Spruce Up Your Deck with the Perfect Fire Pit

There's nothing quite like relaxing by a flickering fire on a cool evening. Finding the perfect spot for a backyard gathering with friends is now easier than ever by adding a fire pit to your wooden deck.

With some precautions, fire pits can safely expand the usability of your deck and become a gorgeous focal point for entertainment.

Choose the Right Type of Fire Pit

Today's fire pits offer more options than the traditional in-ground styles. You can choose from wood-burning pits filled with logs or a self-contained propane model with adjustable flames and built-in ignition. Consider the pros and cons of each when outfitting a wooden deck.

Wood Burning Fire Pits

Classic wood burning fire pits deliver crackling fires with real wood logs and are often more affordable options. However, they present some extra safety considerations for wooden deck installations. Flying sparks and embers are a risk to catch the deck surface on fire unless contained properly.

Always use a full spark screen cover to prevent stray sparks landing on the wood decking. Elevating the fire bowl slightly can also help control sparks. And be sure to place the fire pit on a non-flammable base pad designed for fire use.

Gas and Propane Fire Pits

Self-contained propane fire pits offer the ambiance of fire with more control and fewer safety issues for decks. Propane models allow you to adjust flame heights and many feature push-button ignition systems for quickly firing up glowing flames with the switch of a dial.

Gas fire pits don't require hauling messy firewood or disposing ashes either. They do tend to be more expensive investments upfront, but save work over time. Just be sure to have easy access to propane tanks from your deck for hassle-free refueling.

Portable vs Permanent Installations

You'll also want to decide whether you want the flexibility of a portable fire bowl you can move around the patio or yard or a permanent built-in fire pit custom constructed on your deck.

Portable fire bowls offer mobility to place them wherever people are gathered at the moment. Built-in fire pits become gorgeous focal points integrated seamlessly into your deck design. Chat with local fire pit professionals on the right option for your goals, budget and deck's load capacity.

Fire Pit Placement on Wooden Decks

Where you position your new fire pit matters greatly for both safety and enjoyment. Be sure to allow ample clearances from rails, walls and windows while considering wind patterns in your yard.

Allow Proper Clearances

It's recommended to maintain at least a two-foot clearance between a fire pit and walls, rails or other structures. This prevents direct heat damage over time and allows proper emergency access.

Also note which direction smoke tends to drift in your yard during a breeze. Keep the pit well away from windows or doors to prevent smoke from blowing directly into living spaces.

Mind Flammable Surfaces Below

When placing your fire pit, be cognizant of flammable surfaces and items both immediately under and around it. Always use a non-flammable protective mat beneath a deck-mounted fire pit.

And don't position it directly near outdoor furniture cushions, dry leaves or flammable greenery even if you use a base pad. Leave plenty of clearance around the entire pit perimeter.

Check If Structure Can Handle the Load

Consider whether your wooden deck was built to handle a heavy fire pit filled with brick pavers or stone. Attached decks often have weight limits for accessories like hot tubs that also apply to fire features.

Freestanding patios have fewer structural issues. If in doubt, consult your deck builder or an engineer before mounting heavy fire pits on elevated decks to prevent hazardous collapses.

Steps for Safe Setup

Once you've selected the perfect fire pit for your deck and placement, execute the setup process properly using the following safety-focused steps.

Prep the Location

Install a non-flammable metal or stone base pad first according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Sweep away any debris around the area before placing the fire pit including dried leaves, pine needles or other flammable yard waste.

And stage accessories like a fire extinguisher, heavy fire gloves and cover screen nearby. Having fire suppression tools close at hand is a prudent plan.

Maintain Control Over the Fire

Adjust propane fire pits to appropriate flame heights that produce ambiance without uncontrolled spread. For wood pits, use metal spark screens to contain embers safely.

Never leave the fire unattended even for a minute. The person who starts the fire should remain present the entire time flames are active to monitor weather shifts and prevent emergencies.

Properly Extinguish When Done

Follow your fire pit manufacturer's guidelines on safe shutdown procedures once you're finished enjoying the fire. This often involves fully closing propane gas valves or dousing wood fires with water to prevent rekindling embers.

Let ashes fully extinguish and cool before attempting to clean out wood fire pits. Use extreme caution and wear protective fire gloves even with cooled ashes which can still harbor hot embers inside.

By selecting the optimal fire pit design for your wooden deck space and placing it safely, you can enjoy cozy backyard gatherings for years to come.

We recommend responsible steps like hosting guests in safe numbers, keeping exits clear, and properly extinguishing the fire when finished. You'll quickly find that with prudent precautions, fire pits wonderfully expand how you can utilize your deck.