Can I put a fire pit on my Deck?
No, a fire pit should not be put directly on a wooden or composite deck. Heat, sparks and flying embers can damage your deck or accidentally start fire. Using a fire pit on deck is against some local ordinance laws and the action can attract fines.
Can you put a fire pit on a deck?
Our answer is a qualified “yes.”. It should be safe to use a propane fire pit on a wood deck, but there are safety precautions that you need to observe. Some alternatives may work just as well and be even safer. Read on to learn more about using a propane fire pit on a wood deck.
Can a fire pit be used on a wooden deck?
It is possible to put a fire pit on a wood deck if it is done with safety in mind. Location of the fire pit, proximity to flammable objects, base protection, and safety guards all help to make fire pits on a wood deck safer.
Are fire pits allowed on decks?
It is not safe to place a wood burning fire pit on top of a wooden, composite, or vinyl deck, unless it has been okayed by the manufacturer and city code, and it is placed on top of a non-combustible base, like concrete or natural stone. The base also needs to extend out at least 24 inches all the way around the fire pit.
How Hot Does a Fire Pit Get?
Can You Put a Fire Pit On a Deck?
What temperature does polypropylene melt?
How tall should a pergola be for a fire pit?
What is composite decking made of?
What is fire rating?
How far away should a fire pit be from a house?
See 2 more
What fire pits are safe for decks?
Which Fire Pit is Safer, Gas, or Wood-Burning?Wood-burning Fire Pits are not safe to have on a wooden deck. ... In contrast, gas fire pits are safe for a wooden deck because they don't produce embers and burn lower temperatures. ... Knowing what kind of deck you have will help inform what is safe for your home and family.More items...•
Can you put a fire pit table on a deck?
Never put a fire pit directly on a wood deck. Only place it on a non-combustible surface. So long as you are following all safety guidelines and are using a quality product, yes, you can use it on your deck safely.
What can I put under my fire pit to protect my decking?
Use Pavers Underneath the Fire Pit There are specially made fire pit mats, which are made to withstand the extremely high temperatures a pit can reach. Or simply arrange pavers or bricks in the area where your fire pit will be placed. These will protect the deck from being damaged by high temperatures.
What do you put under a fire pit?
What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.
What surface should a fire pit be on?
Portable fire pits need to be placed on fire-resistant surfaces like a brick patio or over stone pavers. Flying embers can be a fire risk if you put your portable fire pit directly onto your grass or place it on a wooden deck.
How do I make my deck fireproof?
To make an existing deck more fireproof, use a flame-retardant spray. You might also add metal sheathing around the base timbers to create more fire-resistant decks. Ask your local home improvement professional for the best recommendation.
Can you put a fire pit under a covered deck?
Wood burning fire pits should not be used under a covered patio. Wood produces thick, toxic smoke and if there's not enough air flow, it can build up quickly and deplete the space of oxygen. A fire pit with a wide burning area like this one needs to be used in a clear, open space.
Should I put something under my fire pit?
First, level the surface. A fire pit should never be placed on a slope or incline. Then, to protect the grass, put a heat resistant mat underneath the fire pit.
How do I protect the bottom of my fire pit?
One of the easiest ways you can keep a wood burning fire pit in good shape is by adding sand to the bottom of the pit, whether it's in-ground or a moveable steel container. The sand will insulate and absorb heat, containing the fire and protecting the pit materials.
Why use a spark screen?
Do: Use a spark screen to help prevent sparks or embers from escaping your fire pit and causing damage to your decking .
How far should you leave a fire?
Many fire experts suggest that you should leave a minimum distance of 10 ft from any of the listed items.
Can you use a fire pit on composite decking?
Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood and plastic and normally you should avoid lighting a fire on a plastic surface at all costs. However, you can use fire pits on composite decking as long as you follow two simple rules. Firstly, provide the surrounding area with enough protection so the heat does not transfer to the decking.
Is composite decking better than wood?
In recent years composite decking has become more and more popular as people try to increase the lifespan of garden transformations. A composite deck is much longer-lasting than a wooden deck and takes less treatment to keep it looking good, but can you put a fire pit on composite decking?
Can you put a fire pit on a wooden deck?
Hot ash, embers, and sparks can very easily and quickly make burn marks on your wood. This will not only damage the wooden deck but also make it very unsightly. The other main concern is that putting a hot fire pit on a wooden deck can easily create a fire hazard that could be avoided.
Can you move a fire pit when it's hot?
Don’t: Try to move your fire pit whilst it is hot, or try to empty it. As fire pits are made from metal they will remain hot for some time after use. Any hot ash or embers still left within the fire pit will still be able to damage your decking.
Can you light a fire pit in the wrong weather?
Do: Always have a look at the weather conditions before you light your fire pit. Using it in the wrong weather conditions can easily lead to problems and may end up causing damage to your decking .
Is it Safe to Have a Fire Pit on Your Deck?
Fire and wood don’t tend to mix, however, if you’re dead set on keeping a fire pit on your deck, here’s what you need to know.
What does cooler weather mean for a fire pit?
Cooler weather means it’s time to set up the fire pit and roast some marshmallows or just warm up a tad by the flames. While some homeowners may build or purchase fire pits in their yards, others may prefer to keep their fire pits closer to their homes. If you’re considering putting or making a fire pit on your deck, read on.
How far away from home can you put a fire pit?
Some towns do not allow for open flames within 20 feet of one’s domicile. If this is the case, you’ll need to reconsider your fire pit placement. If the town’s code allows for a fire pit on your deck, you’ll need to consider space restraints and the type of fire pit you’d like to install. Plus, you should plan to keep a fire extinguisher near by in case of emergencies.
What is a deck made of?
Most decks are made of combustible materials like wood, composite or vinyl. Further this outdoor area is usually located nearer to a house. An open fire pit produces heat, sparks and flying embers that can damage your deck or accidentally cause fire that will raze nearby properties.
Why do you need a spark screen for a fire pit?
Fire pit spark screen will also be needed to help in containing flying embers and sparks from moving out of the fire pit to your deck or nearby items . There is also need to protect your concrete patio from fire pit heat by using a fire mat.
How far away should a fire pit be from a house?
In most cases, a fire pit should be put at least 20-25 feet away from a house or other structures. In roofed structures, the roof should be at least 6 feet above the pit. Additionally, you’ll want to clear anything combustible from your deck including patio umbrellas, furniture, railings and plants that can catch fire.
What is the best time to have a fire pit?
A calm evening without speeding wind becomes the right time to enjoy a fire pit outdoors. Heavy breeze not only blow away your flames but also spread sparks and flying embers to nearby materials that can catch fire. This puts your deck, house, and other valuables items at fire risk.
Can wood be burned in a fire pit?
Wood and composite are combustible materials that can be damaged or ignited by heat, sparks or flying embers coming from a fire pit. You should consider using a heat-proof material underneath your portable fire pit or fire ring for your permanent fire pit.
Can you open a fire pit outside?
Begin by revisiting local ordinances regulating use of fire pits in your residential area. Some municipalities allow open flames outdoors but with conditions that define a safe distance from structures, the size of fire pit and on-site emergency preparedness.
Can you use a wood burning fire pit on a composite deck?
However, that does not spell doom to your desire for memorable outdoor moments around dancing flames with friends or family. You can safely use gas or wood burning fire pit on your wood or composite deck without damaging your expensive investment or starting a wildfire by adhering to few guidelines.
Is it Safe to Put a Fire Pit on Your Deck?
Wondering if you can use a fire pit on a wood deck or another type of deck? Whether you can safely use a fire pit on your deck or not depends on whether you are purchasing a safe, high-quality product and using it correctly. More specifically:
What is Outland Living?
Outland Living is the premier brand for outdoor patio and camping equipment. We love to share our knowledge with you. Read more about patios and gardening.
How much clearance do you need for an outdoor fire pit?
The exact clearance requirements depend on the product and manufacturer, so you need to consult your manual for the amounts. With Outland Living fire pits, you need 36 inches of clearance on all sides as well as 80 inches of clearance above.
What is the fire guard on the Outland Living Oakridge?
Use spark screens as a barrier for wood-burning models. The Outland Living Oakridge features a flame guard to keep sparks and embers from flying out of the pit.
Can you use a propane fire pit during a fire ban?
If seasonal or year-round burn bans are in effect, be sure to choose a propane fire pit rather than a wood-burning one, and confirm with your local fire authority that it is acceptable for use during the ban. That way you will not be dealing with an open flame within the context of your local municipal regulations.
Should you sweep away combustibles before using a fire pit?
Sweep away these combustibles before you use the pit. Be ready to put out the fire if necessary. If you follow all safety recommendations for the product you have selected, you should not have any issues. But it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Does Outland Living use natural gas?
Outland Living offers a Natural Gas Kit with a hose to convert our propane models to run on natural gas. The kit is compatible with the Standard, Deluxe, and Mega models.
How to contact Trex decking?
Call us today at 248-478-8660 in the Detroit area or 847-920-7601 in the Chicago area. Finally, we can answer any questions you have about Trex composite decks and your options.
What is the best way to prevent heat from escaping from a deck?
Insulated walls of stone or other types of materials are used to prevent heat from escaping. Deck Protect is another product that is used to prevent fire damage to your deck. Also, you can have a new custom-built deck that encompasses the fire pit and does not have the fire pit directly on the deck.
Can Trex decking be installed on top of a firepit?
Trex decking can soften at about 176 degrees Fahrenheit so you have to very cautious about the size of your fire. In addition, never install the firepit directly on top of the deck. A gas type fire pit is a much better option than a wood-burning one
Can you put a fire pit on a deck?
Well, the answer is a little muddy. First, you should never put a fire pit directly on your deck with no protection. The heat alone can warp the decking materials as well as embers can burn the deck as well.
How Hot Does a Fire Pit Get?
A wood-burning fire pit can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,100 Celsius (Source: Sciencing.com) .
Can You Put a Fire Pit On a Deck?
I think we’ve cleared up this question but, yes, you can safely use a fire pit on de cking, both wood and composite if you take certain steps related to fire pit location and having something in between your fire pit and the deck. More on that below.
What temperature does polypropylene melt?
Polypropylene can start melting at 320° F and PVC at 212° F; Trex itself has stated publicly ...
How tall should a pergola be for a fire pit?
Understand though, that discoloration of the pergola may occur with extended wood-burning fire pit use. Also, the usual minimum height of a pergola is about 8 ft so ensure your fire pit fires don’t get to a point where flames pose an ignition risk.
What is composite decking made of?
If you are unfamiliar with composite decking, it’s essentially decking that is usually made from a combination of wood fibers, hardwood flour (yes, that’s a thing), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics – some brands don’t include any wood or wood byproducts at all.
What is fire rating?
The fire rating classes mentioned in the FAQs are part of a standardized letter classification scale ranging from A-E . This scale expresses how fast a fire would spread on a particular material, in this case, composite decking boards.
How far away should a fire pit be from a house?
When choosing a spot for your fire pit it’s generally recommended that it should be located approximately 20-30 feet from structures, your home in particular.
