The weather is warming up, and that means spending warm afternoons outside with friends and family. Many times, those afternoons turn into long evenings, and when the sun goes down, there’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a toasty fire to keep the conversation and laughter going. But what do you do when you don’t have a large enough yard, and the only place to put your fire pit is on your deck?Using a fire pit on a deck—whether wood or composite—may seem dangerous or confusing, especially when these materials are similar to what’s burning inside the pit! Concerns for both wood and composite decks range from basic fire risks to warping and cosmetic damage. Wooden decks and composite decks made with materials like Trex or TimberTech are significant investments. Understanding the potential risks and how to mitigate them can go a long way in protecting your outdoor space.
With proper safety precautions, you can safely use a fire pit on decking, whether wood or composite. Below are tips and considerations for ensuring deck fire pit safety:
Stay Alert
The most important rule is simple but essential: never leave a fire pit unattended! This rule applies whether the fire pit is on your wooden or composite deck or anywhere else in your yard. Even with all the safety precautions mentioned here, you can’t control changing winds or sudden, unpredictable sparks.
Keep Water & Fire Extinguisher Close By
Always have water and a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Let your guests know where these are located. If you have an outdoor hose nearby, this task is already taken care of. If not, keep a covered bucket, tub, or pitcher filled with water near the fire pit. This ensures anyone enjoying the fire can quickly extinguish a potentially dangerous situation.
Create a Barrier for Your Fire Pit
Never place a fire pit directly on a wooden or composite deck. The potential risks include fire damage, structural weakening, or cosmetic damage from scorching. Composite decking materials, such as those made with polypropylene or PVC, can warp or melt under high-heat conditions. For instance, polypropylene starts melting at 320°F, PVC at 212°F, and Trex decking can soften as low as 176°F.
To protect your deck, use specially made fire pit mats designed to withstand extreme heat. Alternatively, you can arrange pavers or bricks under the fire pit as a DIY solution. Be cautious when placing pavers on composite decking to avoid scratching the surface.
Location, Location, Location
A fire pit’s heat can damage more than just your deck. The risk of your home catching fire is also very real. The heat from a fire pit can damage siding and lead to costly repairs. To minimize risks, keep your fire pit at least 20 feet away from your home, garage, or any other structure. If your deck is too small to maintain this distance, it’s best not to use a fire pit at all.
Clear the Deck
Before lighting a fire, ensure the area around the fire pit is free of debris. Leaves, pine straw, old newspapers, lighter fluid, or other flammable materials should be relocated as far away as possible. Remember, fires snap, crackle, and pop, sending embers flying. If an ember lands in dry leaves or debris, it could ignite and spread. Sweep the deck before using the fire pit and maintain a clear area around it.
Clean Up Once Cooled
After your fire party, extinguish the fire using the water you kept nearby. Allow the fire pit and its contents to cool completely, typically about 24 hours. Scoop out the ashes and dispose of them in a metal bucket or container. Leaving ashes in the pit can lead to corrosion if they get wet and create a mess if blown onto your deck.
Posted in: Decks, Outdoor Living
Filed under: BEST FIRE PITS FOR DECKS, DECK SAFETY, FIRE PIT DECK, FIRE PIT SAFETY, FIRE PITS ON DECK, COMPOSITE DECK, WOOD DECK MARYLAND, DECK BUILDERS MARYLAND, DECK BUILDERS DELAWARE.