Adding a Gas Log Insert to Your Broken Arrow Outdoor Fireplace

Many Broken Arrow homeowners have masonry outdoor fireplaces they love the look of but rarely use — because managing wood fires requires planning, effort, and time that busy schedules don’t always accommodate. The solution that converts a rarely-used fireplace into an everyday feature is a gas log insert: a vented gas log set installed in the existing firebox that gives you the look and warmth of fire with push-button convenience.

How Gas Log Conversion Works

Converting an outdoor masonry fireplace to gas involves three components:

1. Gas Supply Line

Natural gas or propane must be piped to the fireplace location. This requires a licensed plumber to:

• Assess the existing gas system and confirm capacity for the additional load
• Run a dedicated supply line from the home’s gas main (or a propane tank) to the fireplace location
• Install a shutoff valve accessible at the fireplace
• Pressure test the line before connecting any appliance

The gas line run is typically the most variable cost in the conversion, depending on how far the fireplace is from the nearest gas supply point. A fireplace attached to the home with a gas meter on the adjacent wall is a simple, low-cost connection. A freestanding fireplace in the back corner of a large yard is a longer, more expensive run.

2. Vented Gas Log Set

A vented gas log set is placed inside the existing firebox on top of a gas burner. The set includes:

• Ceramic or refractory logs arranged in a realistic wood fire configuration
• A gas burner rated for the firebox dimensions and outdoor application
• Either a manual valve (turn the gas on, light with a match or long lighter) or an electronic ignition system (push-button or remote-controlled)

Important: Only vented gas log sets are appropriate for outdoor fireplace installations. The existing flue handles combustion air and exhaust exactly as it does with wood fires. Ventless (vent-free) log sets are not designed for outdoor applications and should not be installed in outdoor fireplaces.

3. Ignition System

Gas log sets are available with several ignition options:

• Manual (key valve) — the most straightforward option. Turn a key valve to open the gas, light with a long-reach lighter or match, and adjust the flame height with the valve. Simple, reliable, and least expensive.
• Standing pilot — a continuously burning pilot light ignites the main burner when the valve is opened. More convenient than manual lighting but uses a small amount of gas continuously.
• Electronic intermittent pilot (millivolt or IPI) — the pilot ignites on demand, then ignites the main burner. Can be connected to a wall switch, remote control, or smart home system. The most convenient option for regular use.

Choosing the Right Gas Log Set for Your Outdoor Fireplace

BTU Output

Outdoor fireplaces are open environments — heat disperses into the surrounding air rather than being contained in an indoor space. A gas log set that would adequately heat an indoor living room is likely underpowered for an outdoor fireplace intended to provide meaningful warmth to a seating area. For outdoor applications, look for log sets with 60,000–100,000 BTU output. This may feel like more than you’d expect, but the open environment and dispersed radiant heat delivery justifies the higher BTU rating.

Flame Appearance

Gas log sets vary significantly in flame realism. Budget log sets produce uniform, mechanical-looking flames. Premium sets with well-designed burner configurations and high-quality log arrangements produce a much more convincing simulation of a wood fire — varied flame heights, good color (yellow flames, not just blue), and natural flicker characteristics.

For an outdoor fireplace that’s a visual centerpiece, the investment in a premium log set with good flame realism is worth it. You’ll be looking at this fire for years, and the difference between a convincing and an unconvincing fire is immediately obvious.

Log Set Sizing

Log sets must be properly sized for the firebox opening. Measure the firebox width and height before selecting a log set — a set too small for the firebox looks awkward; a set too large won’t fit properly or may block the throat. Most manufacturers provide sizing guidelines based on firebox dimensions.

What Doesn’t Change

A gas log insert uses the existing fireplace’s firebox, smoke chamber, and flue without modification in most cases. The exterior masonry, stone surround, mantel, and overall fireplace structure remain intact. You keep the visual presence and character of your masonry outdoor fireplace and gain the operational convenience of gas.

The spark arrestor cap at the flue top remains in place — it continues to prevent rain and debris from entering the flue and is an appropriate feature with gas fires as well.

VistaScapes Coordinates Outdoor Fireplace Gas Conversions

We manage the complete gas log conversion process for Broken Arrow homeowners — assessing your existing fireplace, coordinating with a licensed plumber for the gas line installation, sourcing and installing the appropriate log set, and testing the complete system before the project is complete. You don’t have to manage separate contractors or figure out which log set is appropriate for your specific firebox dimensions.

If you’re also planning to build a new outdoor fireplace and want gas as the initial installation (rather than converting from wood), we design and build gas-ready fireplaces from the start — with the gas stub-out built in, the log set installed, and the ignition system wired as part of the original project.

Call us at 918-779-1317 to discuss your outdoor fireplace gas conversion or new outdoor fireplace project.