Is Wood or Composite Decking Safe For A Fire Pit?

Our Guide for Using Fire Pits on Decking

There are many things to consider when deciding where to put your fire pit and on what surface, and most importantly, you must consider the safety of the decking. Here are a few things to consider.

• Is it safe to put a fire pit on the decking?

• Can I use the fire pit close to my decking?

• What surfaces are safe for fire pits?

• Can I put my gas fire pit anywhere?

• What can I put underneath a fire pit to make it safe?

Is Decking A Safe Surface For A Wood-Fired Fire Pit? 

As tempting as imagining your wood-fired fire pit or chimenea on a beautiful decking area is, we don't recommend it. Fire pits reach extremely high temperatures, and repeat exposure to such high temperatures of heat could cause the wood structure to weaken or become unstable.

The sparks and embers can seriously damage the decking, causing the wood to become scorched or blackened, potentially leading to a fire. 

However, many people have successfully used wood decking as a surface for their fire pit, and whilst we would avoid it, we have some safety tips should you choose to proceed.

• It is essential to use a fire pit pad. This acts as a protective barrier between the wood decking and the fire pit. 

• Fire pit mats are an affordable barrier generally made from rubber or PVC, making them easy to store away when not in use. Always check the manufacturer's guide, as you must have clearance between the bottom of the fire pit bowl and the protective mat. The mat's performance will be affected if they are too close together. 

• You can make your own protective barrier by using paving slabs. Make sure you have enough to cover the whole area underneath the pit. They will need to be the same size, thickness and, most importantly, they need to be stable. If not, you risk the pit tipping over, which would cause significant damage.

• You must ensure your fire pit is used in an open space. If your decking area has a gazebo or an awning and you should remove these before lighting your fire pit.  

• Check the surroundings of your decking area. If there are any hanging tree branches, trim them back so they don't become a fire risk.

• Make sure your decking area is far enough away from your home,  shed or outbuilding. 20ft is the recommended distance.

If you've not yet had decking installed but are thinking of doing so, it's recommended that you use treated, fire-retardant wood and the safety measures above.

Composite decking contains plastic-based materials, and if exposed to extremely high heat, it can cause extreme damage. There may be a fire/heat resistance level, but you must check with the manufacturer.

Some will recommend only using a fire pit on this type of decking if a certain fire retardant treatment has been applied during manufacturing. 

What If It's Close To My Decking?

We recommend avoiding placing your fire pit near anything that could catch fire.

Sparks and embers could fall or escape from the fire pit, especially on a windy day, so the safest option is to clear an area away from wood decking, trees, branches and anything flammable. 

What Surfaces Are Safe For Wood-Fired Fire Pits?

• Stone: stone paving slabs are non-combustible, which means they can't catch fire, making them the ideal surface for your fire pit.

• Concrete slabs are the perfect surface for fire pits as they are non-combustible, so they won't catch fire.

• Gravel: if you have a fire pit with a large, sturdy base, it can be used safely on gravel. Smaller fire pits like chimeneas should not be placed on gravel as the surface will be uneven, and the chimenea could fall over. 

Gas Fire Pits:

Gas fire pits can be used on wood decking, but many things must be considered. 

Even though there is no ash or wood, your gas fire pit will still become hot and could damage your wooden decking. Most modern gas fire pits will be fine, but it's best to check the gas fire pit manufacturers' recommendations.

To avoid this or be safe, use a heatproof mat underneath your gas fire pit so it's not placed directly onto the wood.

A heatproof mat is not the same as a purely cosmetic outdoor rug.

Heat Proof Mats:

Heatproof mats are a great way to protect any surface from heat damage. They are often used underneath fire pits as a shield between the fire pit and the surface underneath. 

Benefits of Fire Pit Heatproof Mats:

• Heat resistant - Certain heat-proof mats can reflect 95% of the heat upward and away from the surface.

• Portable - Easy to move around if you have a smaller or portable fire pit, so you can use it anywhere.

• Non-slip - Most heatproof mats have a non-slip underside leaving your fire pit completely safe.

• Some will have a silicone surface, so if you are cooking on your fire pit, it is easy to clean any grease spills and protect the surface underneath the fire pit.

Additional Decking Safety Tips:

When deciding on the perfect place to put your fire pit, always consider the following:

• Is there anything flammable close to the fire pit? Low-hanging branches, flower pots, bushes etc.

• Weather - Windy conditions could blow embers away from the fire pit, so it's important to position your fire pit in a clear space.

• Spark screens are incredibly useful and will limit the effect of wind on the flames. The spark screen will allow the fire to breathe without allowing dangerous sparks to escape.

• If your fire pit or chimenea comes with a base or legs, use them. They are provided to keep your fire pit from being put directly on the floor, reducing the chance of damage to the chosen surface. 

• Never leave your fire pit unattended, regardless of the surface it's on.

• Extinguish the fire safely by leaving it to die out naturally, or use the lid provided to put the flames out. Only in emergencies would you use a bucket of water to extinguish as the sudden change in temperature could cause the fire pit to crack. 

• Avoid placing your fire pit on an outdoor rug/carpet. These are visually pleasing but will be a fire risk if they are not heat resistant.

• Corten Steel fire pits - It can take up to 12 months of exterior exposure for the rust condition to stabilise. During this time, it can bleed, meaning some rust will run off onto the surrounding area, which can leave a stain. Always position your Corten Steel fire pit on a darker surface or gravel; this will disguise the stain. Heatproof mats will also catch any bleeding and can be replaced after the first year of use.

Enjoying your fire pit safely is our top priority, and hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Fire Pits Are Safest for Use on Wooden Decks?

Gas and bioethanol fire pits are generally the safest types on wooden decks.

This is because they don't generate sparks or embers like wood-burning fire pits, reducing the risk of accidental fires.

They also provide a more controlled flame, which lessens the chance of overheating and damaging the deck.

Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and guidelines when using a fire pit on a wooden deck.

Are There Any Specific Maintenance Tips for Using a Fire Pit on a Deck?

When maintaining a fire pit on your deck, regular inspection is key. Always check your decking for signs of heat damage or scorch marks, particularly around the fire pit.

Also, regularly inspect the fire pit itself for any damage or wear.

Positioning is crucial as well. Ensure your fire pit is safe and stable before lighting it. If it has been moved, it should be returned to its safe location before use.

Can I Use a Chimenea on My Wooden or Composite Deck?

You can use a chimenea on a wooden or composite deck, but be cautious and take precautions to prevent damage.

Place your chimenea on a heat-resistant fire pit pad or mat, or use non-flammable pavers underneath to protect the deck from high temperatures and embers.

Always ensure the chimenea is stable to prevent it from tipping over, and never leave it unattended while in use.