Sunmaster Hammered Bronze Fire Pit - Product Review

The Sunmaster Hammered Bronze Fire Pit was designed for late summer evenings, barefoot treks through rain-drenched grass, and glasses of merlot. At 29" tall, this CSA approved chat-height fire pit table is ideal for entertaining. You can place your patio furniture around this fire pit table, lining drinks and hors d'oeuvres along the unit's edge and giving it the spotlight that it deserves! If you prefer to use the Sunmaster strictly as a centerpiece to your outdoor room, know that its heat will reach to approximately 15 sq. ft. around the unit.

This propane gas fire pit hides the tank behind an easy access door and away from the public eye. With its powder coat hammered bronze finish and durable steel construction, the Sunmaster is practical, dependable, and charming. This gas fire pit also provides a powerful 42,000 BTU output- a consistent source of heat that will keep your guests warm late into the night. 

Included with your purchase is a convenient lid for fire pit safety and 10 lbs. of 3/4" fire glass to increase your fire's vibrancy and sparkle. Though the Sunmaster gas fire pit doesn't come fully built, it's easy to assemble and includes clear, step by step instructions.

Are you interested in learning more about this modern gas fire pit? Call one of our NFI-certified sales team members at 800.919.1904 for more information or to make a purchase inquiry.   

Safety for the DIY Installer

The Eight Octogon Fire Pit Form

Especially gratifying for both their singular look and cost saving measures, DIY fire pits appeal to many homeowners and commercial real estate managers. DIY installation allows our customers to design and build a unique product that's ideal for their particular environment, setting them apart from the rest of the pack. 

However, there are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to take a DIY approach to outdoor fire pits. Safety should be your number one concern. Though ordinances and city codes vary from state to state and even city to city, there are some firm suggestions that apply to DIY fire pit installation. We've listed several of the most important safety guidelines below:

1. Always check with your local fire department or building inspector before starting your project. As previously mentioned, laws will vary depending on your location - they can even be conditional to the season. You may need to apply for a permit. If you live in a condo or apartment building, check with your homeowners association or landlord to find out if specific rules exist for building an outdoor fire feature. Additionally, Woodland Direct recommends that you hire an NFI-certified gas specialist to run the gas pipe and install the burner.

Rockwood Grand Fire Ring w/ Grate

2. Location, location, LOCATION!!! When deciding to take a DIY approach for your outdoor wood or gas fire pit, location will be one of the most important things to consider. First, make sure to build your fire pit on solid, level ground. There should be no threat of tipping or leaning. You also need to be mindful of the foundation that you choose. Unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, you should never place your fire pit on a combustible surface. Select a place where you can build your DIY fire pit on concrete, dirt, or gravel.

After you have a place in mind, calculate the distance between your fire pit and combustible materials like overhanging branches, shrubs, and leaves, as well as the sides of building structures. Check with the manufacturer for the required clearance to combustibles that you must maintain around the unit – typically, it’s about 4’.

3. When deciding upon materials for your DIY fire pit, confirm that they are protected from intense heat. For example, you can start with a hardiebacker fire pit form and outfit it with brick, stone, clay, or concrete. If you're choosing to use stones as decoration around the perimeter of your fire pit, never use stones that have been drenched in water, as they can rupture with the heat of the fire. 

If you’re building a granite topped gas fire pit or fire pit table, you’ll have other concerns. Most importantly, keep in mind that the granite can crack if the heat is too intense. We do not recommend using granite on gas fire pits, but if you desire this look, make sure that the burner size does not come up to the perimeter of the fire pit. You can help prevent cracking by installing a shield on the exposed edge of the granite to offset transferable heat.

Rockwood Grand Fire Ring w/ Grate

Constructing the firebox will also take special consideration. It must be large enough to hold several average sized logs, usually ranging about 18" each. These logs should never hang over the side of your firebox, because doing so would cause a distinct safety risk. Also, keep in mind that the powerful heat can break some materials down faster than others.  If you're constructing your own firebox, choose a thicker sheet metal to withstand the high temperatures.

4. Always plan any project with the end result in mind. If you're building a seating area to surround your new fire pit, make sure that tables, chairs, and benches will be positioned at least 4’ away from the open flame. By keeping this distance in mind, you'll prevent your guests from becoming overheated and will better protect them from flying sparks, flames, and potential burns.

Woodland Direct sells dome-style screens that work well to protect against these dangers. If you’re building a gas fire pit, screens aren’t usually needed unless your local government requires it. Refer to your city codes and regulations if you’re unsure of these requirements.

5. When you're finally able to use your new DIY fire pit, pay attention to the weather conditions outside. Extreme caution should be used in times of drought and dryness, as well as days with high winds. Fires are easy to spread in those conditions.

Similarly, always keep your fires at a reasonable size. Ideally, the flames should be kept away from the walls of the fire pit to prevent charring. By keeping your fires small, you shouldn't have to worry about excess smoke.

Do you have more questions for us? Contact a member of our NFI-certified sales team at 800.919.1904. We'd love to hear what you think in the comments. 

Naples Fire Pit Table – Product Review

The perfect centerpiece for any outdoor living space, the Naples Fire Pit Table has a wicker base that coordinates with any patio furniture set, and a built-in fire pit to keep the area cozy during cool summer nights. The table-top is made of black glass, and the fire pit runs off propane (or natural gas, when a conversion kit is used.)
This fire pit table is built with a rust and corrosion-proof aluminum frame, making the Naples Fire Pit Table both  functional and durable.
A round glass top is included to cover the fire pit when extra table space is needed, and a beverage cooler insert is also available to allow the fire pit to function as a table-top drink cooler.
You will spend many cozy evenings for years to come entertaining guests or spending time with your loved ones with the Naples Fire Pit Table!