Fire Pit - FAQ

All of our modern fire pits are certified to the following standards:

• North America: to CSA/ANSI standards, listed by Labtest Certifcations Inc.
• Europe: CE certified to the standards of the European Gas Appliance Regulation (EU) 2016/426.
• Australia: GasMark tested and certified to AS/NZS 5263.0
• Switzerland: SVGW
• Massachusetts: MA Accepted Plumbing Products

Gas fire pits–fire pits in general–typically don’t do well in high-wind areas. Too much wind interferes with the aesthetics that are usually desired from a fire pit. This said, if you plan to install a gas or propane fire pit in an area with consistent wind, we recommend using a glass wind guard.

Yes, we supply tempered glass screens for most of our models. See the above section on wind. Note that the glass is for screening wind only–it will get hot!

The preferred installation method for our fire pits is to have a gas/propane line concealed under a decking surface or underground. The line is then brought up through the base of the fire pit vessel and connects to the burner inside. The fire pit can be connected and serviced from the top by lifting the burner out of the vessel.

Yes. Our natural gas or propane fire pits can be placed on any deck surface built to local building code standards.

Wood-burning fire pits cannot be placed on wooden decks or any other combustible or non heat-stable surfaces.

Wood-burning can be significantly hotter than the regulated burn of gas or propane–it’s just a function of how large of a fire you build. Therefore, you cannot put a Paloform wood-burning fire pit on any surface that is not resistant to extreme heat (in excess of 1200°F or 650°C). Materials such as fire brick, sand or crushed pea-gravel are suitable. Stone and concrete are not safe substrates unless they have been specifically tested for this purpose. Failure to use an appropriate surface material may result in property damage or injury.

Our concrete, Corten steel and powder-coated fire pits can be left outside year-round, but we recommend that they be covered with the supplied all-weather fabric cover during the winter or if unused for extended periods. This helps to keep debris out of the burner pan and prolong the life of the burner components. All our firepits have drainage holes on the underside – it is important that this drainage hole not become clogged or covered, as allowing the vessel to fill with water can damage the vessel and/or the burner.

Corten steel benefits from being left uncovered and being subjected to repeated wet-and-dry cycles. Concrete will weather and patina as it ages and is exposed to the elements. Both corten and concrete are considered ‘living’ materials that respond and change with their environs and climate. The extent to which this happens is dependent on your individual circumstances.

Corten steel is designed to be left ‘raw’ so it can be exposed to the elements. Its ‘rust’ surface reaches a hardened state through repeated wet-dry cycles and this will take a variable amount of time depending on the circumstances.

Until the surface stabilizes, rain will carry rust-coloured water from the Corten onto the ground around the fire pit and likely stain it. We suggest that the location of the fire pit be designed accordingly to mediate this effect.

Further, we do not recommend attempting to seal Corten as this will almost certainly lead to undesirable surface issues later.

There are two types of burner systems available in our modern fire pits: electronic ignition and match-lit. Electronic burners are connected to a power source and can be controlled by a switch or wireless remote.

“Match-lit” models are lit using a butane lighter or long match. These employ a safety pilot with thermocouple which shuts the gas off if the fire pit should ever be blown out.

Please refer to our installation manuals for complete lighting instructions

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) that is installed inside the fire pit vessel. Turning on power to the receptacle ignites the fire pit, and turning off the power extinguishes it.

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

For more information please refer to our installation manuals.

Fire pit prices include everything needed to connect to a fuel source: all burner components, toppings and and in most cases, a fabric cover. Some models are designed with metal burner covers which are also included.

Prices for complete fire pits include free shipping.

Optional accessories are glass screens, metal table tops, feather rock boulders and remote controls.

Yes, we have created a wide range of custom fire pits for projects of all sizes. We can customize in Corten, powder-coated and stainless steel, as well as in hand cast concrete. We can utilize match-lit, electronic or ethanol burners. Please click here for more information on custom fire pits.