How to Install a Fire Pit on a Deck, Patio, or Porch

Fire Pit Basics

If you have researched design ideas, you may encounter some impressive pit installations. While traditional backyard fire pits are fine for several, others want something a touch more unique. This is often why we frequently get questions on installing fire pits on decks, under overhangs, or inside screened-in porches. Safety should be one among your primary concerns when installing your pit, so we’ve put together this guide with a number of the small prints you’ll want to stay in mind if you’re designing a project for one among these locations.

Installing a Gas Fire Pit on a Deck

One of the foremost common questions we get is, “Can I install a gas Fire pit on a deck?” Usually, yes, you will install a gas Fire pit on a deck as long as you comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

However, your local building codes and fire ordinances will take precedence over these guidelines, so always research local restrictions before time. These will vary greatly from one jurisdiction to subsequent. You’ll also want to see together with your insurance firm to form sure fire features are covered by your policy.

Gas Fire Pits Are the Safe Option

A wood Fire pit shouldn't be installed on a deck. With the help of gas fire pits, less heat is generated and no floating limbs or sparks are found to potentially land on your deck, which is the safest choice for placing a gas fire deck.

However, since many decks are still made from flammable materials and are, therefore, combustible, you’ll want to require proper precautions any time you’re handling an open flame.

Consider Deck Strength

You should always take the load of your pit into consideration when installing on a deck. Though this might seem obvious, the heavyweight of a fireplace pit are often easy to overlook when that specialize in other safety requirements. This is often very true for installations utilizing paver blocks or cement to make an enclosure. Your pit will last a few years, so make certain your deck is up to the task.

Refer to Your Owner’S Manual for the Simplest Information

Regardless of the specifics of your installation, make certain to consult your installation or owner’s manual and abide by all manufacturer-recommended clearances. These are the conditions the hearth pits are tested under and can help make sure you have a secure installation.

Fire Tables Provide an Alternate Option

A gas pit installed on a deck can create a gorgeous entertaining space. However, ensuring all requirements are meant quite a home-owner will want to affect. Fortunately, fire tables offer an excellent alternative to a more traditional pit. Many of these options are safe to use, such as Napoleon's popular Muscoca Fire Table.

As another bonus, these fire features are often used as regular outdoor tables when the flame isn't in use, making them a superb option for a functional area.

Installing a Fireplace Pit during a Covered Area

Many of the rules for installing a fireplace pit during a covered area are going to be almost like the considerations you’ll have to bring installing on a deck (see above).

However, there are additional considerations you’ll have to make, as well. An improperly installed pit can create a serious safety hazard, which makes following manufacturer instructions even more important. Always defer to manufacturer specifications or local building codes before installing your Fire pit. Thereupon said, here are some general guidelines to stay in mind.

Fire Pit Surroundings

The room you’re installing your pit in will have to have open airflow to make sure safe operation. This is often additionally to the manufacturer's recommended clearances to combustibles.

One of our top pit manufacturers, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, offers several guidelines regarding pit installations during a screened-in area:

• The units themselves aren't UL approved for these applications.

• The screens used must be permanently open—they cannot have windows that close.
• The screened-in walls must provide a minimum open area of 30 percent.
• All ceiling and wall clearances must be met, including a minimum porch area of a minimum of 96 square feet.

These requirements won't be an equivalent for all fire pits. For instance, Hearth Products Controls, another top pit manufacturer, requires no quite two sides of your Fire pit to be surrounded by a solid structure or combustibles. Again, always review manufacturer guidelines before installing.

Height Requirements

Clearance requirements for overhead structures like pergolas, roofs, overhangs, screens, arbors, or sidewalls will have to be met to avoid potential fires or inadvertent damage. These requirements will largely be hooked into the dimensions of your pit.

As an example, Hearth Products Controls advises 36 inches of side clearance and 84 inches of overhang clearance for fire pits up to 200,000 BTU. For fire pits larger than this, 48 inches of side clearance and 120 inches of overhang clearance are required. This is often additionally to the minimum of 12 inches of clearance from combustible materials.

If you’re unsure of the clearance requirements of your Fire pit or if you’re having difficulty locating this information, give us a call and that we can assist you.

Find the Proper Fire Feature for Your Project

Your satisfaction is our highest priority. Our team has years of experience helping customers build an area they will be pleased with, and they’d like to assist you, as well. Contact us by phone or email to talk with one among our experts and we’ll set you up with the proper products for your build.

You can also inspect our other helpful guides, like the way to design your pit (part one and part two) also as a video on the way to assemble your pit kit.

We’re looking forward to working with you.