Can You Use a Fire Pit on a Deck?

A deck looks like the perfect spot for a fire. For a wood-burning fire pit, it isn't. Here's why, what the fire codes say, and where to put your fire pit instead.

Can you put a fire pit on a wood deck?

Not a wood-burning one. We don't recommend using a Fire Horse fire pit on a wood or composite deck, and many cities don't allow it. Prince George's County, Maryland says fires are not allowed on any balcony or deck. Madison, Wisconsin says fire pits shall not be used on any combustible deck, porch or patio. Cleveland Heights, Ohio prohibits chimineas on wood decks, balconies or under an overhang.

The reasons are simple: heat from the bowl and stray embers can damage or ignite decking, and a deck often sits right against the house.

What about composite decking?

Composite boards are not a safe base either. Trex, one of the largest composite decking makers, says in its own planning guide that wood-burning fire pits shouldn't go on the decking unless you use a protective product made for that purpose, and it warns about burning embers landing on the boards. Check your decking manufacturer's guidance before you put any fire feature on it.

What kind of fire pit can you put on a deck?

Where a fire feature is allowed on a deck at all, it's usually a gas or propane fire pit, not a wood-burner. Prince George's County, for example, allows natural gas or propane fire pits on a deck if they're used per the manufacturer's guidelines, kept 10 feet from the house, and the combustion area doesn't touch combustible decking. Rules vary a lot by town, so check yours.

Fire Horse fire pits and fire rings are wood-burning, so they belong on the ground, not the deck.

Where should you put a wood-burning fire pit instead?

• A level, non-flammable surface: pavers, stone, concrete, gravel or bare soil.
• In the open: not under a covered patio, pergola, awning or overhanging branches.
• Away from buildings: many fire codes call for 15 feet from a structure for a manufactured fire pit and 25 feet for an open fire on the ground. Your city may set a different number.
• With room to sit: leave 3 to 4 feet of clear space between the fire and your chairs.

A raised fire pit like our 26" Hearthcrest or Westbrook works well on a paver or concrete patio. On gravel or bare ground, a 36" fire ring gives you a wider, campfire-style fire. Not sure which? See Fire Ring vs. Fire Pit.

How close can a fire pit be to a deck?

Treat the deck like part of the house. If your city requires 15 or 25 feet from a structure, measure from the deck's edge, not just the house wall. Albany, New York, for example, asks for at least 10 feet from your home, fences and trees. Madison measures 15 feet from a building or lot line. When in doubt, call your local fire department.

Can you put a fire pit directly on pavers?

Yes. Pavers, stone and concrete are non-flammable surfaces, which is what a raised fire pit needs. Cleveland Heights, for example, points to a non-combustible surface such as a concrete patio. Pavers may discolor from heat and ash over time, so some people add a fire pit mat under the fire pit for extra protection. A mat adds protection on a non-flammable surface. It doesn't make a wood deck safe.

What if your only outdoor space is a deck?

Look for a spot in the yard, off the deck, where you can lay a few pavers or a gravel pad. Even a small paver pad 15 to 25 feet out can give you a safe fire spot. For a pad on lawn, follow the steps in Can You Put a Fire Ring on Grass?

Fire pit safety checklist

• Check the wind and any local burn ban before lighting.
• Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher within reach.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Burn only dry, seasoned firewood. Don't burn trash, treated lumber or pallets. More in the best firewood for a fire pit.
• Put the fire out completely before you go inside. Here's how to put out a fire pit safely.

For the full list, see our Fire Pit Care & Safety Guide.

Sources: Prince George's County Fire/EMS; City of Madison Fire Department; City of Cleveland Heights; City of Albany, NY; Trex deck planning guide; Minnesota State Fire Marshal.