An outdoor gas fireplace gives a patio a permanent focal point with a real flame and no wood smoke. It is also a heavy, plumbed appliance that needs a proper base, the right fuel setup and real clearance from anything that can burn. This guide covers fuel, BTU, clearances, foundations, wind, ignition and permits, using the Cal Flame fireplaces we sell and Cal Flame’s owner’s manual as the reference.
Cal Flame outdoor gas fireplaces at a glance
Cal Flame builds three body styles (the 901, 903 and 905 families), each in compact, bottom mantel and wide versions. Per Cal Flame’s product pages, every one uses a 22 inch double burner rated at 90,000 BTU, a 34 x 19 x 18 inch firebox, a galvanized steel frame with Hardiebacker board, and a 24 inch log set. So you are choosing height, footprint, mantel and price, not heat.
| Model (Cal Flame number) | W x D x H (in) | Weight | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo (FRP-901-1) | 46 x 28 x 59 | 600 lb | $5,300 |
| Sahara (FRP-901-3) | 72 x 41 x 59 | 650 lb | $6,000 |
| Indio (FRP-903-1) | 46 x 28 x 81 | 600 lb | $5,500 |
| Cancun (FRP-903-2) | 48 x 41 x 81 | 650 lb | $5,800 |
| Tahiti (FRP-903-3) | 72 x 41 x 81 | 690 lb | $6,200 |
| Ladero (FRP-905-1) | 46 x 28 x 79 | 600 lb | $5,900 |
| Durango (FRP-905-2) | 48 x 41 x 79 | 600 lb | $6,400 |
| Key West (FRP-905-3) | see note | 600 lb | $7,100 |
Notes: Cal Flame’s site spells the FRP-905-1 “Laredo”; same model. For the Key West, Cal Flame’s spec table says 48 inches wide but its feature list says 72, so confirm with us before planning around it. Cal Flame does not sell these direct; its pages show “Call for Price”, so there was no factory price to compare. All ship with free freight (orders of $999 or more). You can see the full range on our Cal Flame brand page.
Propane vs natural gas outdoor fireplace
Cal Flame’s owner’s manual says its fireplaces ship set up for natural gas, and converting to propane takes a separately sold LP kit installed by an authorized technician. Some listings (ours and Cal Flame’s) say “Propane | Natural Gas”, so if you want propane, call us before ordering to confirm the LP kit, since the manual says it is sold separately.
Natural gas: the line run
Per the manual, the gas pipe from the house to the fireplace needs to be 3/4 inch and end in a shutoff valve with a 1/2 inch male fitting, and the fireplace connects with a 3/8 inch NPT flexible line rated for outdoor use. The shutoff must be easy to reach near the fireplace. The manual also says to check gas requirements with a contractor or your local inspector.
Propane: the tank and its enclosure
Converted units run on a standard 20 lb cylinder (about 12 inches across and 18 inches tall per the manual) with an OPD valve. The fireplace has no tank compartment. The manual says the cylinder must sit in a separate vented enclosure, never inside the fireplace or under the hearth, with vents at floor level and at valve height and a non-locking door you can open without tools.
Run time, our math: the manual describes a 20 lb tank as about 5 gallons, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration lists propane at 91,452 BTU per gallon. That is roughly 457,000 BTU, or about 5 hours with the burner on high at 90,000 BTU an hour, and longer on a lower flame. On natural gas, 90,000 BTU an hour is about 0.9 therm an hour (EIA: 1 therm equals 100,000 BTU).
BTU: what 90,000 means outside
BTU is the burner’s maximum gas input per hour, not how warm your chairs will be. Outdoors, much of the heat rises and blows away, and a fireplace sends its heat forward through one opening. Plan seating in front of the firebox, outside the 6 foot clear zone below.
Outdoor gas fireplace clearance requirements
These figures come only from the Cal Flame fireplace owner’s manual. The manual gives more than one number in places, so we list each one; use the larger figure where they differ and confirm with your local inspector.
| Area | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| All directions | At least 24 inches from flammable materials, including overhead patio covers and equipment covers |
| Sides | Warranty section: minimum clearance of 3 feet on each side is mandatory |
| Front | Keep flammable materials at least 6 feet from the front of a lit fireplace |
| Above the chimney | No flammable materials within at least 4 to 6 feet, including tree branches |
| Enclosures | Never in a garage, shed, breezeway or under a sealed overhead structure |
| House windows | Avoid placing near windows that open into living areas |
Base, foundation and weight
At 600 to 690 lb, these are not deck furniture. The manual calls for a level foundation of quality cement 2 to 4 inches thick and says gravel, tile and other loose or uneven surfaces are not adequate. Avoid spots where water pools; the warranty excludes damage from an unlevel base or standing water. The manual also says never to move it without help and a dolly or cart.
Wind and ignition
The manual says not to use the fireplace in windy conditions and calls for a windbreak or landscaping in consistently windy spots.
Cal Flame’s fireplaces light with a push-button spark igniter powered by one AA battery: hold the button, turn the gas knob, and the manual says it should light within 5 seconds. If it does not light within 10 seconds, shut off the gas and wait five minutes. Replace the battery at least yearly.
Permits and a licensed gas fitter
The manual recommends a licensed contractor and says installation must follow local codes (or the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, where none exist). Its warranty says gas lines must be installed by a qualified plumber or gas company agent, and unlicensed installation voids it. Call your building department about a permit before you pour the slab, and leave gas line and LP conversion work to a licensed pro.
Outdoor fireplace vs fire pit
A fireplace gives you a backdrop, directional heat and a taller exhaust point. A fire pit gives you a circle of seats and keeps views open. Our listings for the Mojave fire pit (38 x 60 x 25 inches, $4,000) and the Mesa fire pit (38 x 38 x 25 inches, $3,500) list 90,000 BTU, propane as standard and natural gas conversion by a certified technician, the reverse of the fireplaces. Both offer a glass windguard upgrade. See our fire pit buying guide for more.
Outdoor gas vs outdoor electric fireplace
An outdoor rated electric fireplace needs only wiring, no gas line or slab, but it is a covered patio product with a fraction of the heat: the units in our outdoor electric fireplace guide list about 5,000 BTU, against 90,000 for a Cal Flame gas fireplace. For install and running cost math, see electric fireplace vs gas fireplace cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Cal Flame outdoor fireplace run on propane?
Yes, with conversion. Cal Flame’s manual says the fireplaces ship for natural gas and can be converted to propane with a separately sold LP kit installed by an authorized technician, with the tank kept in a separate vented enclosure.
How close can an outdoor gas fireplace be to the house?
For Cal Flame, the manual lists at least 24 inches from combustibles in every direction, 3 feet on each side, 6 feet in front, and 4 to 6 feet clear above the chimney, and says to avoid windows that open into the home. Use the larger number and check local code.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor gas fireplace?
Often, yes, especially for a new gas line. Rules vary by city, so call your building department first.
Can I burn wood in a gas outdoor fireplace?
No. The manual prohibits wood, charcoal, compressed logs and any other solid fuel.
Sources: Cal Flame product pages (for example the Cabo FRP-901-1 and Tahiti FRP-903-3), the Cal Flame fireplace owner’s manual (LTR50001006), and the EIA British thermal units page. For returns, see our return and refund policy.
Planning a gas line or comparing models? Call us at 866-777-2590, Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM PST.
