A backyard fire pit can really tie your backyard entertainment space together when you have a deck, a seating area, and a fire pit for you and your friends to enjoy on a cool fall night. Homeowners who want to create the perfect outdoor fire pit area may have questions about the safety and logistics of a brand-new fire pit, and a common question we get at Fox River Fire Rings is — can I put a fire pit on my wood or composite deck?
Is It Safe to Put a Fire Pit on a Wood or Composite Deck?
The answer to your question is not as cut and dried as you may think.
In general — NO it is not safe to put a wood-burning fire pit on your wood or composite deck. A wood-burning fire pit presents a higher risk of secondary fires due to the embers from your fire that can ignite a wood deck or leave melted burn scars on a composite deck. In addition to the risk of embers starting secondary fires on your deck, wood fires emit extreme downward heat that even with a protective barrier underneath your fire pit can dry out the framing and deck boards, leading to pyrolysis, which increases the risk of fire.
The alternative to putting your wood-burning fire pit on your wood or composite deck is to create a backyard fire pit area adjacent to your deck. You can build a stone or concrete fire pit surround with a broader stone patio that is next to the deck and creates an outdoor party area. When you create a backyard fire pit patio next to your deck, it is important that you maintain 15 feet of clearance between your backyard fire pit and your deck, home, or other structures.
A natural gas or propane fire pit is a safer alternative to a wood fire pit if you want to have a fire pit on your wood or composite deck — but it is still not 100% safe. A gas or propane fire pit does not produce sparks, embers, or smoke, making it a safer option — but even then, it is critical that homeowners use a dedicated protective barrier to reflect extreme heat upward. This barrier will help protect wood and synthetic deck boards, vinyl siding, and patio furniture from being melted or burned from extreme heat. It is important to leave three feet of space between a gas or propane fire pit and any deck furniture or vinyl siding.
Is It Legal to Put a Fire Pit on Your Deck?
Again — the answer to your question is not that simple.
Fire laws are generally very localized, and are dictated by local counties or municipalities — making it important to check with your local government or fire department. There are municipalities that allow fire pits on wood or composite decks with the proper safety measures in place, and there are other cities and towns where there is a total ban on fire pits on decks made of combustible materials. Key safety precautions include mandatory heat barriers, a safe distance from other combustible materials or structures, 100% supervision of the fire, fire safety equipment, and manufacturer approval.
READ MORE:How To Host the Best Backyard Bonfire
Are you creating the perfect backyard entertainment space? Do you want to add a fire pit for backyard fun? Homeowners with a wood or composite deck want to know — can you put a fire pit on your deck — and we have answers here at Fox River Fire Rings in Neenah, WI.
Contact Fox River Fire Rings today for more information on our custom backyard fire rings!
