Propane vs natural gas fire pit — which should I get?
In Mills River, most homes run on propane — the rural large-lot properties out here sit off the natural-gas mains — so a gas fire pit means a line plumbed from your tank. The open valley is made for outdoor living, though; plan the pit in late spring and it's ready before entertaining season.
Built for the open valley
Mills River spreads out across open farmland and forest at about 2,100 feet, and that open valley is genuinely good outdoor-living country — room to entertain, long comfortable evenings, and cool mountain air that makes a fire feature welcome most of the year. Because you've got the space, an outdoor pit here isn't crammed against the house the way it is on a small town lot; it can anchor a real gathering spot. The move is to plan it in late spring, so the line's run and the pit's set before you're hosting on the patio in summer and fall.
Propane is the usual fuel out here
The rural, large-lot character of Mills River means most homes sit off the natural-gas mains and run on propane — so a gas fire pit is plumbed from your existing tank, or a new one we coordinate with your supplier. Newer developments occasionally reach a gas line, but propane is the norm. Either way the burner gets built for the fuel it's fed; propane runs hotter and at a different pressure than natural gas, and the jets have to match or the flame burns dirty. The Napoleon Uptown pit we carry is a 60,000-BTU LP unit — a lot of fire for a valley patio.
Licensed line, Henderson permit
Connecting a fire feature to propane is licensed gas work in North Carolina. A hardscaper can build the surround; the fuel side is ours. We run the outdoor-rated line, pull the Henderson County permit, meet the inspector, and pressure-test before you light it. Call (828) 545-0525 for a free quote.
Fireplace help in Mills River
We install and service fireplaces throughout Mills River and the rest of Henderson County — just 25 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
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