Fire Pit Off Deck
You can purchase a fire pit pad designed to protect deck surfaces from temperatures as high as 1,400º F. Or create your own fire pit pad using metal, pavers, or bricks over a wooden deck. Another option is to build a pad by covering cement fiber board with tile. A fire pit pad should extend at least 24 inches beyond the fire pit in all directions. Well, fire pits produce heat, which can be dangerous on a deck. It could throw off sparks, or the heat could transfer over to the deck and cause a fire. If you want to know your safest course of action, you might choose to put this on a stone or concrete patio to lower the risk. What to know about decks
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. Start by laying out the stone for the fire pit, then mortar it all in place. Add seat stones to the top, and fill the pit with sand and stones. Build your deck AROUND the fire pit, placing stones in patterns, and build a seat wall to match. DIYing this deck + fire pit is a sure-shot way to ensure you have the neighborhood's best deck. 6.
I recommend using a barrier on a gas fire pit as well, one that's not part of a larger fire pit table elevated off the deck's surface. Gas fire pits won't put off as much heat as a wood-burning type but the potential for structural and cosmetic damage is still there. Again, check with the composite decking manufacturer of your choice for their product specifications and recommendations To utilize a wood-burning fire pit on a flammable deck, begin producing a no-burn zone under and around the fire pit. You can buy a fire pit mat made to shield deck surfaces from temperatures as high as 1,400ºF. Or create your own fire pit mat utilizing alloy, pavers, bricks, or stone above a wooden deck.
I've used a raised fire pit on our deck maybe 100mm off the ground, combined with some spare concrete roof tiles under and surrounding it. I'm due to redo the decking and considering placing a bit of fibre cement flooring where the fire pit might go. You'd want 1. Hose nearby 2. Air gap under the fire 3. Something fire resistant under to stop anything that drops out of the fire. Login or 4. Additional Layers. Do: Pour a couple inches of sand at the bottom of the fire pit before lighting it. This gives you more protection and creates an additional layer between the fire and your wood deck. Don't: Even if you have your fire pit on a stand and a pad surrounding the surface of your deck, don't light your fire without placing an additional layer.
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.. Start by laying out the stone for the fire pit, then mortar it all in place. Add seat stones to the top, and fill the pit with sand and stones. Build your deck AROUND the fire pit, placing stones in patterns, and build a seat wall to match. DIYing this deck + fire pit is a sure-shot way to ensure you have the neighborhood's best deck. 6.