LP vs NG: Outdoor Fireplace Fuel Type Buying Guide (2026)
Outdoor fireplace fuel choice is one of the few decisions that's actually permanent. Once you've trenched a gas line, you're committed. Once you've built around an LP tank, you're committed. This guide gets the decision right.
Quick Decision Table
| Question | LP | NG |
|---|---|---|
| Do you already have NG to the house? | Doesn't matter | ✓ Pick NG |
| Renting / not staying long? | ✓ Pick LP | ✗ |
| Want lowest cost-per-burn? | Higher cost | ✓ Pick NG (~40% cheaper) |
| Daily long burns (2+ hours)? | LP tank refills hurt | ✓ Pick NG |
When LP Wins
Renters or short-term owners. LP is portable. NG isn't. Don't trench for a fireplace you'll leave behind in 18 months.
Backyards where the gas line trench is brutal. Rocky soil, hardscape, or 100' from the house meter — LP saves you $1,500–3,000 in trenching.
Occasional users. If you'll burn 6 times a year, a 20-lb LP tank lasts ~12 hours — 2 years of casual use per tank.
When NG Wins
Long-term homeowners. NG is 30–40% cheaper per BTU than LP. Over 10 years, NG saves $1,500–3,000 vs LP for typical use.
Daily long-burn users. A 90,000-BTU fireplace running 3 hours/day burns through a 20-lb LP tank in ~4 days. NG eliminates the tank shuffle.
Existing NG service. If you already have a gas range or NG furnace, the marginal install cost is low.
Cal Flame Models — All Support Both
Every Cal Flame outdoor fireplace (browse the lineup) ships LP standard with NG conversion included. You don't pay extra for NG — it's already in the box. The 22" double burner is rated for both fuels at 90,000 BTU.
Need The Install Spec Sheet?
Request the Cal Flame fireplace install packet — covers gas line sizing, clearances, and the conversion procedure. Free.
Share