Gas Vs Wood Burning Fire Pits
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 citys code before putting any type of fire pit on your deck.
The Vintage Gas Fire Pit Table by The Outdoor GreatRoom is approved for use on combustible surfaces and is the perfect complement to a wood deck.
It is not safe to place a wood burning fire pit on top of a wooden, composite, or vinyl deck, unless it has been okayed by the manufacturer and city code, and it is placed on top of a non-combustible base, like concrete or natural stone. The base also needs to extend out at least 24 inches all the way around the fire pit.
If a non-combustible base is not used, sparks and embers can fly out, land on the deck, and potentially start a fire.
What Is Composite Decking
If you are unfamiliar with composite decking, it’s essentially decking that is usually made from a combination of wood fibers, hardwood flour , polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride , and other plastics some brands don’t include any wood or wood byproducts at all.
The advantages over wood include enhanced durability and resistance to rotting and discoloration. Side note: It can be uncomfortably hot to walk on in bare feet compared to wood.
With those advantages comes a much higher cost compared to pressure-treated wood, with a price point between $10-20 per square foot, not including installation.
I’ve got an earlier version of the Trex brand of composite decking and while it’s still holding up well, the color at this point is not great.
Trex has come a long way since the time mine was installed though. Other brands include TimberTech, Fiberon, Envision, CaliBamboo, and others. But I digress
Fire Bowls Or Fire Pots
Fire bowls or firepots are a lot like miniature fire pits.
They are for tabletop use and while they can provide warmth their primary function is aesthetics.
Like fire pits, they can come in wood-burning or gas-powered form.
The Loom X Tabletop Fire Pit falls in this category and is a good example of a firepot that provides heat while adding to the charm to a table.
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How To Protect Deck From Fire Pit
A wood burning fire pit should sit on a non-combustible mat or surface that extends two or more feet beyond its perimeter to protect from embers and radiant heat.
A spark arrestor to catch flying embers and ash is also a must. If your fire pit has a chimney, a spark cap or screen will work too.
Propane, natural gas, and ethanol fuel pits dont usually require a mat as they dont spark and the heat radiates upward. However, a mat will protect the deck surface from scratches and spills.
Be careful not to spill ethanol as it is very flammable. When cleaning the propane or gas elements prevent the sulfur from staying on the deck as it can damage some surfaces too.
Elongated Brick Raised Fire Pit
Brick is a great heat-resistant material for a fire pit and is sure to bring a warm urban look to any space. An elongated brick fire pit brings a unique look that creates a warm textured contrast to your wood deck and outdoor space.
The elongated design adds a modern touch and makes a beautiful backdrop to any patio or deck. You can fill brick fire pits with the material of your choice from lava rocks to fire glass, making brick fire pits widely versatile.
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Wood Deck With Integrated Brick Fire Pit
Have a few pallets lying around?
You can make a deck out of those!
Screw pallets to deck boards like Zena did, and fill in the gaps with strips of wood.
Stack bricks together in a staggered pattern in the center, and line with sand.
Thats it.
Zena Walker explains her process in detail on her post on the Hometalk blog.
Safety Tips And Instructions For Building A Fire Pit On A Wooden Deck:
- Do not build fires if it is windy outside.
- Keep the fire pit small and manageable, and always extinguish all fires before leaving them unattended.
- Build a fire pit on a wooden deck only if it is safe to do so. Be sure the wood deck boards are of good quality and can handle some heat without becoming too soft or worn down.
- Always place a screen of some kind above your fire pit, such as a wire mesh grate or metal screen with small holes, in order to prevent sparks and embers from flying upward.
- Place a layer of sand between the fire pit and the wood deck boards, about an inch or two deep. This will help to protect the deck boards from the heat that can cause them to warp.
- Keep any hose or buckets of water nearby in case you need to put out a fire.
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Wooden Decks Fire Pits And Fire Codes
Before you contemplate installing a fire pit on your wooden deck, you should first check the local fire rules and housing ordinances. Due to current fire laws, it is forbidden in certain cities or municipalities to construct a fire pit on a wood deck under any circumstances. Because some of these places are arid or prone to wildfires, additional measures are required.
Other housing laws may allow you to have a fire pit on your wood deck, but it must be a gas-burning fire pit rather than a wood-burning fire pit. Other fire codes may not have any restrictions on the usage of fire pits on decks. It all depends on where you live and how stringent the local fire codes are.
If youre not sure whether or not you may legally install a fire pit on your wood deck, check with your local housing rules before buying one. Check the limits on exterior structures and accessories on your property if you reside in a HOA-controlled community, since many HOAs ban a fire pit even though local rules allow it.
Its also a good idea to see whether your neighborhood has any burn prohibitions. Burn bans are seasons of the year when controlled burning such as bonfires and pit fires are restricted owing to the possibility of wildfire in dry or fire-prone areas. If you are discovered operating a fire pit during a burn ban, you may face a fine or a reprimand from the fire marshal, depending on the restrictions in your region.
Jair Iron Propane Outdoor Fire Pit: Best Luxurious Propane Fire Pit
The Jair 15″x 48″ Iron Propane Outdoor Fire Pit by Wade Logan is for one looking to make a statement in their outdoor space.
The sleek modern design is reminiscent of decor on a terrace at a resort or luxury hotel.
Impress your friends on a cold night with 50,000 BTUs. The propane tank is also hidden in its own sleek housing.
While you’re paying a lot for this fire pit, you are getting a lot. The Jair includes a cover, filler, and the flame is adjustable.
The powder-coated iron exterior is weather resistant. Choose from two different colors.
The Jair was also one of our top choices because while it is a bit more expensive than your average fire pit, it’s actually a great price for propane fire pits that come in a sleek modern design, which can be well over $1,000 or even $2,000.
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Whether You Diy Or Hire A Contractor Know These Things Before You Get Started Building A Fire Pit On Your Deck
Decks with fire pits have become a backyard goal for most homeowners, and for many good reasons. But there are things to know for the safety, and longevity of your deck and family. These cautions and tips are nothing to delay you though. If anything, theyll make your dream deck seem even more achievable.
Here Are The Top 6 Things You Need To Consider Before Installing A Fire Pit On Your Deck
There arent many things better than sitting around a blazing fire in the comfort of your backyard, surrounded by family and friends. But what if your yard is too small for a fire pit, and the only space available is on your deck? Or, maybe you just want the convenience of having a cool, comfortable lounge space right outside your door?
If you have wood, composite, or vinyl decking, you might be wondering if adding a fire pit to your deck is even possible since flames and combustible materials dont mix. Were here to tell you that it is, but it depends on the kind of fire pit you choose, where you want to install the fire pit, your local city codes, and more.
Below, weve outlined the top six things you need to consider before installing a fire pit on your deck, so you can create a safe and cozy outdoor retreat!
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Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit
Sunnydaze Décor has gone on record for producing the best fire pit for wood deck on the market in Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit.
If the beauty of rustic look interests you, then you should acquire this product. Its dimensions are impressive with a 42 wide and 10 deep bowl, this fire pit is a product of long-lasting steel with an enamel layer. This product resists rust, abrasion, as well as other forms of corrosion.
Its fantastic design adds an artistic presence to your deck it has a moon accent with die-cut stars that provides unique aesthetics to your wooden porch, patio, outdoor front/backyard, etc. It is simply a fantastic fire pit to own.
Additionally, this product has a 10 bowl thickness as well as a steel construction that can support heavy-duty usage. It has a weight of about 36 pounds, which makes it portable- you can move to any chill spot for quality time with your crew.
Moreover, this fire pit comes with three 5 iron made leg that keeps it stable when you place it on your wooden deck or concrete pavement. Furthermore, it comes with two built-in handles for convenient movement.
Note: Ensure that the handles are cool to avoid burning your hands.
Whats more about this product is that it comes with a spark screen with poker that safeguards you from the wood embers.
The Summary of Top Features
Pros
- It has a larger bowl
- You can set it up with ease
- It comes with a built-in handle for portability
- The fire pit has an elegant look
Cons
Can Fire Pits Be Used On Wood Decks
A fire pit can be defined as any movable structure used for cooking food, heating beverages, or to give out heat. It can also refer to a campfire, whose flames are turned on by means of a fuel such as pine wood, dry leaves, or animal fat.
If you are thinking of using or putting your fire pit on a wooden deck, then it is not safe to put a burning fire pit on the deck. In case of stone, or concrete decks you can put your fire pit on them. But, using wooden deck can cause damage or your place may catch fire.
Here, in this article we will explain things that are related to the wooden fire pits. Most types of wooden fire pits are open and have no cover. They are portable and made to be used outdoors. There are many different kinds of fire pits that can be used for cooking and for heating.
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Radiant Heat And Fire Pits
Radiant heat is a serious threat of fire pits on a wood deck. Even if there is plenty of space between the fire pit and other combustible things on the deck, the radiant heat emitted by fire pitsparticularly wood-burning fire pitscan catch anything on fire even if they arent close by.
Sparks and embers are another concern that fire pits bring to a wood deck . Logs in a wood-burning fire pit may not only emit a lot of radiant heat as they break down, but they can also emit sparks and embers that can fly away from the fire and ignite surrounding items. The bigger the fire pit and the bigger the flames, the more dangerous the scenario becomes.
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In compared to the flames and embers of a fire pit, radiant heat is a mainly unseen risk. Nearby combustible things, such as dry leaves or pine needles, may spontaneously ignite without ever being touched by fire due to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire.
When fire pits burn through the bottom of a wood deck, radiant heat is partly to blame. The heat radiating from the bottom of the fire pit may burn the wood of the deck and ultimately combust if the fire pit is hot enough over a lengthy period of time without sufficient insulation between the wood deck and the fire pit.
Can You Put Fire Pit On Wood Deck
Fire pits in most communities are covered under regulations. It is always best to check for zoning and fire regulations and restrictions.
Some communities require a fire permit some need verification of insurability from your insurance company, and some flat out say NO! Your insurance company may also have restrictions or regulations ignorance is not an excuse.
There are both safety considerations for a fire pit, plus legal considerations to consider. Location is one thing but also take into account prevailing wind, trees, and dry grass fields.
Having the police and fire department arrive uninvited at your backyard gathering, and handing out tickets and fines, will probably take the warmth out of the evening.
Wood burning fire pits should have a protective heat pad underneath to protect the wood. Embers falling between the boards though are even more dangerous, as are those that are airborne.
A quick look at the jurisdiction my home is in, plus the neighboring one, show differing restrictions. Mine requires a minimum of 10-feet from buildings, and the other 25-feet away.
A permit to use is needed in both, but one adds a permit to install and identifies the need for a chimney with a spark arrester and a fire screen to prevent embers from escaping.
Wood burning fire pits should be on gravel, flagging, brick or another non-combustible surface. Dry wood doesnt smoke as much, and beware pine and cedar they pop out a lot of sparks.
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Fire Pits Wood Decks And Fire Codes
Before you even consider putting a fire pit on your wooden deck, you need to research the fire codes and housing ordinances in your area. In some cities or towns, it is illegal to install a fire pit on a wood deck under any circumstances due to the existing fire codes. Some of these areas are dry or prone to wildfire, so extra precautions are taken to prevent them.
Other housing ordinances may specify that you can have a fire pit on a wood deck, but it must be a gas pit rather than a wood-burning pit. Other fire codes may not prohibit the use of fire pits on decks at all. It all depends on where you live and how strict the fire safety regulations are there.
If youre unsure of whether you can legally build a fire pit on your wood deck, check with your local housing ordinances to make sure before you purchase one. If you live in an HOA-controlled neighborhood, check the restrictions on exterior buildings and accessories on your property, as many HOAs forbid a fire pit even if the city ordinances allow it.
It is also a good idea to check if there are burn bans in your local area. In dry or fire-vulnerable regions, burn bans are periods during the year when controlled fires such as bonfires and pit fires are prohibited due to the threat of wildfire. If you get caught running a fire pit during a burn ban, depending on the regulations in your area, you may be subject to a fine or a scolding from the fire marshal.
Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor
Although Christopher Knight Home has a license to sell the Crawford Outdoor fire pit, the two companies are inseparable and complementary in every way. On the other hand, both firms have a long history of manufacturing outdoor equipment, so theyve had plenty of time to develop their fire pit offerings.
The Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor fire pit is one of the most user-friendly of the best fire pits for wood decks. It is one of the few fire pits on the market that does not need to be assembled, making it very handy. Assembling even some of the most basic fire pits on the market is time-consuming.
Furthermore, the Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoors is a propane-burning fire pit, making it simple to replenish and connect straight out of the box. Both refilling and installation may complete without needing expert services and additional expenses.
There are other fire pits for wooden decks that utilize propane, but this one is the best in terms of quality and performance. What makes it so great? Because of its propane fuel source, the Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor can provide 40,000 BTUs of heat.
In addition, this fire pit is one of the few that offers three different configurations. Youll be able to control the temperature using these settings. On top of that, the fire pit has an electric flame that begins to burn automatically. It implies that you dont have to go outside to gather tinder or use an accelerant to start a fire.
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