Is It Safe to Use a Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio? | Woodlanddirect.com (2024)

FAQs

Can you put a fire pit under a covered patio? ›

Can I put a fire pit under a covered patio? You can absolutely have a natural gas or propane fire pit under a covered patio if the overhead height of the ceiling meets CSA requirements for distance from appliance. This is usually 80 inches. Check your appliance manual for required distances.

Fire pits can sometimes damage concrete patios due to their high heat. Prolonged exposure to very high temperatures can cause thermal shock, which happens when the outer layers of the concrete expand at a different rate than the inner layers. This difference in expansion can cause cracks to form in the concrete.

Don't place your fire pit under an overhang or beneath trees. You'll also want to keep the immediate area clear of yard waste and other flammable materials. This will prevent any sparks from blowing out and catching fire. Most places require a clearance of 21 feet above the fire pit to allow for overhead branches.

Safety tip: We recommend only using gas-powered fire pits under gazebos or pergolas that have a roof or canopy. Smoke from a wood-burning fire pit will be forced to go out instead of up if put under a structure with a roof, which could create a hazard. Alternatively, gas-powered fire pits do not emit smoke.

As mentioned earlier, a fire pit can be located under a pergola with either a fixed-roof or adjustable louvered roof design. While a fixed-roof pergola creates full-time shade for the patio, a louvered roof opens and closes allowing you to control the sun/shade balance in your outdoor living space.

Choosing a floor protector compatible with the surface on which you plan to place your fire pit is essential. For example, a fire-resistant mat or a deck protector may be the best option if you use your fire pit on a wooden deck. If you are building a fire pit in the garden, then gravel may be the ideal solution.

Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities. Don't put your fire pit too close to your property line. The minimum distance between the fire and property line varies from county to county, so be sure to check your local guidelines.

The base of the fire pit gets very hot and that is likely to damage any combustible surface it is placed on and may set fire to it! ​​Read our fire pit safety guide here.

The best materials to put in the bottom of your fire pit are gravel, paver base or fire bricks.

How far does a fire pit need to be away from the house? At least 10 feet (or 3 meters) away from any structure is recommended. The distance varies depending on your county or municipality, so be sure to check out the specifics where you live.

How big should a fire pit patio be? ›

A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides.

First things first, let's address the burning question: do fire pits actually get hot underneath? In short, yes. The heat from both wood burning fire pits and a gas fire pit can be significant and it's especially important to manage this heat properly to avoid damage to your deck, patio, or lawn.

If your gazebo is made of plastic or other materials used to create temporary structures, you should avoid putting your fire pit under it as they could easily catch fire. The best gazebo to put your fire pit under is made of treated wood or stone, as these are not flammable and will ensure a safe structure.

Your fire pit should be at least 10 feet from structures or items that can catch fire, like your home, your tent and any plants. Overhanging branches, wooden decks and fences are a big no-no. That means your fire pit should never be beneath a canopy, under a covered patio or below trees.

A fire pit under a pergola can be safe with the right precautions. Local laws may restrict or prohibit fire pits under outdoor structures. Build your pergola at least 10 feet tall if you want a fire pit underneath. Consider non-combustible pergola and foundation materials to minimize fire risk.

Your fire pit should be at least 10 feet from structures or items that can catch fire, like your home, your tent and any plants. Overhanging branches, wooden decks and fences are a big no-no. That means your fire pit should never be beneath a canopy, under a covered patio or below trees.

Gas Fire Pits: Powered by natural or liquid propane gas, these fire pits allow easy control of the flames. You can safely use them under a gazebo, provided there's adequate ventilation. Bioethanol Fire Pits: An eco-friendly choice, these fire pits produce minimal smoke.

Ideally we recommend chimineas to be placed in an open area or just outside a roof line allowing them maximum airflow and ventilation. However in saying that hundreds of people use them successfully under covered areas /pergolas. It really depends on your individual situation.

Location, location, location…

Unless you're going for a contemporary symmetrical look or you're working with a lot of space, don't place the fire pit in the center of the patio, but offset to one side. You can balance the design with other heavy elements, such as an arbor, tree, water feature or outdoor bar.