The utmost professional stone landscaping is done with Techo-Bloc.  When built correctly with Techo-bloc, a fire pit is safe to use and enjoy. Fire brick or a metal pit liner on the inside with interlocking pavers or natural stone on the outside are common solutions. There are also concrete paver kits that are designed to be used as either gas or wood fire pits.

The beautifully crafted, natural appeal of Techo-bloc creates inspiring art scapes.  Techo-bloc provided pre-packaged kits for integration with the landscape design.  The kit is not pre-assembled and contains 90mm and 180mm walls, caps, and fire-resistant steel insert in square or oval configuration.  The Techo-bloc kit can accommodate wood burning, natural gas, or propane-fueled fires.

Kiln-fired brick is safe to use in an aboveground fire pit. These bricks are typically fired to 1800ºF and easily withstand the heat of flames. Landscaping brick that’s been kiln-fired is safe to use. The best stone for a fire pit are hard rocks like granite, marble, or slate which are much denser, and less likely to absorb water and explode when exposed to heat. Other rocks that are safe to include fire-rated brick, lava glass, lava rocks, and poured concrete. Techo-bloc kits have YouTube videos to help with installation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfip25NobEk.

Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplace Maintenance

• Keep undergrowth around the fireplace down to decrease fire hazard.
• Creosote sweeping logs may help loosen creosote, but it is not a replacement for a thorough cleaning.
• If you chip the creosote off the inside of the chimney and its 1/8^th inch thick, it’s time for a cleaning. If it’s 1/4^th inch thick, you risk starting a chimney fire.
• Use a broom to remove any leaves, partially burnt wood, or other debris. Dust off the mantle and hearth with a whisk. Remove any soot or ash that you may have missed by using an outdoor vacuum or a shop vac.
• Dip a stiff-bristled brush into warm, soapy water or hearth cleaner before scrubbing the inside and outside of the fireplace to remove buildup. Spray areas of the fireplace with water as you clean.  Wipe the area with a clean towel to remove caked-on grime.
• This job can be contracted out to local landscapers or chimney sweeps.

Outdoor Wood-Burning Fire Pit Maintenance

• If you are using your outdoor fire pit for cooking, be sure to remove any residue around the fire pit.
• Remove spark screen and clean with a stiff whisk brush and warm, soapy water. A wire brush may be required if extreme build-up is present. Hardwood ash combined with adequate water to form a paste is also an effective cleaner.
• Remove large debris such as large pieces of wood that have not been completely burned and save to be burned later.
• Coals can remain live for days or even weeks. Scoop out ashes by first sweeping them to the center of the pit and place them in a non-flammable container.  Then inspect any drain or ventilation openings for blockage or clogs.

Outdoor Gas Fireplace and Gas Fire Pit Maintenance

• Before performing any maintenance on a gas fire pit, be sure the gas valve is turned off.
• If anything seems off about the unit, be sure to have it inspected by a professional, licensed serviceman. Contact your gas supplier.
• If the gas fireplace has a fan, be sure that it is working properly.
• Be sure that the ventilation system on any gas fireplace is working properly.
• Clean the glass on the doors of a gas fireplace every 1-2 months to prevent build-up of soot. Special glass cleaners for gas fireplaces are available in the fireplace accessories section.
• Clean fake logs with a soft-bristled brush at least once every month.
• The pilot light can be turned off during months when the fire pit or fireplace is not in use.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines in terms of which cleaning solutions to use for the individual components of any gas fire pit or gas fireplace, otherwise you risk voiding your warranty.
• Have your gas fireplace or fire pit inspected by a professional serviceman once each year. Failure to do so can result in possible injury.

For more information contact Pantano nursery and landscape supply at 143 County Road 522 Manalapan, NJ 07726 PH: (732) 786-8503   https://www.pantanonursery.com/wholesale-perennials/