How to Make a Gas Fire Pit in the UK
Want to turn your garden into the ultimate chill zone? Short answer: Build your own gas fire pit or fire table—it's easier than you think! With the right tools, safety tips, and a bit of DIY flair, you’ll have cosy nights sorted. Keep reading to fire up your skills!
Planning and Design Considerations
Local Regulations and Safety Standards
Gas Safe Register Requirements
Let’s get one thing straight—you can’t mess about with gas. In the UK, only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally connect your fire pit to a gas supply. It’s not just red tape; it’s about keeping your home and family safe.
That friendly local installer with all the gear? If they’re not on the Gas Safe Register, they’re not the right person for the job. Always check their credentials before work begins.
Building Regulations and Permits
Thinking of a permanent fixture? It’s worth a quick chat with your local planning department. Most simple fire pits fly under the radar, but if you're digging in pipes or placing it close to a structure, you might need approval.
Submit a basic sketch of your layout, note distances from buildings and trees, and make sure you’re meeting fire safety clearances. Better safe than fined!
Choosing the Right Location and Size
Safety Clearances and Ventilation
Your fire pit needs room to breathe. Aim for at least 3 metres from any building, and don’t place it beneath a pergola or tree. Fires and overhangs are not friends.
If your garden’s a bit of a wind tunnel, think about adding a screen or hedge for shelter. Not only does it protect the flame—it makes your setup feel more private and cosy.
Size Based on Gathering Space
Let your lifestyle decide the size. If it’s just you and a cuppa by the flames, a compact fire table is perfect. Hosting mates for marshmallow toasting and mulled wine? You’ll need more surface area and seating space.
Tip: Use garden furniture or chalk to mark out your ideal footprint before you start building.
Materials and Tools Needed
Gas Line and Connection
Proper Gas Pipe Sizing and Materials
Whether you’re using propane bottles or tapping into the mains, your pipes need to be tough and weatherproof. Stainless steel flexible piping or copper with protective coating are solid choices.
Mains gas needs careful pipe sizing to ensure a consistent flame. Don’t guess—your Gas Safe engineer will calculate that based on your burner’s BTU rating.
Gas Safe Registered Installer
Here’s where your project hands off to a pro. A Gas Safe installer will lay the line, connect it securely, and run safety checks.
It’s like building your own pizza oven, but getting a chef to light it the first time. A smart move.
Fire Pit Construction Materials
Heat-Resistant Materials (Bricks, Stone, Metal)
Not all bricks are fire pit friendly. Choose fire-rated bricks for the inner ring and weather-hardy stone or concrete blocks for the outside.
For a sleeker look, powder-coated steel or corten steel offers modern style and resilience. Just make sure everything can handle high heat without cracking.
Burner and Ignition System
A stainless steel burner tray is the heart of your setup. Pick one with multiple flame ports for even distribution. Manual ignition is fine for budget builds, but push-button and remote systems are a nice upgrade—especially in the rain.
Want to impress your guests? Add a smart ignition system with app control and LED glow.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Preparing the Site and Laying the Base
Levelling and Compacting the Ground
First up, clear the area of turf, roots and stones. Dig about 15–20cm down. Then compact the ground with a tamper or plate compactor—you want it solid enough to dance on (not that we’re recommending that...).
Check your level across all angles. Wobbly bases make for uneven flames and shifting bricks later on.
Creating a Stable Base (Concrete, Gravel)
Add a bed of crushed gravel and level it again. For a longer-term setup, consider a concrete pad. It’s more work upfront, but worth it for peace of mind and durability in soggy British weather.
Building the Fire Pit Structure
Laying Bricks or Stones
Now the fun begins. Build your outer structure layer by layer, keeping your lines even. Use fire-safe mortar for strength. Leave a central cavity for the burner tray and gas pipe access.
Don’t forget ventilation—add a few gaps or weep holes near the bottom.
Installing the Burner and Gas Line (Gas Safe Registered Installer)
Once your structure’s up, your Gas Safe engineer can fit the burner tray and connect the gas line. This includes a shut-off valve for emergencies.
Let them do a test run before you fill in the gaps and finalise your setup.
Connecting the Gas Supply and Testing
Professional Gas Line Installation and Connection
Whether it’s a patio propane tank or underground mains line, the gas connection must be installed and signed off by a certified professional. It’s not just legal—it’s safe.
They’ll fit regulators, check fittings, and ensure your fire pit performs as it should.
Leak Testing and Safety Checks
Before lighting the first flame, your installer will do a full leak test using soapy water or detection fluid. They’ll also run pressure tests and confirm ignition systems are safe and responsive.
No flickering flames or dodgy connections—just clean, warm fire.
Finishing and Safety Features
Adding Decorative Elements
Fire Glass, Lava Rocks, or Ceramic Logs
Top your burner with tempered fire glass for sparkle, or go rustic with lava rock or ceramic logs. These not only look stunning—they help distribute heat and protect the burner.
Mix textures or colours to match your garden’s vibe.
Surrounding Seating and Landscaping
Build seating into the layout, or add cushioned benches and pavers around the pit. Soft lighting, a few potted plants, and you’ve got a scene worthy of an Instagram reel.
Design it to invite people in—circle-style layouts work especially well for social evenings.
Safety Features and Maintenance
Flame Height Adjustment and Safety Shut-off
Modern burners often come with adjustable flame controls, so you can dial down the heat on warmer evenings. A built-in shut-off valve is essential and required by some local authorities.
Install it in an accessible spot, just in case you need a quick stop.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Each season, do a quick inspection:
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Brush the burner ports clean
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Check connections for rust or wear
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Replace cracked or loose parts
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Store or cover your fire pit in heavy rain
Annual professional checks are smart—especially before winter use.
Conclusion
Building your own gas fire pit is more than just a DIY job—it’s creating a centrepiece for countless memories. With the right materials, professional help for gas work, and your personal design touches, your fire pit will be safe, stylish, and uniquely yours.
So grab your gloves, sketch your vision, and take the plunge. Whether you're roasting marshmallows under the stars or sipping wine beside the flames, your garden will never feel the same again.