Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds Product FAQ's

• Outdoor Cabinets
• Fire Bowls
• Fireplace Surrounds
• Installing Stone or Brick Veneers

Outdoor Cabinets

Do the cabinets require a footing?

Pouring footings is not necessary when installing Kindred Outdoor cabinets. All that is required is an existing 4" concrete slab or concrete paver patio.

Do the cabinets need to be bolted down?

Bolting the cabinets to the surface floor is not required. If desired the use of masonry anchors or foundation bolts can further secure the unit. Do this by drilling through the lower edge into the concrete slab, insert the masonry anchor then tighten. Repeat around the base of the unit.

What do you use to cut cabinets for the appliance cut-outs?

A 4" grinder with a diamond blade is recommended.

How do you install access doors for barbecues?

We offer pre-packaged angled appliance brackets that come with self-tapping screws for easy installation.

Can the cabinets hold a concrete top?

A poured in place or prefabricated concrete top can be installed up to 4" thick.

How are end caps installed?

End caps are installed by simply gluing the edges and unit with an all-purpose concrete glue.

How are backsplash cantilever pieces installed?

Cantilever and edge details can be installed by leveling, bolting and gluing directly to the cabinets.

If you stucco the island do you need a brown coat?

Yes. If stucco is selected as the surface texture, make sure to use fiberglass tape at all cabinet joints, apply a brown coat and final stucco coat.

Can stone or brick be directly applied to the cabinets?

All Kindred Outdoor cabinets come with a factory installed scratch coat, eliminating the need for additional surface preparation. Stone and brick can be installed as soon as the cabinets have been set.

Do the cabinets need to be glued and bolted?

Yes, it is necessary to glue and bolt all cabinets together to create a solid island.

not require a concrete footing.

How Are Backsplash Cantilever Pieces Installed?

Cantilever and edge details can be installed by leveling, bolting and gluing directly to the cabinets.

Is a building permit required when installing Kindred Outdoors?

Please consult with your local building code, however in most cases a building permit is not required since the units are not considered a permanent structure and do

 

Fire Bowls

What is included with the fire bowl?

Fire bowls include CSA certified burner components, key valve, lava rock and nylon carrying strap for positioning bowl in final location.

How do I light the fire bowl?

Our fire bowls use a manual key valve located on the side of the bowl which controls the gas flow. The bowls are match lit using a long lighter or long match.

Can I operate my fire bowl in windy conditions?

Kindred Fire Bowls have been designed to minimize flame blow-out, however it is not recommended to operate our fire bowls in windy conditions. If the flame blows out, turn off the gas immediately and wait until the gas clears before relighting. Never light the fire bowl if you smell gas.

Can I leave the fire bowl outside year-round? Do I need to cover it?

Our fire bowls have been manufactured from a strong Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and can be left outside year-round. Although, each fire bowl has drainage built into the base of each unit, it is recommended to keep the fire bowls covered when not in use. It is recommended you cover the fire bowl during winter months and also to avoid excess dirt and debris from clogging the burner.

Can I install the fire bowl on a deck?

Yes, you can place the fire bowl on a deck surface built to local building codes.

How does the gas line connect?

The fire bowl has been designed for a fixed piping installation of natural gas or liquid propane. The gas line is brought up through the base of the fire bowl either underground or concealed under a deck. The line is then connected to the burner inside the bowl.

Can I burn wood in the fire bowl?

No alternative fuel sources can be burned in the fire bowl, including wood, bio-fuel, ethanol, lighter fluid or any other fuel.

Can I use a different media to cover my burner besides the provided volcanic rock?

Yes, the fire bowl is designed to use approved media when correctly installed over the burner to achieve proper combustion. When using glass media with LP gas, make sure to only cover the burner with enough media to hide it, applying over ½” may create back pressure and gas leakage from the air mixer resulting in LP pooling under the fire ring.

Can I install the fire bowl indoors or in an enclosed area?

Never use this appliance in enclosed spaces. All Kindred Fire Bowls have been designed for outdoors use only.

Who do I call if my burner unit needs servicing?

We suggest our products are serviced by a professional certified in the United States or Canada by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) as NFI Gas Specialist.

Legal Recommendations 

We require our products be installed by professionals that are locally licensed and have jurisdiction in gas piping.

Can the fire bowls be connected to a small LP tank?

Our fire bowl gas components have been tested to meet CSA certification and require a fixed piping system either in natural gas or liquid propane.

Who do I call if my burner unit needs servicing?

We suggest our products are serviced by a professional certified in the United States or Canada by the National Fireplace Institue (NFI) as NFI Gas Specialist. 

 

Fireplace Surrounds

What are Kindred Fireplace Surrounds made of?

Kindred Fireplace Surrounds are made of a blend of limestone aggregates and Portland cement.  The blend includes a fibrous reinforcement that is made of fiberglass, which is used to increase the strength and reduces the weight of the surround.

How are they colored?

The base color for all surrounds is Oyster Shell, which is our natural limestone color.  This color is integral throughout the piece. Aged Teak is also used as a base color. Oak Barrel is achieved by adding an iron oxide color wash.

What are the texture options?

There are two texture options: Honed and Travertine.  Honed is a smoother finish, which is more refined and registered.  Travertine has deliberate holes, fissures, cracks, and depressions to add a unique rustic look.

How are the textures achieved?

Surrounds with a Honed finish are made by spraying in the limestone material through a pressurized nozzle.  This process makes fewer voids in the surface.  The Travertine finish is produced by hand packing the limestone blend into the mold.  Artisans have been trained to place the material in random order, making each piece genuinely different.  Each surround is then refined by a three-step grinding process, beginning with a diamond wheel, then stone, and finally sandpaper.  This process is similar to how natural stone products are finished.

How do they differ from natural stone?

Kindred Fireplace Surrounds are approximately 75% lighter than a comparable solid stone piece, making handling and installation much easier.  Additionally, Kindred Fireplace Surrounds are finished in a similar fashion to natural materials at a fraction of the cost.

What happens if the surround becomes damaged?  Can they be patched?

Chips can be replaced by using the color match caulk as glue to adhere the chip back in place.  Color matched repair kits can also be sent.

What if the color needs to be touched up?

The color on the surround can be touched up using the bottle of color wash included with the purchase of your surround.  First, shake the bottle of color well.  With a small sponge or rag, lightly dab the scratched area with the color.  Start with a small amount, adding more as necessary.  Let dry between coats.  If too much color is added, it can be sanded off using 120-220 grit sandpaper or a Scotch Brite pad.  Oyster Shell or Aged Teak does not come with a color wash bottle; these two colors can be sanded.

Are they combustible?

No, they are not combustible.  However, you should verify that your installation adheres to local building codes and the firebox manufacturer suggested mantel offsets.  Kindred Fireplace Surrounds should not be exposed to direct heat or flame.  The flame spread for the material is zero.  If the fireplace surround is exposed to direct heat, it may discolor and/or crack.

Can they be used outside?

Yes, they can be used for outdoor applications.  Water and sunlight may lighten or darken the surround.  Consult a professional for installation tips.  The wood ledger system should not be used where it might be exposed to water, as rot and warping may occur.  It is also highly suggested the surround be under some kind of covering such as a pergola.

Can they be painted?

Yes.  However, it is recommended to have a primer applied prior to painting.

Can they be customized?

Kindred Fireplace Surrounds are not available as custom made units.  Customization can be done at the time of installation by using the provided filler panels or purchasing additional pieces such as oversized filler panels, hearth risers, and hearth blocks and cutting them to fit specific applications.

Do the pieces come pre-sealed? 

Each unit has been sealed at the factory using a penetrating sealer.  This sealer will protect against many different contaminants.  You should be aware that some items, such as candle wax, wine, and burning logs, can stain the product.  Some stains can be removed with a damp cloth or soap and water and a soft scrub brush.  If the unit is in a high traffic area, additional sealers may be applied on a regular schedule.  With any additional sealers, it is recommended to test the sealer in an inconspicuous area first to determine any color changes that may occur.

How long does a typical installation take?

A typical installation takes two people approximately two to six hours.  Installation can be performed by a range of people from carpenters, masons, tile setters, general contractors and home owners with the proper tools and some DIY skills.

How thick are the trim panels?

The trim panels are about ¾”.  Three colors-matched trim panels come with each surround.

Do the surrounds come in the exact dimensions advertised?

Each surround is hand finished.  Because of this, a ¼” variance is acceptable.

Are the riser blocks solid concrete?

No.  The riser blocks are concrete on the outside and filled with a very dense packed foam.  This helps keep the product light weight and can still be cut through.

Do hearthstones have to be ordered with riser blocks?

It is recommended.  The riser blocks are not finished on top, so adding the hearthstones, or any other type of slab is suggested to give the project a finished look.

Can you install over metal a metal flange?

Yes, Prior to installation, consult the firebox manufacturer for guidance and instructions. Proper clearances and specific installation details may be provided and must be maintained per manufacturer’s recommendations.

In the event the firebox manufacturer’s instructions conflict with the intent of statements made in this document, please contact us at 800-925-1491 for additional assistance.

1. Pre-cut pieces of diamond lathe to attach over metal firebox flanges. Leave the diamond lathe about a ½" short of the inside edge of where the stone trim panels will end around the firebox.
2. Use self-tapping sheet metal screws to attach pre-cut pieces of diamond lathe over the metal firebox flanges.
3. Dry fit the stone trim panels into desired position; there should be a +⁄₋ ¼" caulk joint between the panels. Use a damp sponge to wipe off any dust on the back of the panels.
4. Fill the wire lathe with a ½" cementitious base coat. Depending on the heat output of the fireplace, use either a Polymer Modified Thinset Mortar or Mason Mix.
5. Using a Polymer Modified Thinset Mortar or Heat Resistant Silicone, apply a ¼"– ⅜" thick coating to the entire back of the stone trim panel.
6. Press the coated panel onto the diamond lath; use shims or spacers to get the correct joint spacing.
7. Wipe off any excess mortar mix that has squeezed out.
8. Finish all joints with provided color matched caulking.
9. Allow 24 hours for the mortar to fully cure before use.

 

Installing Stone or Brick Veneers

How Do I Estimate Stone Or Brick Quantities For My Job?

Estimating Stone & Brick Quantities Needed

Two components, flats and corners, are used for most installations. Flats are applied to the flat wall surface and are ordered in square feet. Corners are applied to outside corners and are ordered in linear feet. Wrapping the corner of walls, as well as using corners around window and door openings, provides added dimension and depth and enhances the finished design.

• Step 1: Determine the total project square footage.
  Multiply the length (in feet) times the height (in feet) of each surface area to be covered.
• Step 2: Subtract windows, doors or other openings.
  Calculate the square footage occupied by windows, doors and other openings. Subtract this amount from the project square footage.
• Step 3: Determine the linear footage of corner pieces needed.
  Measure the linear feet of outside corner areas to be covered including any doorways and windows that will have corners.
• Step 4: Determine the square footage of flat pieces required.
  Divide the linear footage of corner pieces needed by 2 (One linear foot of corner veneer equals approximately 0.5 square foot of flat veneer) and subtract this corner square footage from the total project square footage. This will give you the square footage of flat veneer required.
  
  Note: We recommend adding 10%-15% to your final quantities of flats and corners for best fitting, including cutting and trimming.

Can stone or brick be directly applied to the cabinets?

All Kindred Outdoor cabinets come with a factory installed scratch coat, eliminating the need for additional surface preparation. Stone and brick can be installed as soon as the cabinets have been set.

Can we install Stone around a fireplace?

Stone veneers can be installed around a fireplace. The veneer has to be a minimum of 18" from any open flame.