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.
Read more: How to Angle Corners and Joists
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.
Read more: The Top 10 Outdoor Fireplaces for 2022
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.
Read more: Building Your Deck For A Hot Tub
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.
Read more: How To Build an Octagon Deck
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.
Read more: Deck Joist Sizing and Spacing
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.
Read more:How to Seal Your Deck & Best Deck Sealers
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.
Read more: How to Bug-Proof Your Deck & Floorboards
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.
Read more: How to Prepare & Protect Your Deck for Winter
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.
Read more: Removing Moss & Algae from Your Deck
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.
Read more: Can You Paint or Stain Composite Decking?
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.
Read more: How to Sand a Wood Deck
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.
Read more: How to Clean a Composite or Wood Deck
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.
Read more: How to Stain a Wood Deck
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.
Read more: How to Build a Wheelchair-Compliant Deck Ramp
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.
Read more: Installing a DIY Under-Deck Drainage System
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:
-
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.
-
Always pick a stable, flat platform clear of low-hanging trees for your fire pit.
-
Keep in mind that local construction ordinances and homeowner associations may have restrictions on the usage of flame in your region.
-
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.
-
Keep your fire pits at least 15 feet away from nearby flammable objects, including plants and bushes.
-
If you have a composite deck, consult the manufacturer for best practices and suggestions about fire pit usage.
FAQs
Can I put a fire pit on a wood or composite deck?
-
Yes—prefer a CSA/UL-listed gas fire table and add a non-combustible heat barrier. Wood-burning pits throw embers and intense downward heat, which can damage decking. Trex, for example, warns its boards can soften near ~176°F and recommends cutting around the deck boards for built-ins or using a heat-resistant layer + protective wall (gas only). Always follow your deck and appliance manuals.
What type of fire feature is safest on a deck?
-
A propane/natural-gas fire table (with manufacturer clearances and a heat shield) is typically safer and cleaner than a wood-burning bowl/chiminea on a deck—no embers, less ash, and controllable flame. Check your HOA/local rules; some jurisdictions require gas on decks. (Rules vary by city/county.)
How far from the house and railings should a fire pit be?
-
Use the appliance manual first; many gas fire tables call for ~48 in side clearance and ~72 in overhead to combustibles. Local rules for open fires can be stricter (some authorities reference 10–20 ft; NFPA guidance for certain open fires notes up to 50 ft). When in doubt, increase distance and ask your AHJ (local code official).
Can I use a fire pit under a pergola or covered deck?
-
Only if the manufacturer allows it and clearances are met—many manuals require no overhead structure or a large overhead clearance (often 72 in / 6 ft). Even when permitted, ensure abundant ventilation and non-combustible surfaces above/around the unit.
What should I put under a fire pit to protect the deck?
-
Use a listed heat-resistant pad/mat or a non-combustible plinth (e.g., pavers on mortar board). Composite makers advise a heat barrier and, for built-ins, cutting the deck away and isolating the pit with stone/metal surrounds. Do not place wood-burning bowls directly on decking.
Will my deck hold the weight of a fire table and seating?
-
Most residential decks are designed for ~40 psf live load + ~10 psf dead load; heavy stone fire features or crowded seating can exceed local capacity. If the unit is large/heavy, have a pro verify load (post/beam spans, footings).
Are there special rules for propane tanks on a deck?
-
Follow your fire code and the fire-pit manual: keep cylinders upright, ventilated, and away from ignition/surface heat; never store spares indoors or below-grade. Many communities also set minimum distances from openings or walls—check local code/HOA. (Distances vary; see your AHJ.)
What about spark/ember control with wood-burning pits?
-
Use a tight-fitting spark screen, keep a class-rated extinguisher nearby, and metal-can ash disposal (lid on) after full cool-down. Embers and downward radiant heat are the main deck risks—another reason gas is preferred on decks. (NFPA emphasizes separation and control for open fires.)
Do composite brands differ for fire features?
-
Yes—follow brand-specific guidance. Trex and others caution against placing heat sources directly on boards and recommend barriers/isolators or cut-outs with non-combustible surrounds for gas. Some brands market higher fire-resistance options, but clearances still apply.
What are the must-do safety steps for a deck fire pit?
-
Check code/HOA, choose listed gas units when possible, meet all clearances (sides/overhead), protect the deck surface, anchor/level the unit, keep combustibles and overhanging branches away, and cover + shut off when not in use. Keep kids/pets at a distance and never leave flames unattended. (Combine the manual + local code + brand decking guidance.)
