Catalina Creations Cast Iron Fire Pit
Catalina Creations is a brand that focuses on various kinds of fire pits and anything related to patio furniture.
With their years of expertise in the field, we donât want to miss out on their Cast Iron Fire Pit.
Review
As the name suggests, this fire pit is made out of cast iron, resulting in a weight of about 45 pounds.
It stands at just a little short of 20 inches and has a diameter of about 30 inches.
The pit itself is shaped like a cauldron, and a ring with four legs holds it and keeps it upright.
The overall rustic design is embellished with multiple star- and moon-shaped holes.
These cutouts enhance the decorative qualities of the fire pit as embers light up inside the container.
Additionally, they provide ventilation for the coal or wood.
Included in the package is a 24-inch convex mesh cover made out of steel.
This prevents embers from getting blown out of the fire pit, causing accidental burns or fires.
Additionally, the mesh cover somehow completes the cauldron style of the Catalina Creations Cast Iron Fire Pit.
Thereâs also a lifting tool for the mesh cover so you wouldnât burn your hands.
However, one downside we noticed from this product is that there isnât any cover for the cutouts.
This may send embers flying around when the wind blows by.
Additionally, the cauldron base is quite deep, so you might have to use a grate to keep the flame near the mouth of the pit.
Pros:
Of course, you can always trust a product that comes from Amazon Basics.
Review
Preferred Types Of Fire Pits For Wood Deck
Gas-Burning Fire Pits
Fire pits that burn propane and natural gas operate similarly. You turn the gas on push the ignitor, and poof! Instant flame! The fire heats ceramic logs, bricks, lava stone, or fire glass and provides ambiance and some heat retention. When youre done with it, you just turn it off.
A 20-pound propane cylinder fits inside the fire pit cabinetry so it wont detract from the look. Its easy to exchange for a full tank when empty.
Most produce 30 to 50,000 BTU and will go for about 14 hours on a full tank. Many propane pits have conversion kits to natural gas.
Gas and propane fire pits are available in numerous shapes and sizes and will suit almost everyones decorating flair. Most come with cleaning kits and even covers to protect the pit when not in use. Natural gas connects to your household supply lines, so it is inexpensive and never needs to be filled like a propane tank.
Gel Fuel Fire Pits
Gel-ethanol comes in cans or jugs and pours into special ceramic logs, over fancy stones or fire glass, or is placed under decorative diffusers. Most will last for 2 to 3 hours before burning out and produce about 3000 BTU of heat.
Its recommended that an elapse of 20 minutes, or more occur before refilling and lighting again. Additionally, if the gel-pit doesnt have an airtight cover to extinguish the flame, baking soda or a dry-chemical extinguisher should be available.
Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Gas vs Wood Burning Fire Pits
How Can I Make A Deck Protector Under A Fire Pit
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We know how important it is to keep your deck looking nice and new, especially when you have a fire pit.
However, with all the heat from the flames and your feet on the ground, over time your wood can get dry or even crack. To prevent this, we are going to show you ways that will help you build a deck protector under your fire pit!
Also Check: How To Lay Patio Pavers With Mortar
Propane Or Gas Fire Pits
Propane or gas fire pits are a great option for a wooden deck because they dont produce any wood ashes. This means that there is no risk of the wood ashes damaging the wood deck. Propane or gas fire pits also create less smoke than wood-burning fire pits, so they are less likely to discolour the wooden deck.
Tacklife Fire Pit Table
This TACKLIFE fire pit is a sturdy option that will last to serve you for years. Its perfect size will go with any interior. Also, it is eligible for use in wooden decks, so you dont have to think hard for safety. You can enjoy its multifunctioning feature to extend your patio or outdoor life.
Are you finding a fire pit that will be a powerfully built fire pit for a wooden deck? Which will be good enough in size and shape, and that can also let you have broad uses, then this fire pit is for you.
The fire pit table is solid steel made, coated with a quality anti-rusting spray that makes the fire pit table sturdy. That wont crack or cross. It is 25 inches in height. Space in between the burner restrains the bottom from getting warm. The steel paneled and solid designed 28-inch perfect square shape makes it more functional with the lid on top.
Features
- The sturdy structure of this metal fire pit will give you the best service for a long time.
- Do not flow heat on the bottom so that you can use it safely on a wooden deck.
- Autoignition system will give you a more safe and user-friendly experience.
- You can use this multi-functioning fire pit as a coffee table, casual bar, or even for dining.
- You will get a square lid, a 20-inch gas hose, lava rocks, and a 24-month warranty.
Things you are going to enjoy
Things you need to consider
- The assembly process is easy but it takes a long time that can be tiresome.
Final Verdict
Read Also: How To Slope A Patio Away From House
Concrete Gas Fire Bowl By Kingsman
$2,518.20 & up
What Makes It Great:
Kingsmans Concrete Gas Fire Bowls are perfect for decks with limited space. The modern bowl design adds style and elegance to any setting while the choice of color and texture lets you coordinate with your outdoor style.
Key Features:
Handcast concrete construction provides a beautiful, low-maintenance finish, along with strength and durability. Available in Natural Gas and Liquid Propane configurations, each fire bowl comes with a match-lit ignition system, 65,000 BTU burner, and lava rock media.
Fire Pits On Wood Decking
Challenges related to using a fire pit on a wood deck range from full-on fire damage and the destruction or weakening of the decking and the supporting structure, to cosmetic damage from scorching due to metal on wood contact or from hot fire pit contents spilling onto the deck for one reason or another.
If you are or see yourself becoming a regular fire pit user, and you are building a new deck or plan to replace the deck boards of your existing deck, exterior-use fire-retardant pressure-treated wood is an option that provides additional protection to supplement the other steps we’ll cover in a bit.
Don’t Miss: Screen In Porch Under Deck
How To Safely Use A Propane Fire Pit On Your Wood Deck
Even though it is generally considered safe to use a propane fire pit on a wood deck, there are some safety precautions that you should follow.You should always have respect for open flames!
Follow local ordinances and manufacturers use directions. Your municipal fire codes may require that you have a certain amount of clearance around your fire pit, and your area may institute burn bans during certain times of the year.These rules are for your safety and you should follow them.
Never add anything flammable to your propane fire pit. Some people like to add rocks or gravel for ambiance, and they can indeed look great, but they can also pop when the moisture inside them gets too hot.A rock thats hot enough to explode on its own can damage a wooden deck, and it can harm anyone who happens to be in its path.
Give your fire pit a wide margin. Make sure that there are no curtains, pillows, rugs, towels, or anything else near the fire pit.Any furniture by the fire pit should be made of metal, and it should not have fabric cushions.
Consider placing your fire pit on a heat pad or a fireplace rug.These are made of non-flammable materials to provide additional protection. They will also protect your deck from possibly cracking, warping, or discoloring from the heat.
Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher in easy reach on your deck near your fire pit. Make sure that the fire extinguisher is rated to handle a propane fire.
Tips To Make Fire Pits Safe For Decks
Using a fire pit on a deck can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, but it is essential to ensure that you do so safely. If you dont take the proper precautions or fail to make your fire pit safe for decking, you could end up causing severe damage!
This blog post will give you five tips to make your fire pit safe for decks! You will also learn about the three types of fire pits and their risks.
But before we get to the juicy tips, is it safe to satisfy this burning desire?
Recommended Reading: Best Lumber For Outdoor Pergola
Different Types Of Fire Pits For Your Wooden Deck
If you want to add a fire pit to your deck to bring some warmth to a chilly evening, youll want to keep a few things in mind before making a purchase. Wooden structures pose concerns because of their material, but if you install your blaze the right way, you can enjoy a nice open flame without safety concerns. Heres how to choose a product that is just right for your wooden deck.
Create A Thermal Barrier Between The Fire
A fire pit screen may help to contain any sparks that fly out from the fire, but you need a thermal barrier to protect the decking from the heat radiating from the fire pit.
The most common way to build a thermal barrier around your fire pit is by constructing it with heat-resistant materials such as concrete or pavers. Fire pit tables with glass walls are another great option and achieve a more modern look.
A popular option for portable fire pits is to place the fire pit on top of a heat-resistant metal tray that will raise the fire pit off the ground and create a barrier between the heat source and the decking. You can search for fire pit heat shield or fire pit pad to find different models.
Read Also: How To Clean Metal Patio Furniture
Always Profect Your Decking
Do: Protect your deck from direct heat and ash, embers, and sparks by using specially designed heat pads. Heat pads can come in a variety of materials including metal, fabric, and stone, and are designed to protect the surrounding area of your deck from your fire pit. You can find a selection of different sized fire pit mats by clicking on the link.
Dont: Put your fire pit on either a wood deck or a composite deck without protecting the surface of your deck. The ash, sparks, and heat generated by fire pits can quickly cause detrimental damage to the surface and even lead to fires.
Choosing The Right Type Of Fire Pit
Wood-burning fire pits are fairly common and inexpensive, but that doesnt necessarily make them the best choice for your deck. Wood burning fire pits may be more prone to sparking, though a fire pit pad makes it safer to house one on a wooden deck.
To skip the safety concern, consider a propane fire pit. With many options available, and even info on how to build one, homeowners dont have to sacrifice style for safety. Gel fuel and natural gas fire pits also provide safer alternatives to wood-burning fire pits. If you know the weight limit of your deck, that information can help you narrow down which fire pit and fire pit pad may be most appropriate for your area.
To answer the question posed by this post, yes, it is safe to have a fire pit on your deckas long as you verify that it is appropriate within your city code and you take all the necessary precautions to ensure your familys safety.
Deck questions are best handled by deck experts. If you are unsure of what you need to make your deck exceptional or are in the market for supplies, contact the deck experts, Decks & Docks. With building materials and hardware, we have everything you need to make a stand-out deck. Learn more on our website or stop on by.
Our Locations
Read Also: How To Clean Cement Patio Floor
The Ultimate Guide To Using A Fire Pit On Decking
A common concern of portable fire pit owners and would-be enthusiasts is whether or not you can use a fire pit on decking. Concerns for wood and composite decks span from fundamental fire risk to warping, cosmetic damage, and various other issues.
If you’ve ever built a backyard deck, you know how expensive it can get, even if you do it yourself. Add composite decking like Trex or Timbertech to the mix, and you’re in a new price range.
Having a good understanding of potential risks and what information you need to evaluate them will go a long way in helping you protect your valuable desk investment while guiding you in choosing and placing a fire pit that meets all of your needs.
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 is used between the fire pit and the deck to prevent potential structural and cosmetic damage due to the high-heat environment.
Having a stable spot, that’s close to the house, is a must-have for many. Being able to take advantage of a well-lit space, with close proximity to the kitchen, bathrooms, etc. is important to some when entertaining.
Knowing how to use a fire pit on decking is not difficult and shouldn’t break the bank.
What To Put Under A Fire Pit On A Wood Deck
Fire pit pad
A fire pit pad is a great way to shelter your deck from the heat of the fire pit. There are many different types of fire pit pads on the market, constructed from different materials so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for use on a deck.
When choosing a fire pit pad, be sure to select one that is the right size for your fire pit. You dont want the fire pit to be too small or too large for the pad.
Be sure to choose a fire pit pad that has a non-slip surface. This will help to keep the fire pit in place and prevent it from sliding around on your deck.
Once youve selected the perfect fire pit pad, be sure to place it on a level decks surface before using your fire pit.
Use a base of concrete pavers
Another great option for protecting your deck is to use a concrete paver safety base. This is a great way to create a level deck surface for your fire pit and also an easy way to shield your wood deck or composite decks from the heat of the fire pit.
To use a paver safety base, simply place the concrete pavers around the fire pit. Be sure to choose pavers that are the same size or slightly larger than the fire pit. This will help to create a barrier between the fire pit and your wood deck. These large, heavy pavers are quite affordable and easy to get from hardware or landscaping stores like Bunnings.
Once you have the pavers in place, be sure to fill any gaps with sand. This will help to further protect your deck from the heat of the fire pit.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Hang Outdoor Patio Lights
Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Pit Table
This Bali gas fire pits extensive heat output will warm up your chilly summer evening or wintertime. You will find this one convenient for moving and transport. It is quickly assembling, and you can have this fire pit on your wooden deck without any tension.
If you are searching for a lightweight fire pit for the wood deck that will give you the most heat output with a convenient user experience, then this ones for you.
This fire pit has a 50000BTU heat output that will render good warmth around it. It weighs only 43lbs. You can move it quickly to fit perfectly on your patio. Also, it will be easy to transport. This metal-made 25-inch high and 28-inch square table will not flow heat on the bottom, so you can safely place it on your wooden deck.
Features
- 50000BTU heat output will impress your guest with its fantastic warmth.
- This 43lbs fire pit will allow you incredible portability.
- Autoignition system to give you safety and convenience.
- You can use this as a substitute for the tea-table on your patio.
- For assembly, all you have to do is to put and set all the screws in place.
Things you are going to enjoy
- Impressive heat output that never lets you shiver in cold.
- The lower compartment is spacious for fitting any size of propane cylinder/gallon.
- Swiftly portable to move and transport.
- This fire pits user interface is simple and easy.
- Value for money.
Things you need to consider
Final Verdict
Create A Barrier For Your Fire Pit
Never, never, NEVER place a fire put directly on a wooden or composite deck. Potential expensive issues due to the use of a fire pit on a wood deck range from full-on fire damage and the destruction or weakening of the decking and the supporting structure, to cosmetic damage from scorching. Similarly, plastics are commonly used in composite decking, so the risk of warping and melting under high-heat conditions, like those produced by a fire pit, is something to be aware of as well. Polypropylene can start melting at 320° F and PVC at 212° F Trex itself has stated publicly that their decking will soften as low as 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should you put under a fire on your deck? To avoid damage and a potential fire disaster, there are specially made fire pit mats to place underneath, which are made to withstand the extremely high temperatures a pit can reach. For a DIY option, simply arrange pavers or bricks in the area where your fire pit will be placed. Be cautious when placing the pavers on a composite deck to minimize scratching the surface.
Don’t Miss: How To Make A Concrete Patio More Attractive