Are there any safe fire pits for a wood deck?

[peterp1]

We've always wanted to have a fire pit on our wood deck, but our first concern is safety (e.g. not setting the deck/house on fire ). I've searched the internet and get conflicting views, so I would like to get feedback from anyone who has actually used a fire pit on a wood deck. We are open to propane, natural gas (already have a tap on the deck), or wood as long as it's safe. Please share your experiences or thoughts on fire pits for wood decks.

 

[sanford12]

Had a cast iron chiminea on a wooden deck. We used 12x12 concrete pads to set it on. Used it for years with no problem. Lots of designs to choose from.

 

[markmcmuz]

The propane units are just as safe as using your gas grill on a deck.

 

[ehoove]

 

[Wes_in_VA]

We have a Breeo fire pit that we use exclusively on our deck and it’s great. We have it sitting on a large cement paver and I’ve never been concerned about it being an issue.

 

[Swokie63]

I saw these at a bar and grill in N Georgia recently..
Don't know who makes em, but thought they were awesome..
The flames are inside a glass? tube.. put out some good heat..

 

[OBMG74]

I would never have a wood burning fire pit on our wood deck. (think sparks and extremely dry wood-and as wood ages it becomes more combustible)
However, we do have an LP gas fireplace on our deck which we enjoy.
I don't have any safety concerns about it whatsoever.
As mentioned in a previous post, no different than a gas grill.

 

[usedto]

I saw these at a bar and grill in N Georgia recently..
Don't know who makes em, but thought they were awesome..
The flames are inside a glass? tube.. put out some good heat..

View attachment 2400957

Hampton Bay

 

[peterp1]

We have a Breeo fire pit that we use exclusively on our deck and it’s great. We have it sitting on a large cement paver and I’ve never been concerned about it being an issue.

This looks very cool.

This version with mounting ring looks very cool, though I guess it would look a bit silly sitting on a deck. It's BYOB -- bring your own brick:

 

[peterp1]

I saw these at a bar and grill in N Georgia recently..
Don't know who makes em, but thought they were awesome..
The flames are inside a glass? tube.. put out some good heat..

View attachment 2400957

I've seen these in restaurants also and they are very cool. Whatever I get, it'll need to stay out on the deck 7x24 year-round because I have no storage space for it, so this might not work. I'm tempted though.

 

[peterp1]

The propane units are just as safe as using your gas grill on a deck.

I would never have a wood burning fire pit on our wood deck. (think sparks and extremely dry wood-and as wood ages it becomes more combustible)
However, we do have an LP gas fireplace on our deck which we enjoy.
I don't have any safety concerns about it whatsoever.
As mentioned in a previous post, no different than a gas grill.

I think you both are right and that ultimately I will probably feel more comfortable a propane/natural gas solution. Would love to see what deck fireplace you are using. I do have a natural gas tap already on the deck. The propane units, from what I've been able to tell, burn through a 20 lb can in 8 to 12 hours (which would be a bit of a pain to refill).

 

[rhodus]

Extinguished ones

 

[Bill S]

Neighbor had a Weber fire pit on his deck. Had a lot of burn marks on the deck.

Friend had a propane grill on a wood deck. Got wasted one night and left the grill on high to burn off and clean it. He fell asleep and when he woke up the grill had melted and the deck was on fire.

Nothing is completely without risk on a wooden deck. Do you have room in the yard for a proper fire pit? Gas fireplace just off the deck with a stone hearth in front of it?

 

[baeron]

I tend to skip the Wood Deck

 

[BillyTheKid]

Nothing is completely without risk on a wooden deck.

Excellent point.

 

[OBMG74]

Brand is Charbroil, LP gas.
Note elevated flame bed, away from deck boards.
We burn it on low to save fuel, can't say how much it consumes, just use it once in a while.

 

[peterp1]

Brand is View attachment 2401529 Charbroil, LP gas.
Note elevated flame bed, away from deck boards.
We burn it on low to save fuel, can't say how much it consumes, just use it once in a while.

This seems like the safest option so far. Are those ceramic logs on top? It's not easy to find this style (elevated, logs, enclosed in screen), even when I search for Charbroil.

 

[Jeffery]

Not cheap, but Solo claims their pits are safe on wood if the optional stand is used. Probably want to keep burning wood from falling out of it, I'm sure they mean safe so long as it's not got burning logs falling out of it.

I use a 30" dished tank head sitting on an old wheel, pretty sure it'd be safe on a wood deck if burning wood wasn't allowed to escape the sides.

 

[BamaBilly]

I think it’s odd people will have a fireplace INSIDE their house and act like a fire pit on a deck is too risky. I’ve had a fire pit on my deck for 30yrs without incident. Any of them with legs will work fine and long as it’s in good shape.

 

[peterp1]

Not cheap, but Solo claims their pits are safe on wood if the optional stand is used. Probably want to keep burning wood from falling out of it, I'm sure they mean safe so long as it's not got burning logs falling out of it.

Thanks -- the Solo Bonfire with accessory kit (https://www.solostove.com/bonfire-backyard-bundle/) looks very good. I'm okay with the price -- it is pricey for what it is I guess, but more than it's worth it if it gets the job done safely.

I think this is the one my brother-in-law was talking about -- he couldn't remember the name, but said these things rock and he felt it was a very controlled flame.

The accessory kit comes with a screen also, for to eliminate sparks and embers. This is probably the contender at this point.