How to Light Your Propane Fire Table for the First Time

Your fire table just arrived. The pallet's on your patio, the packaging is off, and the table is gorgeous. Now what?

If this is your first propane fire table, the setup is simpler than you'd think — most of our customers are up and burning in under 15 minutes. Here's exactly what to do.

What You'll Need

  • The fire table (with the hose and regulator that came in the box)
  • A standard 20 lb propane tank (the kind your grill probably uses — sold at any hardware store or grocery store for ~$20–30, plus a refill fee)
  • A long lighter or fireplace match (only for older models without electronic ignition — most of ours have push-button)
  • 5–10 minutes

Step 1: Place the Table

Set the table on a flat, level surface. Concrete patio, stone pavers, or a deck rated for weight are all fine. Leave at least 10 feet of clearance from your house, fence, overhead branches, awnings, or anything flammable. Don't place it under a covered patio or pergola roof unless that roof is rated for open flame underneath (most aren't).

Step 2: Open the Access Door

Every Elementi fire table has a hinged or magnetic door on one side that hides the tank compartment. Open it. Inside you'll find the regulator hose already connected to the burner.

Step 3: Connect the Propane Tank

  1. Make sure the tank valve is fully closed (turn the knob clockwise until it stops).
  2. Lift the propane tank into the compartment. It rests on the floor of the tank well.
  3. Take the regulator nut (the brass fitting at the end of the hose) and screw it onto the tank valve. It threads counterclockwise — that's not a typo. Hand-tight is enough. Do not use a wrench.

Step 4: Open the Tank Valve

Turn the tank valve slowly counterclockwise, just one or two turns. You'll hear a soft hiss as gas reaches the regulator. That's normal. If the hiss is loud or constant, close the valve, double-check your connection, and try again.

Step 5: Listen for Leaks (30 Seconds)

Wait 30 seconds with your face away from the tank. Sniff for propane (it has a rotten-egg smell added so you can detect it). If you smell gas at the connection, close the tank valve and re-tighten the fitting before continuing.

For extra peace of mind, dab some soapy water on the connection — if you see bubbles forming, there's a leak. Pro tip: do this once when you first set up, then once a season after.

Step 6: Ignite

Push the ignition button on the control panel (it's usually on the rim of the table near the gas knob). You'll hear a click-click-click as the spark fires. Within a few seconds, the flame should catch across the burner.

If it doesn't light in 10 seconds: turn off the gas knob, wait 1 minute for any gas to dissipate, then try again.

Step 7: Adjust the Flame

The control knob adjusts flame height. Turn it slowly to find the height you like. A medium-low flame is plenty for ambiance. Turn it higher when you actually want the heat (cool evenings, larger group around the table).

Step 8: When You're Done

  1. Turn the control knob to OFF.
  2. Close the tank valve (turn fully clockwise).
  3. Wait until the flame is fully out before walking away.
  4. Let the table cool fully — 30 minutes minimum — before placing the canvas cover on it.

Safety Habits That Matter

  • Never move the table while lit. Wait for it to cool.
  • Don't burn it under a cover. The canvas cover is for when the table is off and cool, not for use during burning.
  • Keep kids and pets supervised. The rim of the table gets hot. So does the metal lid if you have one.
  • Check the hose annually. Look for cracks, brittleness, or corrosion. Replacement hoses are inexpensive.
  • Store the propane tank outside. Never in a garage, basement, or shed. Direct sunlight is fine; enclosed spaces are not.

How Long Will a Tank Last?

A full 20 lb propane tank gives you roughly 8–12 hours of burn time on a 45,000 BTU fire table, or 6–9 hours on a 60,000 BTU table. Most people get a season or more out of a single tank if they're using the table for evening ambiance rather than constant max heat. Keep a spare tank on hand for the night the first one runs out mid-conversation — it will happen.

You're Done

That's it. Once it's lit, it's lit — there's nothing to babysit. Pull up chairs, pour a drink (we have suggestions), and enjoy the table you bought.

If you run into anything strange — the flame won't catch, the regulator feels off, the smell of propane lingers — don't push through. Email us. We answer fast and we'd rather walk you through a fix than have you frustrated.

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