Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Wood or Composite Deck?

A deck may seem like the perfect spot for building a fire to gather around, talk, make smores, and relax. However, that will only be the case if you do so safely because otherwise, it can be an extremely hazardous decision. So can you put a fire pit on a wood or composite deck?

While you should never place a fire directly on a wood or composite deck, some fire pits can be safely used on the deck. To do so safely, you need to make sure there is sufficient distance between the fire and structures and use a heat-resistant barrier.

In this article, you will learn the right way to use a fire pit on a wood deck or a composite deck, safety suggestions for location and precautions. In addition, you will discover potential products that you can use and instructions for making your own fire shield.

Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Wood Deck?

A wood deck can be flammable and it is important to never place a fire directly on the surface. However, doing so can not only be a safety hazard, but it can cause a lot of issues with the deck itself. The heat can weaken the deck supports and reduce the deck’s lifespan. In some instances, it can even make the deck unsafe by weakening the structural components, especially after regular use of the fire pit.

Fire can also cause burn marks and other cosmetic damage that you probably want to avoid. The real danger, though, is that the flames and sparks could even catch the deck or other surrounding structures on fire. The flames themselves, as well as the damage they can cause, could cause harm to surrounding structures, people, pets, and your yard.

However, even though you can’t put the fire directly on the wood deck, it is possible to safely use a fire pit on a wood deck as long as you take the necessary precautions. There are fire pits made specifically for use on a wood deck and other options that can create a safe area to contain any potential flames, heat, and stray embers and sparks.

If you decide to do so, just make sure that you have a fire pit pad or other non-flammable material to protect the deck wood under and around the fire pit and any necessary fire and heat barriers.

Both wood-burning and propane fire pits can be used on wood decks with the right setup and technique, but each one has different concerns. Propane gas fire pits are safer because of a couple of reasons. First, they do not spit sparks as wood-burning fire pits do. Second, they can be controlled better and the heat is less likely to climb exceptionally high.

If you do want to use a wood-burning fire pit, then you need to double-check the manufacturer suggestions because many decks are only approved for use with propane fire pits or at least require treatment before using a wood-burning fire pit on the surface of the materials, even with a heat and fire barrier.

That being said, it is generally recommended that you use propane fire pits when possible and you are more likely to find propane fire pits that are approved for use on a wood deck. Either way, you must follow instructions and take the right precautions like sufficient distance from buildings, a fire pad, and a flame and heat barrier. Later in the article, you can find considerations and methods for safely using a fire pit on a wood deck.

Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Composite Deck?

Composite decks are a popular option, but some people sometimes mistakenly believe that since they are not made out of 100 percent real wood, they are not flammable like a wood deck would be. Composite decks are made out of a combination of wood and wood particles along with plastic and recycled materials. They are popular because it lasts longer than wood with less maintenance, but they are still susceptible to fire damage, so you should never put a fire pit directly on the material.

The use of certain materials in composite decking makes it even more vulnerable to damage from excessive heat than a completely wooden deck. While the composite deck can also catch on fire, a lot of the potential hazards and damage comes from the high heat that a fire pit produces.

The heat from a fire pit can cause damage to the composite decking and make it warp. This occurs because of the use of certain plastics like polypropylene and PVC and in extreme cases, the composite deck can even begin to melt. While manufacturers will have their own temperature limits that can be much lower, these plastics can begin to melt at 212 degrees Fahrenheit for PVC and 320 degrees Fahrenheit for polypropylene.

In turn, this damage and warping could compromise the deck’s structural integrity. The heat and flames can also discolor or tarnish the wood composite material and create burn spots that are impossible to remove. This is why it is so important to use the fire pit properly.

With the right heat barrier and fire pit pad, though, it is possible to safely use a wood-burning fire pit on a composite deck, just like it is with a wood deck. However, many deck materials are not approved for use with a wood-burning fire pit. For example, a wood-burning fire pit should not be used with a Trex Deck unless it is installed with DeckProtect that tempers excessive heat and sparks.

Even with a propane fire pit, the heat can be well over the maximum designated by the company. This is why you must use a barrier to keep the heat and flames away from the deck surface. With composite decking, you also have to make sure that the legs of the fire pit that get very hot rest on top of a pad or barrier of some sort. You can take additional concerns into account to safely use a fire pit on a composite deck and you can find some recommendations later in the article.

How Far Does a Fire Pit Need to Be From a House?

Generally, you will find guidelines that state that the distance away from home for a fire pit needs to be at a very minimum of 10 feet, but we always recommend doubling that and suggest keeping your fire pit at least 20 feet from your house. This means that a small deck may not be able to place the fire pit a safe distance from the house and it is best to be safe than sorry.

Your homeowners’ association should also have its own rules and regulations for fire pit location. Your local fire department or other authorities may also have specific rules for fire pit usage. It is best to check out your HOA rules and local laws to avoid fines and other consequences.

The most important thing is to ensure that the fire pit is a safe distance from anything flammable. This not only includes your house but also sheds, fences, and vegetation. While 20 feet is the minimum distance from your home that we would recommend, you also need to take vertical clearance into account. Most areas will require the clearance to be at least 21 feet for anything about the fire pit like branches, power lines, or awnings.

How Hot Does a Fire Pit Get?

Knowing how hot a fire pit can get and how much heat energy it can produce can help you determine the safe method for using one on top of your deck. The heat itself can increase up to 1000℉ or even more with the underside of a firepit reaching temperatures of 800℉, which is why it is critical to use a heat barrier or fire pit pad. The type of fire pit can dramatically impact the amount of heat produced.

Propane fire pits have heat that is easier to control and they do not generally get as hot as wood-burning fire pits. Fire pits are typically advertised in BTUs, which is the amount of thermal energy they create.

On the lower end for decorative or small propane fire pits, the BTU rating can be as low as 10,000. For fire pits that utilize propane for heating the area around it and not merely for decoration, the fire pits can produce anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 BTUs and some may even get hotter than that.

With wood-burning fire pits, more variables can affect the amount of heat that the fire produces. However, you can expect it to reach higher temperatures than propane and other gas options. When wood burns, there will be heat from the flames and burning wood, as well as radiant heat from embers and glowing logs. The wood can reach well over 1,000℉ and over 100,000 BTUs. The bigger the fire pit bowl, the more potential to create an exceptionally fire.

The airflow through the fire and the fire pit can influence the amount of heat produced and the more airflow, the higher the heat will be. The type of wood also affects how hot the fire pit can get and seasoned wood creates more heat than green wood. For example, Oak gets hotter than Walnut, and Walnut reaches higher temperatures than Pine.

Firewood BTUs are designated per cord in the millions and a cord is 128-cubic feet. Each cord can produce millions of BTUs, but this is difficult to convert into the heat that you will achieve with a fire pit. Knowing the type of wood, the amount of wood and other characteristics and variables can help you come up with a rough estimate. You can find information about wood types on this website.

What to Put Under a Fire Pit on a Deck?

While there are different options to put underneath a fire pit on your deck to ensure that the flames and heat do not directly impact the decking materials, the best options are products made for this exact purpose. This will also protect you from embers and sparks if you plan on using a wood-burning fire pit. Here are two of the best options to protect your deck while using a fire pit.

Safe Fire Pit for Wood Deck

Wood-burning fire pits are not the safest options for using on a wood deck, but this is particularly true with open fire pits. You should always avoid open wood-burning fire pits on a deck at all and with the other types, like metal and chimenea styled options, you still need to be highly cautious. If you are looking for a safer way to use a fire pit on your deck, then it is best to avoid wood-burning options altogether.

Propane and gas fire pits are substantially safer than wood-burning ones. This is because they will now spew embers, sparks, and excessive smoke and ash. Plus, many options have easily controllable flames. They can be very safe and you will just have to accommodate for the heat produced around the fire pit and create a safe distance from structures and other flammable materials.

Finally, there are gel burning fire pits, which can be safe, but you do have to make sure that the highly flammable gel cannot spill and that you do not store it in direct sunlight and other heat sources. The good thing about gel-burning fire pits that can make them a great option for wood or composite decks is that the heat will be produced up into the air, so they will not generate as much heat on the decking materials themselves.

How to Make Your Own Heat Barrier or Fire Shield

While we recommend using a product made for this specific purpose, there are ways to create your own barrier or shield between the fire pit and the decking. One way to do this is to place a metal pan beneath the fire pit and raise it off the deck with bricks or pavers. This allows the heat to escape in the middle without direct contact with the deck.

You can also place pavers directly under the fire pit, but you have to avoid scratching the deck, especially with composite decks. You can even build a structure going around the sides and underneath the fire pit out of pavers and bricks that can be aesthetically pleasing and prevent any direct contact between embers, flames, or heat with the deck. This may also prevent excessive wind from blowing the fire, which can be a safety hazard as well as an annoyance.

How to Safely Use a Fire Pit on a Deck

To safely use a fire pit on a deck, there are other considerations besides the type of fire pit you use. The first rule to always consider is never to leave the fire unattended on the deck. If you must leave, put the fire out or ask someone else to watch the fire pit until you return.

It is also a good idea to keep water and a fire extinguisher handy if an accident occurs. A fire can spread quickly, but if you are prepared, you may be able to contain it and start to dwindle the flames if you have water handy. You should also make sure that the entire area around the fire pit is free from flammable materials, trash, tripping hazards, and anything that can become damaged with extreme heat.

Another factor to keep in mind is the wind and you should avoid using the fire pit on your deck during windy days, especially if you are using a wood-burning fire. The wind can blow the flames and heat and smoke that can cause damage or lead to a disaster.

Keep the distance from the fire pit to any structures, including your home, greater than 20 feet. This includes anything about the fire and flames like tree branches and awnings. If your deck is not large enough to accommodate a fire pit 20 feet away, then we suggest either not having a fire pit on the deck or extending the deck first. Always check with local and HOA regulations as well.

Last but certainly not least is the use of a fire or heat barrier. This ensures that the heat and fire do not cause damage to the deck or contribute to dangerous fires. You can make your own using pavers and bricks or choose to buy a product made for this purpose. Just make sure that you take the type of fire pit and type of deck into account and, with any products, read the instructions and warnings.

Is a Fire Table Safe on a Wooden or Composite Deck?

A fire table uses propane or other types of gas to produce fire through stones or glass. They can be attractive and produce uniform heat and do not present the danger of embers or sparks. However, it is important to understand that the heat can be trapped below the center of the table, which can be hazardous and can cause damage to wood and composite decks.

Fire tables are designed to put the heat upward and not down toward the deck, but because of the high heat potential, you should always use a fire barrier or pad when using a fire table on a wood or composite deck. Also, remember that if the heat gets high enough, it can warp and melt composite decking materials.

Residential Fire Pit Rules and Regulations

Local governments and other authorities in your area will have rules and regulations regarding fire pit usage at residential properties. These rules outline the things you are allowed to do and detail the things that are restricted or banned. They also designate distances away from other properties and buildings.

In addition, your Homeowners’ Association will likely have its own set of rules as well. Because of this, it is important to check the rules in your area and with your HOA to ensure that you will remain compliant.

Finally, it is also good to check with manufacturer warnings and suggestions. This includes the makers of the fire pit, the decking materials, including paints and sealers, and the limitations for the heat or fire barrier you plan to use.

Conclusion

Using a fire pit on a deck can be dangerous if you do not know how to do it correctly. The fire pit should not rest directly on the deck and you will need to make sure that there is plenty of space, safe elements, and an effective fire barrier before igniting the flame. However, as long as you are safe, using a fire pit on a deck can be a comfortable and enticing experience.