Before the summer comes to an end, it's a good idea to check for problems and get them taken care of before your local gas professional is up to his/her eyeballs in service calls for heating appliances. Fireside Expressions is here once again to arm you with helpful tips and information on how you can check to see if your gas connections are in safe working order! We'll explain how to perform a simple test to determine if your quarter-turn shut off valve is leaking or not.

We all know that a fire feature is likely to make quite a statement in your backyard. Whether you are considering the addition of a fire pit to the center of your lawn, or wanting to grace your poolscape with a monumental display of our famous concrete fire bowls, an outdoor living space is only complete with an accompaniment of dancing flames! 

Propane is an extremely efficient fuel source for your outdoor product, but did you know that if you lack the proper components during installation that your feature can display soot over time? Many people associate this black residue with the burn process of a wood fire, but propane is perfectly capable of producing soot if your feature isn't configured accurately. Join us for a special blog post on this matter and get a dose of #WednesdayWisdom!

We're sure you've heard of our world famous outdoor concrete bowls by now, but do are you familiar with origin of these unique features? Where they came from or the process that goes into producing each individual piece? We're excited to debut these lovely outdoor creations in our focus on American-made products for the month of July! Let us tell you more about these great products so that you can learn all about what makes our concrete fire and water bowls so popular and special!

There's nothing quite like the enjoyment of a fire in your own backyard! Gathering close to feel the warmth of the sizzling flames while you and your loved ones reminisce together under the starlit night is the perfect end to a long summer day. What makes your backyard bonfire even more delightful is the ability to experience it safely. We have some terrific safety screens that will keep sparks and embers inside the fire pit where they belong. But is this mesh barrier really necessary with concrete fire bowls? 

If you are planning on installing an outdoor fire feature, or perhaps converting your wood-burning fire pit to a gas-fueled option, you'll need to decide if you want to use natural gas or propane. What many people don't know is that there is a big difference between the two. So much, in fact, that additional ventilation and an air mixer are required in order to ensure that your propane accent is operating properly. Fireside Expressions is here to explain the difference between the two gasses, and why it is so important for propane to be properly aerated!

If you happen to live by the ocean, it can very tempting to fill your scupper bowl with salt water and bring that organic scent and ambiance to your nautical outdoor space. There are some important things you need to know about attempting this! Fireside Expressions takes a closer look at this seemingly harmless outdoor décor faux pas. 

Copper is a beautiful and durable material. We love the fact that so many of our outdoor products are fabricated from this brilliant metal. Over time, with constant exposure to the environmental elements, the natural oxidation process will encourage an aqua-tinged patina to form on the surface of your copper feature. A lot of our customers love the old-world look that this coating exudes. However, there are also those that prefer the shimmery, auburn appearance that this metal is known for. In order to restore copper to its original sheen and maintain its gorgeous look, simply utilize some everyday "staples" that you probably have inside your pantry or fridge!