The addition of a deck fire pit can enhance and extend the amount of time you're able to enjoy your deck when the weather becomes cooler. Deck fire pits can be one of the most cost-effective and eye-catching methods to add style to your patio, as well as a method for creating a pleasant ambiance.
When it comes to installing a fire pit on a wood or composite deck, however, safety is of paramount importance. If you're considering adding a fire pit to your deck, it's crucial to consider prices and safety precautions, explore your alternatives by looking at a few deck fire pit designs, and assess the benefits and drawbacks prior to making a final decision.
Can you safely put a fire pit on a wood or composite deck?
Can a fire pit be placed on a wooden deck? Generally, the response is positive. However, because there are so many variables, the question of difficulty is sometimes more crucial than that of potential. For instance, you may need to consult a contractor or structural engineer to assess if your deck has sufficient strength to support the fire pit. If you live in a densely populated region, local building laws may require you to use a gas fire pit instead of burning wood on your deck.
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The embers, sparks, and smoke produced by a wood-burning pit represent a safety risk. Depending on the style of deck fire pit you select, you may need to create a no-burn zone around the pit and install a barrier between the pit and the decking. And if you plan to install a fire pit on a composite deck, you must take the same measures.
Types of Deck Fire Pits
The inventive use of fire pits is one of the greatest ways to continue enjoying your deck during the winter, but there are a variety of fire pits from which to select. Whether you're looking for a fire pit that serves a more utilitarian purpose, such as generating heat, or you're more interested in the flare and style this type of addition can bring to your deck, there is a range of fire pits that may fulfill your needs.
Fire Table
As the name suggests, a fire table is essentially a table with a fire element, which is often positioned in the table's center. Due to the fact that it is not only a torch, the table portion of this design also provides at least a few inches around the flame for drinks, plates, or whatever else a person may be holding. Stone is typically the preferred material for built-in structures, however, it is typically more expensive and less movable than steel.
Fire Pit Bowls
Fire pit bowls are essential bowls elevated a few inches off the ground, generally on a tripod with three legs. Steel fire pit bowls are commonly regarded as the most portable. They are also resistant to heat and environmental deterioration. Examine the feet of each bowl for rubberized or other anti-marring solutions.
Tabletop Fire Pits & Fire Bowls
The legs of a tabletop fire bowl are omitted, leaving a bowl that is intended to be put directly on another surface when ablaze. However, moisture can deteriorate these designs, thus this style may not be perfect for all environmental situations.
Chimineas
Throughout Spain and Mexico, chimineas have been used for generations as front-loading ovens and fireplaces. You may get them with both modern and traditional aesthetics; some mimic antique potbelly stoves while others have a more modern appearance. A small number of chimineas are still suitable for cooking, but the majority are no longer designed for that function.
Built-in Fire Pits
Many fire pits use a portable or semi-portable design. However, a fire pit that has been integrated into a deck can provide a sense of coherence that is decidedly upscale. A properly positioned built-in fire pit can serve as a defining element of the space it occupies.
Fire Pit Style & Shape Inspiration
In addition to evaluating the many types of fire pits, you also have a variety of presentation possibilities. This encompasses their size, shape, and a general sense of style, as well as functional distinctions. Below, you can have a better understanding of the options available to you.
Modern Fire Pits
While many fire pits, such as chimineas, employ traditional-looking designs and offer old-world charm, many contemporary fire pits aren't afraid to appear modern and sleek. While this can be a beautiful style in the proper surroundings, certain contemporary fire pits may feel out of place in a setting where everything else appears aged. However, they can also serve as a terrific statement piece and complement contemporary design.
The Christopher Knight Home Hoonah Circular Fire Pit is an excellent illustration of modern design in action: it clearly combines form and function without compromising either. Although more intricate designs can include wireless connectivity, these features can be more expensive, so be mindful of the location of manual controls.
Rustic Fire Pits
Numerous individuals want a rural country aesthetic for their deck. In this instance, some of the best ideas for rustic fire pits incorporate cast iron or other metal fire pits. Cast iron can endure years of service while preserving its look, while alloy steel is also a viable alternative.
For example, the Sunnydaze Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl has a 34-inch diameter and achieves a vintage beauty with a few contemporary elements.
Circular Fire Pits
Circular fire pits, like round coffee tables, are a terrific way to maximize space usage. The Aidan 39" Circular Outdoor Gas Fire Pit is low to the ground, making it unsuitable for use as a table but great as a heat source at ground level.
Rectangular Fire Pits
Choosing a more extended rectangular shape necessitates additional consideration and planning regarding the table's placement and dimensions. Typically, they are most suitable for narrow spaces to add visual appeal. Depending on the design, you may need to consider access to gas tanks more than with spherical gas pits.
For instance, the NICESOUL 43" Propane Fire Pit has front-loaded tanks that are easily accessible. It is constructed with a powder-coated aluminum frame that is lightweight without compromising stability. This type also includes a height-adjustable flame, a feature that is not often common in contemporary fire pits.
Square Fire Pits
Similar to their rectangular siblings, square fire pits have a streamlined aesthetic. However, they are not as lengthy and are more suitable for smaller places and parties.
The low-sitting Stoneham Square Steel Wood Fire Pit has a galvanized steel mesh screen to keep hot embers where they belong. The grate's pull-out design makes it simple to clean.
Fire Pit Tips & Best Practices
Possession of a fire pit entails the duty to use it safely, despite the fact that it can facilitate a great deal of outdoor pleasure and create a welcoming ambiance. Consider the following fire pit advice and best practices:
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Make a habit of frequently clearing ashes from a wood pit and covering it while it is not in use. This can prevent ash from spreading.
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Always pick a stable, flat platform clear of low-hanging trees for your fire pit.
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Keep in mind that local construction ordinances and homeowner associations may have restrictions on the usage of flame in your region.
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If you have homeowner's insurance, you may also be required to declare the flame. Consult your agent to discover whether your coverage will be affected.
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Keep your fire pits at least 15 feet away from nearby flammable objects, including plants and bushes.
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If you have a composite deck, consult the manufacturer for best practices and suggestions about fire pit usage.
