A common concern of portable fire pit owners and would-be enthusiasts is whether or not you can use a fire pit on decking. Check with your local fire department and/or local fire codes for directives specific to your area. Before purchasing a fire pit for your deck, research your city’s code and regulations, find out the maximum weight requirement of your deck, and if you will need a base. Here's what you need to know first! The below applies to Trex brand decking and substructure products only: “Our Transcend and Select decking lines retain a Class B fire rating, while our Enhance decking lines retain a Class C fire rating; however, they are not fireproof. The bases of these fire pit examples maintain 360° contact with any surface, providing greater resistance to tipping. Our non-flammable Lava material is made from volcanic rock and will withstand 1200°F.Not only does it protect your deck it will also help your BBQ, fire pit or smoker works more efficiently by radiating the heat outward and upward. However, installation of a DIY fire pit on a concrete slab is more complicated and time-consuming than on wood. This gives an extra layer of thermal protection for composite wood decks and temperature sensitive coatings on patios. (Source: Trex Outdoor Fire Pit Statement). Vinyl decking is made from plastic and chlorine, also known as PVC, a combustible material. The exception being fire pits where the “floor” of the fire pit is the ground (fire pit rings, etc), the fact of which is moot for this article. If you have vines, fabric, lighting or any other kind of decoration on your pergola, consider placing your fire pit elsewhere or remove these items. This Deck Protector Heat Shield Fire Pit Protective Mat will help you to light a fire anywhere you want, without damaging the floor underneath. Key among these workarounds is the fire pit heat shield, designed to reduce or eliminate direct deck exposure to the intense radiant heat (and embers) common in portable wood-burning fire pits. Note:  For the purposes of this article I’m referring primarily to portable wood-burning and gas fire pits. 2004-2019 © Woodland Direct, Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are a variety of do-it-yourself and store-bought options to choose from and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Gas fire pits are best in this situation from heat, smoke, soot, and spark perspective but wood-burning fire pits are still a safe option. Custom Stainless Steel monument stand. Steer clear of softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce specifically, as they naturally have a tendency to spark. Using a Fire Pit on a Composite Deck Since composite decking generally incorporates the use of recycled plastic bottles as well has wood particles, it is vulnerable to excessive heat and can be more easily damaged by a fire pit than natural wood decking. Next, you will need to make sure the fire pit is placed a safe distance from your home and will not come into contact with walls, overhangs, low-hanging tree branches, plants, or anything that can catch fire easily. Be cautious when placing the pavers on a composite deck to minimize scratching the surface. Towns, villages, cities, and counties can pass ordinances that … The heat-resistant barriers mentioned in this article can be used on grass as well as long as the surface is stable and level. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, from the companies mentioned in this post. One other thing, be aware of your fire pit’s clearance between the deck and the fire pit bowl. Outland Living Fire Pit 401 –Best Fire Pit for the Wooden Deck. With backyard decks being as expensive as they are, naturally, there is a fear of damaging your deck or worse when using fire pits of any type. Even with safety being the priority, the cost of replacing damaged composite decking will be costly if certain precautions aren’t taken. 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. With millions of unique furniture, décor, and housewares options, we'll help you find the perfect solution for your style and your home. Deck Defender & Grass Guard – Fire Pit Heat Shield. There is little “wiggle room” for the legs or base of your typical portable fire pit to go but over the edge, if nudged. 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. Watertown Fire Dept. My concern is that the portable fire pit can be easily bumped off the platform if everyone is not careful. Your patio deck probably isn’t that big so you can’t move the fire pit around too much to avoid wear spots. Lining the pit with a non-combustible material like fire bricks (available at most building materials stores) or stone. Description Go ahead and light that fire, the Deck Shield by Heatshield Products has you covered. Challenges related to using a fire pit on a wood deck range from full-on fire damage and the destruction or weakening of the decking and the supporting structure, to cosmetic damage from scorching due to metal on wood contact or from hot fire pit contents spilling onto the deck for one reason or another. is important to some when entertaining. Again, every fire pit is different, so you will need to check the manufacturer's requirements before placing a fire pit on, around, or under any combustible surfaces, structures, or materials. Some recommend just building a paver configuration under the fire pit with the feet of the fire pit touching the deck surface. When selecting a wood-burning fire pit for your deck, especially one made of composite decking, strongly consider fire pits that come with a spark screen or can be fitted with a third-party option. More on that below. It's made from durable, light-weight glass-fiber reinforced concrete and features risers on the bottom for plenty of clearance from the surface below. I’ve got an earlier version of the Trex brand of composite decking and while it’s still holding up well, the color at this point is not great. Typically made of steel and mesh, screens are used to keep sparks, embers, and ash from flying out of a wood burning fire pit. The reason you might need a deck defender fire pit heat shield is if you notice black spots or browning on your patio deck. With that said, you’ll most likely have it forever and you can customize the look by selecting paving stones that satisfy your tastes. Key features. Deck Defender & Grass Guard-Fire Pit Heat Shield. Combustible materials permitted.”. I prefer a connected and ready to use garden hose to a bucket of water. Be sure to make the paver grid large enough to allow for a little bit of edge around the feet or base of the fire pit just in case its inadvertently bumper and one of the legs is no longer supported by the fire pit. Gas fire pits are generally safe to use on combustible decks, if installed properly by an NFI Certified professional, but you need to check the manufacturer requirements and your city’s code before putting any type of fire pit on top of your deck. Once you have this figured out, pick out a few fire pits you like and check the installation manuals and manufacturer requirements to make sure they are a good fit for your deck’s surface and outdoor space. SIGN UP FOR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS. very dry) hardwoods like oak, hickory, white ash, black locust, etc. The fire rating classes mentioned in the FAQs are part of a standardized letter classification scale ranging from A-E. These heat shields are probably the closest to a sure-thing when protecting your deck but there is one particular drawback that I have trouble with. A light spray of water around the perimeter of the fire pit will minimize grass heat fatigue while using your fire pit and help it bounce back quicker afterward. Normally, a fire pit radiates a lot of heat energy, enough to burn the base under it. It has COLLAPSIBLE STEEL LEGS, and is AMERICAN MADE. This fire pit weighs a mere 10 pounds so is easily mobile. Free delivery. Finally, narrow the list down to your favorite fire pit and pick out any accessories you need to ensure a safe and fun burning experience. For me, this is the most solid option of the ones I’ve mentioned. Unlike other fire pit heat shields on the market the Deck Armor uses multi-layer construction. This can happen on any surface such as wood, wood composite or even cement patios. Vinyl also expands easily and is likely to crack when exposed to excessive heat. The heat shield functions as a barrier against heat transfer below the fire pit. A thermal barrier can prevent high heat from warping composites. Here’s the basics for putting a fire pit on a wood or composite (Trex) deck: Place stone or concrete pavers underneath the fire pit to act as a heat dissipator. These are not the most aesthetically pleasing of the fire pit barrier options out there, but the reviews are generally solid and the Trex endorsement should definitely be a consideration when shopping for deck protection. Do you have more questions for us? Having a stable (and level) spot, that’s close to the house, is a must-have for many. Fire pit heat shield lets you safely operate … Wood decking is highly combustible. Another barrier option for using a fire pit on decking is a heat-resistant fire pit mat. I won’t say they are the best options for decks specifically, but there are some attractive benefits to using gas fire pits in that location. Remember though, each composite decking manufacturer makes their product a little differently, so make sure you check the specs and heed the recommendations of your brand of choice. The concerns with composite decks are similar to those of wood. In the tray is a combination of heat-resistant natural and man-made fibers on which the fire pit will sit. Concrete material is durable and heat-resistant. Yes you can, but you will need a buffer between the deck and the fire pit and a way to protect the deck from jumping embers. Poured concrete slabs or stone pavers make great durable surfaces for decks. Antietam Road Blogworks (dba Backyard Toasty) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. of State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Truck Step heat shield DEF guard. Dia Withstands 1200°F Constant Model# FPS002 $ 183 99 $ 183 99. The Vintage Gas Fire Pit Table by The Outdoor GreatRoom is approved for use on combustible surfaces and is the perfect complement to a wood deck. Made from the same lava rocks in many of your fire pits, this basalt fiber shield is highly UV, chemical, and acid resistant. Compare. Below are the specifics from Trex about the fire-resistance of their products, product warnings, and their fire pit barrier recommendation. For more, check out my article 3 Best Deck Fire Pits Battle for Our Top Pick for examples of wood-burning and gas fire pits that are well-suited for use on wood and composite decks. With fire pits gaining in popularity, people want options on how and where they can use them. It provides a layer of protection from small embers and hot ash to keep your fire from burning grass, charring decks, or leaving concrete blemishes. What I don’t like is the price, currently around $200. Firewood Note:  To minimize sparking, common seasoned hardwoods like black locust, oak and hickory should be used. The point is, it’s very freaking hot and will do a number on your deck if you are not careful. The Fire Services Bureau may be reached at 518-474-6746. Fire pit heat shield lets you safely operate wood burning fire pits on your deck, patio or lawn because it’s designed to withstand high temperatures and protect surfaces from potential heat damage. This is a relatively inexpensive, lightweight and easy-to-store option. Some mat manufacturers specify their products will not perform as designed if they are too close to the heat source. You’ll ultimately have to decide what’s best for you knowing and implementing what we covered in this article. Customer delivery. The dimensions of this fire pit resistant mat … When choosing a spot for your fire pit it’s generally recommended that it should be located approximately 20-30 feet from structures, your home in particular. Just my thoughts. Your outdoor events and home cookouts can have all the benefits of a live fire, including natural light and warmth, right on your backyard deck! Composite decking typically has some fire-retardant properties but will burn as indicated by the information below pulled from Trex’s website. This Sienna gas fire pit has been placed in an optimal location. These fire pit barriers come in both square (in 12” x 12”, 16” x 16”, 24” x 24”, and 36” x 36” sizes) and octagonal (30” diameter) configurations. are commonly used in composite decking, the risk of warping and melting under high-heat conditions, like those produced by a fire pit, is something to be aware of as well. deck protector fire pit heat shield outdoor fire pits fire pit heat shield lets you safely operate wood burning fire pits on your deck patio or lawn because it s designed to withstand high temperatures and protect surfaces from potential heat damage aluminum metal construction powder coated by shiny steel for improved appearance northland online deck defender grass guard fire pit fire pit heat shield lets you safely operate wood burning fire pits on your deck … On the other hand, the use of a fire pit with a round base (not one with legs) like those from the Solo Stove or Flame Genie model range, on this barrier, would work fine IMHO. Once you have a general idea of where you are going to put your fire pit, consider the following when narrowing down your options: If you are interested in reading more about safe fire pit placement, check out my article dedicated to the topic here. The wood you use in your fire pit should be well seasoned (meaning 20% or less moisture content – a.k.a. Being around for about less than a … Custom through deck fire pit with rack & clean out. Because plastics of one sort on another (polypropylene, PVC, etc.) Trex has come a long way since the time mine was installed though. Fire pits also produce radiant heat, making the pit itself very hot. This 21-pound steel fire pit measures just under 30 inches in diameter, small enough to fit on a patio but large enough to swallow an armload of firewood for an all-night campfire. Knowing that Trex’s products rate pretty well, particularly their “substructure product” which makes a lot of sense considering that is what is holding everything up. Check out our top 5 most unique fire pit finds! Extend your summer with this amazing fire pit heat shield made by Heatshield Products. You have searched for fire pit heat shield and this page displays the closest product matches we have for fire pit heat shield to buy online. Keeping an eye out for a larger model in the future. Just as the name states, Deck Armor is a heat shield used to protect your wood or composite deck from damage from fire pits, BBQs or smokers. Some gas fire pits are approved for installation on a wood deck, but wood burning fire pits are not, unless preapproved and the proper cautionary measures have been taken. Being heated, it may crack. With some restrictions, fire training burning activities are allowed in accordance with guidance from NYS Dept. As far as I can see, these heat shields are only available in 26” x 26”. This heat can transfer to the deck surface and start a fire. Fireproof Mat with Aluminum Foil, KINGXBAR Fire Pit Mat FirePad Deck Protector Heat Shield for Burn Barrel Fire Pit Grill to Protect Your Deck Patio Lawn Campsite from Fire Burn - 36 inches Other brands include TimberTech, Fiberon, Envision, CaliBamboo, and others. Position your fire pit in a relatively low-traffic area to reduce unintended contact with the fire pit or its hot contents, Be aware of and position your fire pit away from overhead structures (i.e. No matter where you plan to use the fire pit, as long as you have a heat shield, you won’t have to worry about fire and heat damage. Also, the usual minimum height of a pergola is about 8 ft so ensure your fire pit fires don’t get to a point where flames pose an ignition risk. Customer address frame structure. This temp is for a bonfire which is essentially what a fire pit is, with the only difference being that it’s typically off the ground. Because of that 4” clearance, there is a risk of the fire pit tipping if one of its legs goes over the side. It is not safe to place a wood burning fire pit on top of a wooden, composite, or vinyl deck unless it has been okayed by the manufacturer and city code, and is placed on top of a non-combustible base. One of the earliest pioneers in the fire pit heat shield business is the … Explore these 7 swoon-worthy outdoor spaces to get inspired to create your own! Custom Monument. Manufacturers publish important clearance and installation requirements in these manuals, so it is important to read them before making a purchase (most manuals can be found on the item pages of our website). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. Again, check with the composite decking manufacturer of your choice for their product specifications and recommendations. 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