Landscape Architect Articles

Get Fired Up11-04-16 | Department

Get Fired Up

Fire Feature Tips and New Products
To facilitate outdoor areas with little space, the new Firecube 16 by Solus Decor® has a 16" x 16" footprint. It also features versatile fuel types, 40,000 BTU's of heating power and is environmentally friendly. It was selected this year as a Garden Product of the Year Finalist at the world-renown Chelsea Flower Show.
https://solusdecor.com/rhs-chelsea-new-garden-product-year-finalist/

David Sklorenko of Fireboulder®, a supplier of natural stone fire pits and other fire and water display equipment advises contractors to future-proof new patio projects where no fire features are currently specified by running sleeves (schedule 40 PVC) from an exit point of the patio to anywhere potential features would best fit in the design. Also, their website has a fire glass calculator to help you determine how many pounds a given fire feature needs.
https://fire-boulder.com/fireglass-calculator/

As an extra income-producing service, Dennis Smith, the sales manager at Firegear Outdoors recommends selling a scheduled maintenance program for any fire features you install. Maintenance tips for fire pits from The Outdoor Plus Company, manufacturers of fire and water displays and other backyard features include:

• Spray the enclosure off with water but do not spray water directly onto the burner and igniter
• Clean the burner with a soft wire brush
• Remove any dirt or debris from area around the burner air shutter
• Inspect for and remove spider and insect nests
• Gently clean soot off of logs with dry bristle brush or cloth
• Check hose for cracks or damage and replace as needed
• Check all components for excessive abrasion or wear and replace as needed
• Perform leak test:
- Mix one part liquid soap with one part water in spray bottle
- Turn on gas
- Spray solution on joints of gas delivery system and look for blowing bubbles
- Tighten leaking joints or replace faulty parts
- Do not attempt to repair cylinder valve; it must be replaced

According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, (HPBA) here are some things for contractors to consider before their next project.

• Determine the Use of Outdoor Space: Assess the client's desires along with budget and space limitations.
• Consider the Architecture: Be mindful of the location's architectural style to ensure the outdoor living area is an extension of the home.
• Know the Foundation: The composition of it will determine what building materials and products will work best.
• Consider Cooking as well as Heating
• Visit Specialty Retailers Who Supply, Design and Build Hearth, Barbecue and Patio Products
www.hpba.org

Firegear Outdoors just introduced an industry first: a knock down, assemble and finish fire pit. Called AnF, it is shipped in four panels on its own specially designed skid. The panels are connected to each other with two self-tapping screws. The unit is leveled with adjustable legs attached to the bottom of the panels. Also provided are pan supports, vent kits, and for the top surface, a 10mm magnesium oxide board (MgO) with a pre-marked template of popular burners.
https://firegearoutdoors.com/products/

As seen in LC/DBM magazine, November 2016.