Gas fire pits are generally safe to use on combustible decks if installed properly by an nfi certified professional but you need to check the manufacturer requirements and your city s code before putting any type of fire pit on top of your deck.
Can i put a fire pit on my deck.
There also may be set back rules in play you may be forbidden from installing any kind of firepit within 10 feet of a building structure for example.
The pit weight should not be too high fitting the deck structure.
If you want to make the fire pit safe for a wood deck consider the winds prevailing in your locality.
The key is to take certain safety precautions.
You should never use a fire pit in an enclosed space.
Fire pits both wood burning and gas can be used safely on wood or composite decks provided they are placed a sufficient distance from adjoining structures such as the home and a heat resistant barrier.
With a roaring fire some fire pits can reach 1200 degrees f well above the temperature your wooden deck will combust.
A fire pit especially a bowl shaped design on an uneven surface is a recipe for disaster.
The fire pit should be centered on the pad to ensure the composite deck is properly protected from blowing embers.
Trex decking can soften at about 176 degrees fahrenheit so you have to very cautious on the size of your fire.
To avoid any fire risk hire an nfi certified expert.
Place the fire pit on top of the fire resistant pad.
A savvy homeowner would spend a little money to purchase a good fire pit mat for decking.
Any stray embers should be extinguished immediately to further protect the composite decking.
Make sure your deck surface isn t warped leaning or otherwise uneven before placing down the base for your fire pit.
The heat alone can warp the decking materials as well as embers can burn the deck as well.
How to build a fire pit on a wood deck.
The ground is to be completely level.
Read on to learn how to safely spark a flame even on a deck made of wood.
Smoke is highly toxic and can build up quickly if a fire is not properly ventilated.
Almost no community will allow a wood burning firepit to be positioned on a wood deck for example so always check your local building inspections office for guidance.
How to safely use a fire pit on a wooden deck.
First you should never put a fire pit directly on your deck with no protection.
The last thing you want is for a flaming log to be tipped over onto your deck or worse on a guest s feet.
Find a suitable location.
Well the answer is a little muddy.
It bears repeating that when you are using your fire pit on a wooden deck in the yard or anywhere it should never be left unattended.
However you have to be very careful to protect the wood against the hot temperatures emitted by the fire pit.