{"id":5756,"date":"2023-05-30T06:09:38","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T11:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paloform.com\/faq\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T23:52:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T04:52:55","slug":"fire-pit-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/paloform.com\/eu\/fire-pit-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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General Queries<\/h2>\n
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What does BTU mean for a fire pit?<\/h3>\n
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BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of heat. It is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. However, this is a pretty abstract concept\u2014it doesn’t tell you how much heat you can expect a fire pit to produce. The most useful way to use BTUs is as a relative measure of heat output for comparing different appliances. For example, an average indoor gas fireplace might produce 40,000 BTU\/h, while a large element on a gas range might have 10,000 – 15,000 BTU\/h. By comparison, Paloform’s fire pits range from 60,000 – 140,000 BTU\/h.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Can a fire pit be placed on grass?<\/h3>\n
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We don’t recommend placing fire pits directly onto the grass as they require a stable footing that won’t shift or change over time. If you wish to place a fire pit in a grassy area, you must ensure that you have a base that is suitable for the weight of your fire pit. In addition, you must ensure the area is level and facilitates proper drainage.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Can a fire pit be placed on a wooden deck?<\/h3>\n
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Generally, placing a fire pit on a wooden or composite deck depends heavily on the fuel type and the specific design of the unit. Because wood and composite materials are combustible, preventing heat damage and fire hazards is the primary concern. <\/p>\n

Paloform\u2019s gas and propane-fuelled fire pits are safe for use on wooden decks, as they have been tested and certified to have no clearance to combustibles.<\/p>\n

However, our wood-burning fire pits cannot be placed on wooden decks.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Can fire pits be used in windy areas? <\/h3>\n
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Gas fire pits \u2013 fire pits in general\u2013 don’t do well in high-wind areas. Too much wind interferes with the aesthetics usually desired from a fire pit. Having said that, if you plan to install a gas or propane fire pit in an area with consistent wind, we recommend using a glass wind guard.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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What are the similarities and differences between a natural gas and a propane fire pit?<\/h3>\n
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Both natural gas and propane fire pits are relatively clean-burning gaseous fuels \u2014free from ash and smoke. Both are connected to external fuel sources via pipes or flexible gas lines. Both types are best served by planning and installing an underground line in the fire pit area.<\/p>\n

However, where natural gas always comes from a building\u2019s piped gas source, propane is stored and dispensed from tanks. It is best when the propane source is a large, central tank, but it is possible to run some of our fire pits with small portable-style tanks. Please contact us for more information.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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How does electronic ignition work?<\/h3>\n
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Fire pits with electronic ignition are designed to be plugged into an outdoor receptacle (120 VAC in North America; 230 VAC in Europe and Australia) installed inside the fire pit vessel. Turning on power to the receptacle ignites the fire pit, and turning off the power extinguishes it.<\/p>\n

This system affords you a variety of choices for controlling the fire pit: wall switch, wireless remote, home automation system, or any on\/off system that will control power to the receptacle.<\/p>\n

For more information, please refer to our installation manuals.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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What rocks or toppings can be used with a fire pit?<\/h3>\n
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You can choose from basalt “river”-style rocks, lava pebbles, or various glass styles for use with fire pits. At Paloform, we can only recommend and guarantee using one of our fire pit topping options, as these have been tested extensively. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Can a fire pit be placed on a covered patio? <\/h3>\n
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Paloform fire pits can be placed on a covered patio as long as the “Clearances to Combustibles” requirements are met. Please check each fire pit model’s installation guide for information.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Product Information<\/h2>\n
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How hot does a Paloform fire pit get?<\/h3>\n
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Natural gas and propane fire pits can produce flame temperatures that go over 1000\u00b0C. However, the amount of heat you feel is determined by the size of the flame and your proximity to it. This is described in North America in units of BTU (British Thermal Units) and in Europe and other countries where the metric system is used in kW (kilowatts).<\/p>\n

Wood-burning fire pits can potentially create far more heat than a gas appliance. In this case, the heat produced by the fire depends on the type and amount of fuel used.<\/p>\n

Our gas and propane fire pits are designed so that the vessel does not get hot to the touch under normal circumstances. In the case of wood-burning fire pits, the vessel can reach very high temperatures, so your discretion is essential while using the product.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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How much do Paloform products weigh?<\/h3>\n
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Paloform\u2019s products vary in weight depending on materials, configuration, and options. We design our products to have a solid, substantial aesthetic, and as such, they are not lightweight.<\/p>\n

Please visit each product page for more information on fire pit weights.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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How are Paloform fire pits installed?<\/h3>\n
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Whether you are installing an outdoor fire pit or outdoor fireplace, you must hire a qualified, professional installer.<\/p>\n

Most jurisdictions require licensed gas fitters to install gas lines and to make gas connections. This ensures that installations meet safety standards and comply with local codes. <\/p>\n

To support a seamless and safe installation, Paloform provides comprehensive installation manuals, technical specifications, and planning guides for every product, equipping contractors with the exact dimensions and requirements needed before delivery.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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How is a Paloform fire pit turned on?<\/h3>\n
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There are two types of burner systems available in Paloform’s modern fire pits: electronic ignition and match-lit.<\/p>\n

Electronic burners are connected to a power source and can be controlled by a switch or wireless remote. The match-lit models are lit using a butane lighter or long match. These employ a safety pilot with a thermocouple, which shuts the gas off if the fire pit is blown out.<\/p>\n

Please refer to our installation manuals for complete lighting instructions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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What safety standards are Paloform fire pits certified to?<\/h3>\n
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All of Paloform’s modern fire pits are certified to the following standards:<\/p>\n