Using this outdoor gas fire pit is super easy. First, make sure you have a 40,000 BTU propane tank (it's not included, so you'll need to get one). Place the tank inside the closure of the fire pit. Then, use the control panel to ignite the flame. You can easily adjust the flame level according to how much heat you want. There's no need to assemble anything, so you can start using it right away. As for maintenance, keep the fire pit clean. Wipe it down regularly to keep the brown brick and wood - look finish looking nice. When not in use, make sure to turn off the propane tank to avoid any safety issues. Also, don't forget that the lava rocks are for decoration and help spread the heat, so leave them in place for the best experience.