder wheel with cutoff
    • It’s 3/16″ aluminum and your cut doesn’t need to look pretty

Make your plate bigger

    • Use concrete board to extend the size of the plate
    • Watch THIS VIDEO to get an idea

Order a Custom Size

*TIP: Give yourself about 1/2″ of space around the plate so that it’s easy to insert into the fire feature opening

How to Trim the Plate

Tip: When your plate is too small

How deep to mount the plate

Tip: How to Mount the Plate

8) Safety & Ventilation

Yes, This is Important

Both natural gas and propane are safe fuels to light and burn. However, there are some common safe practices you should follow when lighting: What NOT to do
  • Crank the gas when lighting
  • Let the gas run for a while before lighting
What TO do
  • Turn the gas on low
  • Be ready to promptly light one of the jets on the burner
  • Gradually turn the gas up so all the jets light
For high-BTU systems, usually over 370K BTUs, we recommend you use a 24V electronic ignition. Check them out HERE.

The Purpose

  • What is the purpose of venting a fire pit? Fuel can build up in the ‘cavity’ of the fire feature
  • If there is no way for the fuel to escape, it can ignite and cause severe damage
  • HEAT – over longer periods of burning, residual heat can build up below the burner. If you’re using electronic ignition, that heat could cause it to malfunction.

Recommended Ventilation

  • 18 square inches on opposing sides (for cross-breeze)
  • Keep the vents lower towards the ground
  • Consider the many ways this can be accomplished
    • 2″ holes 
    • Vents from any home store
    • Creating space between materials
    • Lifting the fire feature a small amount, just like with our Venture Series

Propane Vs Natural Gas

Natural gas

    • Lighter than air, so the excess gas rises
    • If your fire feature has an empty cavity under the burner, ventilation may still be recommended, but we can’t say for sure. When in doubt, seek the assistance of your local gas professional or contractor

Propane

    • Heavier than air, so excess gas sinks down below the burner into the fire pit
    • Absolutely imperative to make sure the fuel has somewhere to escape

*Call a local professional to connect your fuel. They should be licensed for connecting gas components.

If you don’t already know the ins and outs of connecting fuel lines, you should not attempt to do it on your own. Consider the consequences of unsealed gas lines or explosions. 

Using Pipe Dope/Tape

      • Straight fittings require pipe thread sealant
      • Flared fittings do not

Testing for leaks

      • Use soapy water in a spray bottle
      • If bubbles start appearing near fittings, you have a leak

You heard that right, EXPLODING lava rock! Yes, your lava rock can POP right out of the fire pit. Rock + Water + Fire = Steam Pressure!

  • Having fire-grade lava rock is ideal (yes, ours is)
  • Keep your fire area covered to avoid moisture building up in the rock
  • If your rock does get wet, you can still burn the fire, just be careful and watch out for projectiles. Keep the flame low so the rock can dry out slowly.

9) Ignition Options

There’s more than one way to light a fire pit.

Installation of Ignition

  • burner plate or pan is required for any ignition system other than match lit.
  • If you have your own plate or pan, you will need to drill a hole in it for the mounting of the ignition pilot/spark rod.
  • Burner systems are match lit unless you choose otherwise on the product page.
Platinum Ignition System by Warming Trends gas fire pit ignition types

*NEW* Platinum Ignition System

Installation: Comes pre-installed to the plate/pan unless ordered a la carte. This allows for a hassle-free setup. Electrical required.

The Platinum Automatic Ignition System delivers superior quality, performance, and value. Expertly engineered, this innovative ignition has been designed and built to be the safest and most dependable way to light fire in both residential and commercial spaces.

  • Light your fire with the flip of a switch, remote, home automation, or dial timer.
  • Clean design with no need for any components to be attached to the outside of your fire feature.
  • Auto shutoff for the ultimate safety + fully certified.
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • 680,000 BTUs of gas output 
  • Unique wind cage design that provides true protection to the pilot components from wind and rain.
  • Customized ignition settings allow for better performance and reduces cycling faults.
  • Robust components provide reliability and durability.
  • LED-based diagnostics provide quick and easy troubleshooting.
  • Design allows for field serviceability.
  • Coupled with the Warming Trends’ WATERSTOP™ fitting provides unmatched protection of the ignition from water and debris. 
  • Warranty: 3 years for residential, 1 year for commercial (burner must be covered when not in use or warranty is null and void)
  • Electrical is required
  • Commonly used is a standard 110 volt GFI outlet located underneath the fire pit
  • For product support, please contact Warming Trends at 303-346-2224
User Guide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mercury Ignition (Battery Powered)

Installation: Comes pre-installed to the plate/pan unless ordered a la carte. This allows for a hassle-free setup. Powered by (2) AA batteries.

Mercury Ignition Spark Igniter with Internal Safety Shutoff + 3 FT Pilot for use up to 240K BTU

  • Added safety of auto fuel shutoff
  • Great for commercial spaces or if non-homeowners desire to light the fire
  • Pilot assembly comes pre-mounted to the plate
  • Only available with burner and plate combo orders or the Venture Series
  • No key valve required
  • View INFORMATION PDF
 
 
 

Match Lit (Most Common)

  • To light, turn your fuel valve (most commonly a key valve supplied by us) to a low volume
  • Use a lighter or match to ignite the flame manually
  • Gradually turn up the key valve so that the other jets light
  • Not recommended for kids or VRBO/Rentals
 
 

Installation: hole for the spark rod is pre-drilled in the plate/pan unless ordered a la cart.

Push Button Ignition Kit + Mounting Bracket

  • Powered by a AA battery
  • Holds a key valve as well as button module
  • To light, turn the key and press spark button until lit
  • Will work with any size burner, but for large burners over 350,000 BTUs, we recommend the Platinum Ignition
  • The bracket allows for more mounting options
  • Can be used in place of a paver
  • Should be combined with a Key Valve/Flex line kit

Dimensions of bracket:

    • Width: Adjustable 8″-12″
    • Height: 3 7/8″ 
    • Depth: 5″
 
 

Push Button Battery Operated Control Module + Spark Igniter Rod and Wire

  • AA Battery operated
  • Spark rod is mounted to the plate
  • Spark rod must be within very close proximity to a jet on the burner
  • To light, turn the key valve (separate product) to get gas flow going and press button until spark ignites the fuel
  • Without a mounting bracket, the button most commonly mounts to a metal fire pit
  • Easy, reliable, and perfectly safe when done right
  • To light, turn your fuel valve (most commonly a key valve supplied by us) to a low volume
  • Use a lighter or match to ignite the flame manually
  • Gradually turn up the key valve so that the other jets light
  • Not recommended for kids or VRBO/Rentals
  • For burners over 350K BTUs, we recommend using the Platinum electronic option

The Platinum Automatic Ignition System delivers superior quality, performance, and value. Expertly engineered, this innovative ignition has been designed and built to be the safest and most dependable way to light fire in both residential and commercial spaces.

  • Light your fire with the flip of a switch, remote, home automation, or dial timer.
  • Clean design with no need for any components to be attached to the outside of your fire feature.
  • Auto shutoff for the ultimate safety + fully certified.
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • 680,000 BTUs of gas output 
  • Unique wind cage design that provides true protection to the pilot components from wind and rain.
  • Customized ignition settings allow for better performance and reduces cycling faults.
  • Robust components provide reliability and durability.
  • LED-based diagnostics provide quick and easy troubleshooting.
  • Design allows for field serviceability.
  • Coupled with the Warming Trends’ WATERSTOP™ fitting provides unmatched protection of the ignition from water and debris. 
  • Warranty: 3 years for residential, 1 year for commercial (burner must be covered when not in use or warranty is null and void)
  • Electrical is required
  • Commonly used is a standard 110 volt GFI outlet located underneath the fire pit
  • For product support, please contact Warming Trends at 303-346-2224
  • Powered by a AA battery
  • Holds a key valve as well as button module
  • Will work with any size burner, but for large burners over 350,000 BTUs, we recommend the Platinum Ignition
  • The bracket allows for more mounting options
  • Can be used in place of a paver
  • Should be combined with a Key Valve/Flex line kit
  • Spark rod is mounted to the plate
  • Spark rod must be within very close proximity to a jet on the burner
  • To light, turn the key valve (separate product) to get gas flow going and press button until spark ignites the fuel
  • Without a mounting bracket, the button most commonly mounts to a metal fire pit

Dimensions of bracket:

    • Width: Adjustable 8″-12″
    • Height: 3 7/8″ 
    • Depth: 5″

Mercury Ignition Spark Igniter with Internal Safety Shutoff + 3 FT Pilot for use up to 240K BTU

  • Pilot assembly comes pre-mounted to the plate
  • Only available with burner and plate combo orders or the Venture Series
  • No key valve required
  • View INFORMATION PDF

Match Lit

Electronic Ignition

How to use a Mercury Ignition

10) Fire Media & Heat Retention

Make it Beautiful AND Hot

Do you want to increase the warmth of your fire feature, and at the same time make it look amazing? Just add fire media. Here is our ranking of what materials retain the most heat, starting with the hottest:

#1 Steel

  • Steel just heats up like crazy. Put some steel in your fire and you’ll notice it glowing red hot.
  • Our steel log sets are big, heavy, and custom made. They take the trophy for most heat retention. 
  • No maintenance and they will last a lifetime.

#2 Ceramic/Concrete Logs

  • In at a close 2nd are our ceramic logs. These are nice and dense, heavy, and individually cast. After about 5-10 minutes of being in the fire, they glow red with heat
  • The added benefit of looking like real wood, and being far more affordable than steel logs. Plus they will last a long time.

#3 Ceramic Fiber River Stones & Cannonballs

These are like magic. They’re super light, look like real stone, and are filled with a fiber that retains heat and yet doesn’t crack, break, or burn up over time. Cannonballs have an ancient, yet ultra-modern appeal. River stones give you that authentic, natural look. After burning for a while, you’ll notice at night that they glow RED!

#4 Fire Glass and Lava Rock/Pebbles

  • Tied at #4 would be the smaller fire media options. They look great, and as long as you pair them with a Crossfire burner, you will keep warm!
  • Sit closer to the fire
  • Put your feet up on the ledge
  • Let the fire media heat up for 8-10 minutes
  • Turn it up!

Take advantage of our lava and glass calculator links below the videos.

  • Ceramic/cement log sets must be pre-treated before use to avoid breaking or crumbling. Burn logs for 15 minutes, then leave untouched to cool for at least one hour before moving them again, or they could break or crumble.
  • To avoid dust and clogs getting into the system, do not dump the media over the burner. Place the media onto the plate or pan and then move the media to carefully cover the burner. Burner should be covered by approved media up to but no more than 1/2″ above the jets. Excessive media coverage may cause back pressure and dangerous pooling of gas which can result in explosion which could cause property damage, personal injury, or death.

Lava Rock Calculator

Standard depth: 3″

4-Sided Fire Pits

Width of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

Length of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

Depth of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

0 Pounds

Circular Fire Pits

Diameter of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

Depth of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

0 Pounds

Fire Glass Calculator

This calculator assumes you have 3″ of lava rock and you want to cover it with 1″ of glass.

4-Sided Fire Pits

Width of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

Length of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

0 Pounds

Circular Fire Pits

Diameter of the area to be filled in inches (in.)

0 Pounds

11) Freight & Delivery

How it Works

In order to get items to you as fast as possible, we may ship directly from manufactures/distributors. That is why you may receive multiple shipments from different locations. Here’s a breakdown:

Fire Media (lava, glass, ceramic logs/cannonballs)

  • Origination: Phoenix, AZ
  • Under 150lbs/108″: FedEx
  • Over 150lbs/108″: Palletized Freight with various reputable companies

Burners, Plates, Fittings, RTF, Regulators, Ignition Systems

  • Origination: Denver, CO
  • 36″ or under: UPS
  • Over 36″: Palletized Freight with various reputable companies

Venture Series

  • These are our in-house made fire tables.
  • When you order a Venture Series product, we will ship the burner package with the fire table. 
  • Fire media may come in a different shipment.

Complete Systems

  • Origination: Various U.S. Locations
  • Shipped Palletized Freight with various reputable companies

Production times change depending on the season. 

Current Production Times

*Order Status

    • *Orders placed through custom quotes will not be trackable in the above status tracker

International Shipping

    • Standard shipping and rates apply to all of the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii. 
    • Canada: 
      • In some cases, you may get billed from FedEx or UPS for customs and border fees
    • Other International Inquiries:
      • To ship internationally, you will need to ship to a freight forwarder in the U.S. and take responsibility from there.
      • For inquiries over 10,000 U.S Dollars, please fill out an inquiry form on our website

12) Installation

Click below for help with the installation of the various components

Location and Height of Gas Stub

  • Can be off-center or on-center, depending on the size of your fire feature
  • The key valve is generally located on the side of the fire pit, so if it makes sense for your build, place the gas stub off-center to reduce the distance of gas stub to key valve
  • Instruct the contractor to keep the gas stub as low as possible to make room for electronic ignition, or in the case that the plate sets fairly low
  • On some builds, the plate sits only 8″ off the ground

Compliance with the following standards:

  • ANSI Z21.97/CSA 2.41 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances
  • The burner system is certified nationally, however, it is up to the customer or contractor to verify local requirements
  • List of Certified Burners

Massachusetts

Effective May 5, 2021 over 100 Warming Trends CROSSFIRE burners will be approved for use in Massachusetts.

All gas products approved for use can be found on the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) website: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). To confirm the approval of a product, simply:

  1. Visit the OCABR website.
  2. Select “Product Information” from the drop down, then click “Go.”
  3. Enter Product information.
    1. Select “Gas”
    2. Manufacturer: Warming Trends, LLC
    3. Model Number: Enter the burner type and BTU output (i.e. CFB180, CFBT290, CFBO140) If you do not have the model information, you may search using only the manufacturer name to bring up all Warming Trends burners that are accepted. 

Click “Find Products” and see the listing of accepted products.

Canadian Customers

Most metropolitan areas in Canada will require an automatic shutoff for fire pits over 65K BTUs in order to get a permit or certification.

  • Our Premium Electronic Ignition system has the proper fuel and flame censors to automatically shut down the fire when needed. Combine it with a dial timer to increase safety and ease.
  • You can still purchase higher BTU burners without the premium ignition, and we will ship it with a fitting that limits the burner to 65K BTUs in the case that you’d like to have it certified.

Key Valve Installation

Key Valve Installation

Key Valve Seems Stuck – How to Prime it

13) Care & Maintenance

Protect Your Investment

It’s important to cover the fire feature when it rains or snows. The components are incredibly robust and won’t corrode, however, water can accumulate in the burner or gas line if it’s kept uncovered. A light sprinkle won’t do it, but a big storm could cause some issues with lighting the burner. If you have electronic ignition, it becomes imperative that you cover it when not in use. If you have one of the WaterStop burners and match-light your fire, you won’t need to cover it. Here are some options:

View our COVER GUIDE

Soot build up is normal. It’s more prevalent with propane, but happens with natural gas as well. It adds a natural burnt look to the fire media. However, if you’d like to clean things up, try this:

  • Fill a bucket with hot water and a mild detergent
  • Soak the fire media in the water for 2-3 hours
  • Spray the fire media off with a hose
  • Avoid scrubbing ceramic logs, as they are hand painted and you may damage them
  • Handle ceramic logs with great care, as they can crumble or crack if they collide with each other
Our concrete systems are sealed and finished for outdoor use. They react to the environment and naturally age and weather with time. Here are some ways you can keep it beautiful: Preventative Maintenance
  • Avoid burning on high for more than 20 minutes straight, especially during windy conditions
  • Cover it during adverse weather conditions
  • Avoid heavy, abrasive, bleached-based or ammonia cleaners
  • Remove dirt, water, and residue as soon as possible
Cleaning
  • Use a mild cleaner such as dish soap mixed with warm water
  • Wipe it down with a clean, soft rag
Resealing the Gather Series

Powder Coated Fire Features: How to Clean

  • Gently rub the surface with a clean soft rag
  • Use warm water and pH-neutral soap such as dish soap
  • Ceramic powder coat protectant from Prismatic is very effective at keeping your fire feature clean and protected
  • Like a car, clear coat and powder coat will protect steel incredibly well. 
  • If years down the road, you’d like your fire feature to look brand new, or you’d like to change the finish, call up a local powder coater.
  • The local powder coater can sand-blast your fire feature and re-powder coat.
  • This process can cost $200-$400 depending on the size of the fire feature. 

Jet removal, clogged jets, etc…

Get your fire table looking better than new

Resealing a Gather Series Concrete Fire System

14) Troubleshooting

Common Solutions

The jets can get clogged if small pieces of lava rock or log material gets compacted inside. To avoid, make sure the gas logs are not sitting directly on the jets. Follow these steps:

  1. Remove jets using a 3/8″ nut driver with impact drill. You can use a wrench if needed, but it may be more difficult to remove the jets.
  2. Clear out the hole in the bottom, as well as the air intake hole(s) on the side of the jet. The bottom hole is very small and you may need to use a thin piece of wire.
  3. Reattach each jet. Be very careful not to cross-thread, as it will make it very difficult to remove the jets in the future.

Important: If the burner won’t light at all, it’s possible your gas line is full of water or ice. You may need to contact a plumber to blow the line out with compressed air. Cover your burner when not in use to avoid water-logging it.

Regulators have safety features that stop the flow of gas if the tank nozzle is opened too fast or if there is nothing to stop the flow on the other end. Try these steps:

  • Fully close the tank nozzle.
  • Connect the regulator to the tank and make sure it’s tight.
  • Ensure that the other end of the hose is connected to the key valve or burner.
  • If using a key valve, ensure that it is completely closed before opening the propane tank nozzle.
  • Very slowly open the tank nozzle as a last step.
  • When adding media, little bits of the rock or glass can get lodged in the jets and can limit the fire coming out
  • Try removing the jet carefully with a 3/8″ wrench.  Use a small narrow object like a paper clip to poke through the bottom hole to dislodge any bits of media that may have lodged into the jet
  • Re-screw the jet on once it’s all clear
    • Fuel = Flame: if your flame is barely there, it means your fuel is barely there
    • Make sure your gas line is large enough and your meter or tank is providing adequate pressure
    • Some countries require a BTU limiter. Check to see if yours has one installed
    • Contact your gas professional to troubleshoot on-site
  • Soot build-up is normal
  • Soot build-up happens more quickly when using propane vs. natural gas
  • Clean media by soaking it in a bucket of soapy water for a few hours and then spray it off with a hose
  • Avoid scrubbing fire media, as that may damage the surface
  • If the soot seems excessive, you might not have the proper fuel pressure
  • Contact your gas professional and utilize the burner manual to change the pressure to the recommended tolerance 
  • Sometimes the valve is “sticky” out of the factory
  • It’s a “Quarter-Turn Ball Valve” by Dante (industry standard)

Watch this short video on how to loosen your valve before its initial use

  • Contact the manufacturer at +1 303-346-2224
  • Warming Trends is located in the U.S. and provides top quality support for electronic ignition

*If the fuel is set to a higher pressure than what is recommended, you will experience a whistle.  

Experiencing a ‘whoosh’ type sound is normal. Air is mixing with fuel at each jet and causes a sound like a mild rushing wind

  • All of our flex lines are whistle-free. If you hear a whistle, it may be the line that runs to your key-valve. Contact your gas professional to replace that line
  • Consider going with one of our whistle-free options before and after the key-valve
  • Sometimes water in the line causes a slight whistle. Remove water using compressed air, or it may evaporate over time. Cover the fire pit
  • Make sure there is no water or ice in the lines
  • You may need to use an air compressor to remove water from the lines
  • Always cover your burner when not in use to help keep moisture out
  • Make sure your connections are secure
  • Our lava rock is fire-grade and will be less susceptible to this kind of phenomenon
  • This is often caused by moisture reacting to the heat of the fire
  • Make sure to buy fire-grade lava rock and keep it protected from excess moisture
  • Avoid placing logs or any other heat-retaining accessories on top of fire glass
  • The heat build-up from the logs will cause the fire glass to melt
  • You can still use glass, just place it outside of the log/cannonball area

Jet removal, clogged jets, etc…

Resealing a Gather Series Concrete Fire System

Key Valve Seems Stuck – How to Prime it

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        Before you Buy

        *IMPORTANT*

        Concrete/GFRC fire features WILL develop charring and non-structural cracking, aka hairline cracks. This is the nature of concrete and thus, not covered by warranty.

        Hairline Cracks & Charring Will Occur

        Nearly ALL concrete fire pits, whether sold by Montana Fire Pits or others, will eventually develop the same characteristics of browning/charring AND hairline cracks. The cracks can appear anywhere on the concrete shell, but are most prominent on the inside ledges nearest the fire. Visibility of the hairline cracks has been known to diminish when the unit is dry. The cracks will re-appear when any moisture is present. These characteristics can develop as soon as 20 minutes after lighting the fire. 

        Montana Fire Pits does not provide warranty coverage for cracking, charring/browning, or chipping of a concrete vessel.

        Exceptions:

        Shipping damage that has been properly photographed and documented by the receiver, as well as submitted to Montana Fire Pits within 3 days of delivery, OR ideally the shipment is refused, will be considered for a freight claim based on evidence provided by you, the customer or receiver.

        Considerations: Ways to Minimize Cracking and Charring

        • Do not use the fire in windy conditions. Windy conditions cause the flame to lay over and come in contact with the concrete.
        • Do not burn on high for more than 15 minutes, especially in windy conditions. 
        • Consider glass flame guards. The guards may help reduce the risk of the fire charring the inside edge of the burn area. There is no guarantee this will remedy the cracking and charring.  
        • Consider an alternative material for the fire vessel. We recommend steel and aluminum for the most durability. These materials are unaffected by the fire. You can burn on high for long periods of time without charring the metal. Soot may build up, but it wipes off with mild soap and a soft cloth. 

        If you wish to proceed with a concrete fire system, we’ll send you a document to sign which is your acknowledgement that the warranty does not cover cracking, charring, or chipping. 

        Fire Pit Cover Guide

        Tabletop Cover Options

        Note: Most tabletop covers that are larger than 48″ are fabricated in 2 or more pieces for ease of handling.

        The Advantage of Arbor Wood

        We at Montana Fire Pits have a favorite when it comes to covers; introducing our very own hand-made Arbor Wood Covers. They elevate a fire system to new levels in regards to aesthetics, as well as functionality. 

        • Thermally modified lumber allows natural wood to last 30+ years
        • You can let it weather into a beautiful gray tones, or easily re-apply protective oil at anytime to enjoy the dark, rich colors
        • Lighter and easier to carry compared to steel covers
        • Create a very inviting and functional tabletop experience
        • Recommended Clear Oil: Cutek Stain Extreme
        • Purchase ARBOR WOOD

        Covering the Burn Area

        • Best practice is to cover at least the burn area when not in use
        • This keeps water and debris out of the components
        • If you consistently cover your Crossfire burner, you enjoy the peace of mind of a lifetime warranty

        Covering Edge to Edge

        • Covering the entire top of the fire system is a great design option
        • Creates a very uniform appearance
        • Especially fitting for when your top ledge is 5″ or narrower
        • Optional: make the dimensions 2″ larger than the fire pit for a different look

        Adding Sidewalls: the Raised Cover

        • Available with our hand-built Arbor Wood Covers
        • When you want fire media that mounds up, such as cannonballs or logs, a cover with sidewalls might be for you
        • Determine how high your fire media might be
        • In rectangle fire systems, fire media tends to mound up a little less, and so we recommend 5″ sidewalls 
        • For round fire systems which tend to have higher fire media, we recommend 8″ – 10″ sidewalls 
        • Keeps the finish clean
        • Great for covering fire pits with stacked up fire media over 5 inches, such as with gas logs
        • Not considered necessary if you have a tabletop cover
        • You may consider it for harsh winters, prolonged sunlight

        If you desire a soft cover, we recommend that you purchase your SOFT COVER after your fire pit is installed and your fire media is chosen.

        Understanding Materials and Applications

        Steel

        • Lowest cost option when purchased with a steel fire system
        • Sits flush within the burn area for a perfect fit
        • Flawless color match
        • Disadvantage: it’s heavy, can be mildly difficult to place on the fire system

        Aluminum

        • Lighter than steel
        • Great for concrete, ready to finish kits, paver fire pits, etc…
        • Can be powder coated or raw/brushed
        • When ordered with a concrete system, aluminum covers will be built to fit within the burn area ledge for a flush interface

        Arbor Wood

        • Beautiful and authentic
        • Easy to handle
        • Very low maintenance
        • Extremely long-lasting
        • Editor’s pick BEST fire pit cover

        Congratulations!

        You have reached our top status… Pro Solutions Platinum. Enjoy our best pricing.

        Free shipping applies to most orders over $99 in the continental U.S.

        Tax Exemption: If you have documents to prove exemption from your state sales tax, visit YOUR ACCOUNT and click on “Tax Exemption”.

        Contact Us

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        Manuals & PDFs

        Your local gas professional (plumber, HVAC, propane supplier, etc…) needs to know these requirements

        1. BTU rating of the burner 
        2. Fuel Pressure recommended at the Burner
          • Natural Gas: 7″ Water Column
          • Propane: 11″ Water Column

        Fuel Requirements

        Your local gas professional (plumber, HVAC, propane supplier, etc…) needs to know these requirements

        1. BTU rating of the burner (read more under “Gas Line Sizing”)
        2. Fuel Pressure recommended at the Burner
          • Natural Gas: 7″ Water Column
          • Propane: 11″ Water Column

        There are various pros/cons of Liquid Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG). The difference between LP and NG Warming Trends burners are the “jets”. If, down the road, you need to convert from LP to NG or vice-versa, you can do so by purchasing replacement jets from us at $25 each. 

        Propane – pros

          • Flexibility/portability
          • Opens up new location possibilities
          • Sometimes NG is not available

        Propane – cons

          • More expensive to burn than NG
          • Heavier than air, so it sinks down. This makes ventilation more important.
          • Requires refilling the tank
          • Hiding the propane tank can present new aesthetic challenges
          • Black soot tends to build up faster on fire media such as ceramic logs and cannonballs (it can be cleaned off)

        Natural Gas – Pros

          • Cheaper to burn; you probably won’t even notice an increase in your gas bill. Clients of ours have reported $0.25 – $0.75 per hour
          • You won’t run out, so burn to your heart’s content without the dreaded “we’re out of gas”
          • Since it’s lighter than air and rises, there’s less likelihood of unwanted fuel accumulation in the vessel
          • Slightly cleaner burning; less soot build up

        Natural Gas – Cons

          • Limited to what’s available in your area
          • May require upgraded meter or larger diameter fuel lines to provide adequate BTUs
          • The volume and pressure can be affected by other appliances
          • Might require a longer gas line, depending on where your fire feature will live  
          • Would be difficult to change the fire feature’s location after installation
          • Check the side of your gas meter for a BTU rating. Most commonly they are rated at 250K BTUs

        Even though the standard key valve inlet is 3/4″, you may need a larger gas line to span long distances.

        In order to get the proper volume and pressure of fuel, you need a gas line that is large enough in diameter to carry it sufficiently. For the most accurate assessment, consult a fuel professional. For a rough estimate, utilize our gas line sizing charts below. 

        *Make sure the BTUs from your line can supply at least 60-70% of what the burner is rated at. (At 60% capacity, your flame height may be more like 18″ high vs. 24″+ at full capacity.)

        Propane Gas Line Sizing Chart

        Natural Gas Line Sizing Chart

        Gas line sizing variables

          • Using angled couplings can reduce the volume/flow of fuel
          • Adding a 90 degree angle in your line adds the equivalent of 5 feet of distance
          • Running different sized lines over various distances is acceptable, but for maximum fuel volume, run larger lines over long distances
          • Number of appliances, whether it’s a dedicated line or not; all these factors play a role in volume and pressure
          • Pro Tip: if you haven’t installed your gas line yet, consider running it in conduit so that if you ever need to repair or change it, you won’t have to dig it up

        You can have great gas pressure, but if your line is too small, you may not get the desired flame. Think about it like filling up a swimming pool. If you reduce the nozzle size significantly, you may have a ton of pressure, but it’s going to take longer to fill up the pool. You need both pressure and volume to get a great flame. This is why the size of the gas line is so important. 

        Now that you understand the importance of volume (BTUs), let’s talk pressure. 

        Optimal Pressure for Crossfire burners:

        • LP: 11″ water column (w.c.)
        • NG: 7″ water column (w.c.)

        Water Column is the term used to measure pressure. There are 27.7 inches of water column pressure in 1 PSI of pressure. So 7″wc is about 1/4 PSI. This is the normal pressure that household natural gas is delivered.

        The device used to measure pressure of this type is called a Manometer

        Pressure too High? You may experience unwanted noise, usually a hissing sound. You might also find it difficult to dial in the desired flame height using the key valve.

        Pressure too Low? The flame will not be as tall and hot

        Location of Gas Stub

        • Most commonly the gas stub is positioned underneath the fire feature so that you don’t see it
        • It can be off-center or on-center, depending on the size of your fire feature
        • You may want to go off-center if you’re using electronic ignition
        • The key valve is generally located on the side of the fire pit, so if it makes sense for your build, place the gas stub off-center to reduce the distance of gas stub to key valve
        • Most often, the plumber will use hard pipe to connect from the gas stub to the key valve. However, if they decide to use a flexible line, most lines are 36″ long, so it makes sense to try and keep the gas stub within 36″ from the key valve location
        • Instruct the contractor to keep the gas stub as low as possible to make room for electronic ignition, or in the case that the plate sets fairly low
        • On some builds, the plate sits only 8″ off the ground

        You DO NOT need an air mixer with any of our burners. Air is mixed at each jet. 

        LP Regulators

          • For optimal regulation for burners over 250K BTUs, contact a local propane supplier
          • For regulators 250K BTUs or lower, purchase our REGULATOR KIT
          • From the tank, propane is HIGH PRESSURE, so it must be regulated down, because the burners are low pressure
          • For longer gas lines, we often use a high pressure (10psi) regulator at the tank end, and a “2nd stage” regulator on the other end of the line to bring the pressure to 11-13″wc

        NG Regulators

          • Consult a professional (plumber/HVAC)

        Standard 20lb Tank

        • A standard 20lb/5 gallon BBQ propane tank can be used for burner systems 180K BTUs and under
        • The Canyonlands Fire Table is a complete unit that can have a self-contained propane tank
        • Burn time varies from 6-12 hours, depending on how hot you run it
        • Results may vary, and it is common for the fuel to “freeze up” with burners 180K BTUs and up. What that means is that after 45 minutes or so, the flame only goes to about half. Remedy this by using two tanks connected together

        40lb Tank

        • This is a better option for most of our burners from 100K to 200k BTUs
        • It will give you longer burn times
        • Still relatively small and easy to move

        High Volume Tanks

        • Contact your local propane supplier

        Hiding the Tank

        • You can always run a larger diameter line and hide the tank in an inconspicuous location
        • You can purchase 20lb propane tank covers that make hiding the tank a cinch

        Gas Consumption

        • All of our burners burn with incredible efficiency due to the engineered jets. They mix fuel and oxygen at the flame which makes it taller, brighter, and hotter using less fuel
        • Read all about how much fuel you might be burning at full capacity – Learn More

        Compliance with the following standards:

        • ANSI Z21.97/CSA 2.41 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances
        • The burner system is certified nationally, however, it is up to the customer or contractor to verify local requirements

        Certified Burners

        Massachusetts

        Effective May 5, 2021 over 100 Warming Trends CROSSFIRE burners will be approved for use in Massachusetts. 

        All gas products approved for use can be found on the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) website: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). To confirm the approval of a product, simply:

        1. Visit the OCABR website.
        2. Select “Product Information” from the drop down, then click “Go.”
        3. Enter Product information.
          1. Select “Gas” 
          2. Manufacturer: Warming Trends, LLC
          3. Model Number: Enter the burner type and BTU output (i.e. CFB180, CFBT290, CFBO140) If you do not have the model information, you may search using only the manufacturer name to bring up all Warming Trends burners that are accepted. 

        Click “Find Products” and see the listing of accepted products. 

        Canadian Customers

        Most metropolitan areas in Canada will require an automatic shutoff for fire pits over 65K BTUs in order to get a permit or certification.

        • Our Premium Electronic Ignition system has the proper fuel and flame censors to automatically shut down the fire when needed. Combine it with a dial timer to increase safety and ease. 
        • You can still purchase higher BTU burners without the premium ignition, and we will ship it with a fitting that limits the burner to 65K BTUs in the case that you’d like to have it certified.

         

        Plates and Pans

        *A burner plate or pan is required for use of any ignition system other than match lit.

        The main purpose of the plate or pan is to hold in the media (lava rock, glass, etc). It also acts like the hood of a car, in that it can be lifted up and out in order to access the gas line or key valve underneath. The plate/pan makes installation easier as well.

        What’s it made of?

        • Aluminum
        • Aluminum does not rust

        Is a plate/pan ALWAYS necessary?

        • No, in some cases a plate/pan is not necessary
        • You may decide to fill up the space with some gravel or lava rock and set the burner on that instead of a plate or pan
        • Using a plate/pan is the most convenient for installation and maintenance

        Plate (No Sidewalls)

        • Appropriate for most builds
        • Sidewalls are not necessary when the burner is in the common position- recessed 3-5 inches below the finished top
        • Use stacked cinder blocks, bricks, or pavers under the plate. This makes for a simple and sturdy plate mount

        Pans (2″ or 3″ Sidewalls. 2″ is Standard.)

        • If the top of your fire table overlaps, or encroaches into your opening, and its thickness is less than 3 inches, you may want a pan instead of a plate (since the pan has to be smaller than the smallest part of the inside diameter) 
        • The sidewalls help contain the fire media/lava rock

        Drop-In Pans (2″ or 3″ Sidewalls + 1″-2″ Lip)

        • Sometimes necessary if you plan on building a portable fire feature and aren’t able to stack up blocks under the plate
        • Bar-height or uncommon builds might benefit from a drop-in pan
        • You will see a brushed aluminum metal band on the top of your fire feature when you use a drop in pan
        • Drop-in pans are available as a custom order – CLICK HERE
        • We recommend 3″ sidewalls with a 1.5″ lip in most cases

        Does the plate attach to the burner?

        • In most cases, yes
          • When you order a package from us, most of the time it will come with a threaded piece welded on to the plate/pan
          • The burner screws onto it
          • It’s very simple to remove or attach the burner (righty-tighty, lefty-loosy… make sure to re-apply pipe dope/tape!)
        • It’s not required that the burner attaches to the plate/pan. You can set the burner directly on the plate/pan. This will reduce the height of the burner by 3/4″. This might be beneficial if you want to cover your fire feature with a flat cover

        There are many methods to mount a plate/pan inside your fire feature. We’re just going to tell you our favorite way to do things because… well, it has worked well so far! With that being said, these methods may not work in all situations, so put your problem-solving hat on and get creative.

        *Complete & RTF Systems:  you won’t need to worry about plate/pan mounting; they’re designed for simplicity

        Mounting the Plate/Pan

        • Consider stacking up cinder blocks, bricks, or pavers inside the fire feature cavity
        • Place the plate/pan directly on the blocks
        • Adjust the block height by either adding some fill, or by digging underneath
        • Most commonly, plates/pans are mounted 4″-5″ below the finished top of the fire feature

        Plate/Pan Depth

        • 4-5″ below the finished top is recommended
        • Recessing it deeper may make the fire seem smaller, and you won’t see the media as well
        • Recessing it to be more shallow can give it a “proud” look; where all the parts stick up high and make a statement. Though you may have to ‘mound’ the fire media up higher in order to cover the jets. It’s not a bad look, but you won’t be able to use a flat metal cover if that’s your desire.
        • The depth at which the plate sits is really up to you. Keep in mind, the burner sits 3″ high from plate to the tip of the jet

        If your fire feature is already built and you can’t use a standard sized plate, you have a few options:

        Cut your plate to size on-site

          • Use a jig-saw with metal blade, or a grinder wheel with cutoff
          • It’s 3/16″ aluminum and your cut doesn’t need to look pretty

        Make your plate bigger

          • Use concrete board to extend the size of the plate
          • Watch THIS VIDEO to get an idea

        Order a Custom Size

        *TIP: Give yourself about 1/2″ of space around the plate so that it’s easy to insert into the fire feature opening

        Determining What You Need

        (Recommended)

        Enables easy flame height adjustment as well as the ability to turn the gas on or off.  All flex lines are stainless steel and whistle free.

        FK1

        • For use with any 121K – 249K BTU Burner
        • Kit Includes: (1) 36” L x 3/4” Diameter Flex Line + (2) 3/4″ Flared Fittings + 3/4” Key Valve + 3” and 12” Key + 1/2” x 2” Nipple

        FK2

        • For use with any burner 300K+ BTU
        • Kit Includes: (2) 36” L x 3/4” Diameter Flex Lines + (4) 3/4″ Flared Fittings + 3/4” Key Valve + 3” and 12” Key + (2) 3/4” x 3” Nipple + (2) 3/4” Tee + (1) 3/4” x 1/2” MM Reducer Fitting
        FKM1 – Specific to the Mercury Ignition. Allows fuel connection from the ignition to the burner.
        • If the walls of your fire pit are thick, you may need this accessory
        • Closes the gap from the key valve to the decorative faceplate (escutcheon)
        • Can also be made onsite with hard pipe or sprinkler pipe to the length that you need

        Vent Kit

        Recommended Ventilation

        • 18 square inches on opposing sides (for cross-breeze)
        • Keep the vents lower towards the ground
        • Dimensions: 3 7/8″ x 12″

        Ignition Types

        Installation of Ignition

        • A burner plate or pan is required for any ignition system other than match lit.
        • If you have your own plate or pan, you will need to drill a hole in it for the mounting of the ignition pilot/spark rod.
        • The Mercury Ignition has a 250,000 BTU limitation.
        Platinum Ignition System by Warming Trends gas fire pit ignition types

        *NEW* Platinum Ignition System

        Installation: Comes pre-installed to the plate/pan unless ordered a la carte. This allows for a hassle-free setup. Electrical required.

        The Platinum Automatic Ignition System delivers superior quality, performance, and value. Expertly engineered, this innovative ignition has been designed and built to be the safest and most dependable way to light fire in both residential and commercial spaces.

        • Light your fire with the flip of a switch, remote, home automation, or dial timer.
        • Clean design with no need for any components to be attached to the outside of your fire feature.
        • Auto shutoff for the ultimate safety + fully certified.
        • Made in the U.S.A.
        • 680,000 BTUs of gas output 
        • Unique wind cage design that provides true protection to the pilot components from wind and rain.
        • Customized ignition settings allow for better performance and reduces cycling faults.
        • Robust components provide reliability and durability.
        • LED-based diagnostics provide quick and easy troubleshooting.
        • Design allows for field serviceability.
        • Coupled with the Warming Trends’ WATERSTOP™ fitting provides unmatched protection of the ignition from water and debris. 
        • Warranty: 3 years for residential, 1 year for commercial (burner must be covered when not in use or warranty is null and void)
        • Electrical is required
        • Commonly used is a standard 110 volt GFI outlet located underneath the fire pit
        • For product support, please contact Warming Trends at 303-346-2224

        Mercury Ignition (Battery Powered)

        Installation: Comes pre-installed to the plate/pan unless ordered a la carte. This allows for a hassle-free setup. Powered by (2) AA batteries.

        Mercury Ignition Spark Igniter with Internal Safety Shutoff + 3 FT Pilot for use up to 240K BTU

        • Added safety of auto fuel shutoff
        • Great for commercial spaces or if non-homeowners desire to light the fire
        • Pilot assembly comes pre-mounted to the plate
        • Only available with burner and plate combo orders or the Venture Series
        • No key valve required
        • View INFORMATION PDF

        Watch how the Mercury works…

        Play Video

        Match Lit (Most Common)

        • To light, turn your fuel valve (most commonly a key valve supplied by us) to a low volume
        • Use a lighter or match to ignite the flame manually
        • Gradually turn up the key valve so that the other jets light
        • Not recommended for kids or VRBO/Rentals

        Installation: hole for the spark rod is pre-drilled in the plate/pan unless ordered a la cart.

        Push Button Ignition Kit + Mounting Bracket

        • Powered by a AA battery
        • Holds a key valve as well as button module
        • To light, turn the key and press spark button until lit
        • Will work with any size burner, but for large burners over 350,000 BTUs, we recommend the Platinum Ignition
        • The bracket allows for more mounting options
        • Can be used in place of a paver
        • Should be combined with a Key Valve/Flex line kit

        Dimensions of bracket:

          • Width: Adjustable 8″-12″
          • Height: 3 7/8″ 
          • Depth: 5″

        Push Button Battery Operated Control Module + Spark Igniter Rod and Wire

        • AA Battery operated
        • Spark rod is mounted to the plate
        • Spark rod must be within very close proximity to a jet on the burner
        • To light, turn the key valve (separate product) to get gas flow going and press button until spark ignites the fuel
        • Without a mounting bracket, the button most commonly mounts to a metal fire pit

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        Prices are Changing

        Beginning February 1st, 2023

        Prices for our products will increase about 3% starting on February 1st. As always, with Montana Fire Pits you’ll enjoy:

        • Products made in the U.S.A
        • Highest quality materials and design
        • High customer satisfaction ratings
        • The best fire in the industry

        Thank you for considering Montana Fire Pits!

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        Lead Times

        • Most of our products are hand-made to order in the U.S.
        • Delays in production are rare, but can occur with un-expected changes in order volume.
        • Thank you for your patience as we strive to ship your fire gear as fast as possible.

        Good things take time

        Tracking information is emailed to you once it becomes available. Order status updates are often not available until production is complete. Thank you for your patience!

        Current estimated time until shipping:

        Standard Burners:

        • Made to order
        • 2-3 weeks

        Custom Burners:

        • Made to order
        • 4-5 weeks

        Venture/Arbor Series (Steel/wood):

        • Made to order
        • 5-7 Weeks

        In Stock (Fast Ship) Options:

        • 1-2 Weeks

        Gather Series (Concrete):

        • Made to order
        • 8 Weeks

        Fire Media:

        • 2-4 Weeks
        • Backorder dates will be listed on the product if applicable

        Ready to Finish Kits:

        • Made to order
        • 4-6 Weeks

        Color Samples:

        • 5-7 Days

        Fire Pit Parts

        • 5-7 Days

        Firestorm Portable: 

        • In Stock
        • 5-7 business days

        Transit time not included. Expect 1-2 weeks for the shipment to arrive.

        Shipping Costs

        Please add products to your cart and enter your address at checkout to see detailed shipping costs

        *Free Shipping: Applies to most orders over $99 in the continental U.S. with the following exceptions:

        • Burners over 50″: $279.00

        *Shipping to Canada: You may be charged additional border fees and taxes when you receive your product. Montana Fire Pits is not responsible for those fees.

        *Please add products to your cart and enter your address to see more information on shipping costs to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska

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