Fire Pit Instructions


Fire pit instructions will reduce any potential accidents and increase your enjoyment of using your fire pit. A little common sense can go a long way.

Fire Pit Information

Follow general safety guidelines for running a fire pit. We have listed the most important instructions below.

How To Use A Fire Pit:

Fire Pit Placement

  • Make sure your fire pit is set up in a well-ventilated area. Do not set your fire pit up indoors or on a covered patio.
  • If you have to set up a fire pit in a woody area or one with ample foliage, cut any low-hanging branches. They can potentially catch on fire.
  • Be careful of the surface you are placing your fire pit on. Do not put it directly on a wood surface and make sure to level the fire pit so the flame is even when lit.

Fire Pit Safety

  • Make sure the bowl can drain, so it doesn’t fill with water. Potted fire pits come pre-drilled with a 1.5” hole that allows for drainage and leaves room for the gas pipe.
  • Never burn anything without a protective layer of lava rock on the fire pit bottom. If burning wood, place a layer of lava rock at least 4-5 inches deep. Then place your firewood on the lava rock. For gas fires, fill the fire pit with enough lava rock to at least cover the fire ring.
  • Do not use rock or gravel of any kind in place of lava rock; it can potentially explode when heated. There are, however, some special glasses and ceramic “stones” that you can use. Whatever you use, check if the glass or ceramic has certification for fireplaces.
  • Maintain a fire extinguisher. When lighting a fire pit and handling the fuel, wear safety gloves.
  • Never use gasoline as a firestarter. Gasoline is hazardous and can lead to potential explosions.
  • Keep your fires small and your fire pit at least 10 feet away from surrounding trees, plants or structures.
  • Follow proper gas connections and use for the code in your city or county.

Fire Pit Tips

  • If you are burning gas, make sure that the fire ring and flames are never closer than 4 inches from any side to mitigate surface cracks.
  • When installing the fire ring, cover the top with more lava rock up to the very top of the pit (or as high as you prefer) to hide the ring.
  • Take the gas line through the bottom of the bowl and put the on/off valve close enough to the fire pit for ease of use. Make sure to keep the “key” somewhere children can’t play with it.
  • For a more natural look, install the fire ring with the holes pointing down. This also helps keep debris from clogging the holes in your fire ring.
fire pit instructions

How To Use Lava Rocks For A Fire Pit

Lava rocks are easy to maintain and give your fire pit a clean, modern look. Build a layer of 4-5 inches of lava rock within your fire pit. Then layer with wood, if that is your fuel of choice. If you are using gas, the entire fire pit can be filled with lava rock (or at least enough to cover the fire ring).

Special Note: Even lava rock can explode when heated due to moisture getting trapped inside. Make sure to use caution the first time you use your fire pit after rain or when you first install it.

Even with the best precaution of using lava rock to dissipate the heat, concrete fire pits can develop hairline cracks due to heating and cooling. And while these cracks are not always sightly, they are not fatal flaws in your fire pit, which has been poured with unique wire meshing to keep it structurally sound. To minimize these cracks, try not to burn large, hot wood fires (which burn hotter than gas). Burning wood is illegal in some states and counties as well, so check your local regulations.

Choose Your Ideal Fire Pit With Help From Potted

Potted has spent years helping customers update their yards with beautiful outdoor decor choices. If you’re having trouble with decisions or have more questions, please reach out to discuss options for fire pits and how we can help you with your garden design.

Reach out to us today to learn more about fire pit options.