mike montembeau

Most people think a fire pit is about the structure.

The stone. The shape. The size.

It isn’t.

Building a gas fire pit should be exciting.

But if you’ve ever tried sourcing every component individually, you know how quickly the process becomes complicated.

If you have an older gas fireplace, you’re not alone.

A lot of gas fireplaces still “work,” but don’t really perform, especially in winter.

The flame looks small.
The room stays chilly.
And the fireplace that should be the heart of the home feels… underwhelming.

Whether you’re planning a DIY backyard build or designing an outdoor living space for a client, building your own gas fire pit can be simple, safe, and stunning—if you start with the right components.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a gas fire pit using professional-grade kits and...

It’s not just pretty. Fire glass is engineered for performance, safety, and style. But don’t be fooled by looks—there’s science (and strict quality standards) behind every brilliant flicker.

Learn how to use lava rock the right way in your gas fire pit—why it’s critical for performance, how to layer it properly with fire glass, and what common mistakes to avoid when building with this essential base material.

Imagine walking into a builder’s supply store and hearing words like BTUs, orifices, and manifold thrown around like secret code. You nod politely, but inside you’re wondering, Did I miss a class?

You’ve built a beautiful fire pit. The flames dance, the media glows, the client’s eyes light up—until the system sputters, the flame cuts out, or worse, gas pools below the surface. Then come the callbacks, the rework, and the bruised reputation.

Ask the pros and they’ll tell you: most fire pit issues...

Still deciding between natural gas and propane for your fire pit?

This one choice impacts everything—flame height, burner compatibility, installation logistics, and how often you'll be swapping tanks or calling a contractor.

At American Fire Products, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners, builders, and...