Outdoor Natural Gas Fireplaces

A natural gas outdoor fireplace runs on a gas line piped out from the house, so the fire never stops for a tank swap. This collection spans vent-free outdoor fireplaces, outdoor fireboxes and inserts, and gas logs for an outdoor masonry fireplace.

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A Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplace Runs on a Line Piped to the Patio

A natural gas outdoor fireplace connects to a gas line run out from your home's gas service, so there is no tank to refill and no swap halfway through an evening. Most models here are vent-free: open-fronted fireplaces and fireboxes built for outdoor use, with no chimney. The rest are outdoor inserts, vented gas logs for an outdoor masonry fireplace, and one indoor/outdoor see-through model.

A Roof Overhead Changes Where It Can Go

Manufacturers define "outdoors" precisely, and an outdoor fireplace has to stay inside that definition. Majestic, Superior and Firegear use the same three shapes: walls on every side with no roof; a roof with no more than two walls; or a roof with three walls, as long as at least 30% of the perimeter stays permanently open. A screened porch is a separate rating. Empire's Carol Rose and Superior's VRE models allow one only with at least 96 square feet of floor and a minimum ceiling height. American Fyre Designs wants any roof at least 3 feet above the top of its vent-free units.

Wind Is What Puts an Outdoor Flame Out

Napoleon recommends a sheltered spot for the Galaxy, because direct wind makes the flame erratic and can blow out the pilot. A wall behind the fireplace or a corner of the patio helps. The Majestic Lanai and Firegear Kalea Bay come with a glass wind guard in front of the flame, and Empire warns against ceiling fans blowing at the fire.

Plan the Power Along With the Gas

The ignition decides whether you need an outlet. The Majestic Lanai, Courtyard and Vesper need a 110-120 volt circuit with GFCI protection. The Superior VRE4300 runs on two D batteries. The Top Fires Williams comes in a match-lit version that needs no power at all. Run the wiring when the gas line goes in, not after the stone is up.

Buy It for the Fire, and Add Heaters for Warmth

Napoleon rates the Galaxy as a decorative product, not a heater. Other models do put out real heat to whoever sits in front of them. Outdoors, though, warm air drifts away, so pair the fireplace with gas patio heaters over the seating. For an existing outdoor fireplace, see outdoor fireplace inserts and outdoor gas logs. On a tank, see outdoor propane fireplaces. To compare both fuels, browse all outdoor gas fireplaces, or step back to natural gas fireplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Natural Gas Fireplaces

Can a natural gas outdoor fireplace go under a covered patio?

Yes, within limits the manufacturer sets. Majestic, Superior and Firegear allow a roof with no more than two side walls, or a roof with three side walls as long as at least 30% of the perimeter stays permanently open. Each model also lists a minimum clearance to the ceiling above it. American Fyre Designs, for example, wants the roof at least 3 feet above the top of its vent-free units. Check the manual for the model you choose before you frame the space.

Can I put an outdoor gas fireplace in a screened porch?

Some models are rated for it. Empire's Carol Rose Loft and Harmony allow a screened porch with at least 96 square feet of floor, a ceiling at least 92 inches high and at least two screened walls. Superior's VRE outdoor fireplaces set the same 96 square feet with a 7-foot-8-inch ceiling. A porch closed in with glass or solid walls falls outside these ratings.

Does an outdoor natural gas fireplace need electricity?

It depends on the ignition. The Majestic Lanai, Courtyard and Vesper need a 110-120 volt circuit with GFCI protection. The Superior VRE4300 runs on two D batteries, and the Top Fires Williams comes in a match-lit version that needs no power at all. Plan any wiring when the gas line is run, so it is in place before the fireplace is finished.

What does wind do to an outdoor gas fireplace?

Direct wind makes the flame erratic and can blow out the pilot or the main burner, which is why Napoleon recommends a sheltered location for the Galaxy. Place the fireplace against a wall or in a corner of the patio, out of the prevailing wind. The Majestic Lanai and Firegear Kalea Bay also come with a glass wind guard in front of the flame.

How do you get natural gas to an outdoor fireplace?

A qualified gas installer extends a line from your home's gas service to the fireplace location. The pipe has to be sized for the length of the run and the fireplace's BTU rating. Firegear, for example, recommends 3/4-inch black iron pipe and refers to the National Fuel Gas Code for runs longer than 20 feet. Empire and Grand Canyon also require a shutoff valve in the line.

Can a natural gas outdoor fireplace be converted to propane?

Many can, with the manufacturer's kit. The Majestic Lanai converts with its own LP kit, and Majestic requires a qualified service technician to install it. Firegear's Kalea Bay manual includes the natural gas to propane conversion steps. Others are built for one gas only, so check the listing before you count on a switch.