What can I use to finish a ready-to-finish fire pit?

Most ready-to-finish fire pits can be finished with natural or manufactured stone veneer, stucco, tile, or other exterior-rated materials. Check the manufacturer's instructions for approved finishes, adhesives, and mortars for your model, since some frames are designed for specific finishing methods.

Do ready-to-finish fire pits come with a burner and ignition?

It depends on the model. Some come with the burner, burner pan, and ignition system already installed, while others are designed for you to add a separate burner kit. Check the product details on each product page before you order.

Can I install a ready-to-finish fire pit myself?

Many homeowners and contractors handle the exterior finish themselves, since it's similar to other masonry or tile work. The gas connection is a different matter. Natural gas lines and any hardwired electronic ignition should be installed by a licensed professional, and every gas connection should be tested for leaks before use.

Does a ready-to-finish fire pit need ventilation?

Yes, in most cases. If the enclosure is closed on all sides, or if you store a propane tank inside it, the enclosure needs vents so leaked gas can escape. Propane is heavier than air and can collect at the bottom of a closed space. Follow the manufacturer's ventilation requirements for your model.

Can I keep the propane tank inside a ready-to-finish fire pit?

Some ready-to-finish fire pits are designed to hold a 20 lb propane tank inside, with an access door and the required ventilation. Others are meant for natural gas or a tank stored outside the enclosure. Check the product details to see which setup your model supports.

How long does it take to finish a ready-to-finish fire pit?

Most of the time goes into the finish itself. Applying stone, stucco, or tile usually takes a day or two of work, plus curing time for mortar, adhesive, or stucco before the fire pit can be lit. Follow the curing times recommended by the finishing material manufacturer.

Can a ready-to-finish fire pit go on a deck?

Once finished with stone, stucco, or tile, a ready-to-finish fire pit can be very heavy. Before placing one on a deck, confirm that the manufacturer allows deck installation, check the total finished weight, and make sure your deck can support it. Ground-level patios and pavers are the most common placement.

Ready-To-Finish Gas Fire Pits

Ready-to-finish fire pits give you the custom, built-in look of a masonry fire feature without building it from scratch. Each one starts with a pre-built frame you finish with stone, stucco, or tile to match your patio, hardscape, or outdoor kitchen. Shop ready-to-finish gas fire pits in round, square, and rectangular shapes for propane or natural gas.

What Is a Ready-to-Finish Fire Pit?

A ready-to-finish fire pit is a structural fire pit frame designed to be covered with the finish of your choice. Depending on the model, it may come with the burner, burner pan, and ignition system already in place, or be designed to accept a separate burner kit. You handle the exterior finish, and the result looks like a custom-built fire pit.

Choosing Your Finish

Ready-to-finish fire pits can be finished with natural or manufactured stone veneer, stucco, tile, or other exterior-rated materials. Matching the finish to your patio pavers, house exterior, or outdoor kitchen creates a cohesive look that feels like part of the landscape. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on approved finishing materials and installation methods.

Size, Shape, and Burner

Choose the shape and size that suit your space and seating layout: round for conversation areas, square for sectional seating, or rectangular and linear for long patios. Check whether the burner and ignition are included, and confirm the BTU rating and fuel type before you order.

Fuel, Ventilation, and Installation

Ready-to-finish fire pits are available for propane and natural gas. If you use propane with the tank inside the enclosure, or if the enclosure is closed on all sides, it must be properly ventilated so leaked gas can escape. Natural gas connections should be made by a licensed gas professional.

Ready-to-Finish vs. Pre-Finished Fire Pits

If you'd rather have a fire pit that's ready to use out of the box, browse our concrete gas fire pits, fire pit tables, and fire bowls. Ready-to-finish fire pits are the best choice when you want a custom look that matches your hardscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use to finish a ready-to-finish fire pit?
Most ready-to-finish fire pits can be finished with natural or manufactured stone veneer, stucco, tile, or other exterior-rated materials. Check the manufacturer's instructions for approved finishes, adhesives, and mortars for your model, since some frames are designed for specific finishing methods.
Do ready-to-finish fire pits come with a burner and ignition?
It depends on the model. Some come with the burner, burner pan, and ignition system already installed, while others are designed for you to add a separate burner kit. Check the product details on each product page before you order.
Can I install a ready-to-finish fire pit myself?
Many homeowners and contractors handle the exterior finish themselves, since it's similar to other masonry or tile work. The gas connection is a different matter. Natural gas lines and any hardwired electronic ignition should be installed by a licensed professional, and every gas connection should be tested for leaks before use.
Does a ready-to-finish fire pit need ventilation?
Yes, in most cases. If the enclosure is closed on all sides, or if you store a propane tank inside it, the enclosure needs vents so leaked gas can escape. Propane is heavier than air and can collect at the bottom of a closed space. Follow the manufacturer's ventilation requirements for your model.
Can I keep the propane tank inside a ready-to-finish fire pit?
Some ready-to-finish fire pits are designed to hold a 20 lb propane tank inside, with an access door and the required ventilation. Others are meant for natural gas or a tank stored outside the enclosure. Check the product details to see which setup your model supports.
How long does it take to finish a ready-to-finish fire pit?
Most of the time goes into the finish itself. Applying stone, stucco, or tile usually takes a day or two of work, plus curing time for mortar, adhesive, or stucco before the fire pit can be lit. Follow the curing times recommended by the finishing material manufacturer.
Can a ready-to-finish fire pit go on a deck?
Once finished with stone, stucco, or tile, a ready-to-finish fire pit can be very heavy. Before placing one on a deck, confirm that the manufacturer allows deck installation, check the total finished weight, and make sure your deck can support it. Ground-level patios and pavers are the most common placement.