If you have a patio, then a fire pit on your deck is the best thing you can do. You may be wondering if it is safe to add a fire pit to a composite decking or if it will reduce the stability of the composite decking.

It is safe to add a fire pit to your deck. However, you need to be careful so that the heat does not cause too much damage to the composite decking. This article will tell you the safety measures you need to take and which fire pit is best for your composite decking.

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1. Is It Safe to Build a Fire Pit on Composite Decking?

It is safe to have a fire pit on a composite decking. But there are a few things you should know and do to stay safe. Composite decking is made from recyclable materials such as plastic and wood fiber. These materials make composite decking somewhat fire-resistant, but that doesn’t mean that composite decking boards can’t be damaged by heat.

It’s important to remember that not all composite decking materials are created equal, and some are more susceptible to heat damage. If you have a fire pit, high heat could damage or even melt your deck. Installing or placing a fire pit on top of such a deck is not a good idea.

1.1 Is Composite Decking Fireproof?

Before installing a fire pit, you should know that composite decking is fire-resistant, not fireproof. People use both terms in the same way, but you need to know the difference.

Fire-resistant materials do not catch fire and can withstand very high temperatures. Fire-resistant materials have a fire-retardant layer that stops the fire from spreading and makes it less violent. Composite decking is fire-resistant and can extend the time it takes for a fire to spread.

Our composite decking boards have some fire resistance. However, you can also purchase Class B fire-resistant boards if you need them. If you would like to know more about the fire resistance of composite decking, please consult our team of experts.

1.2 Composite Decking and Heat

Composite decking materials are fire-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. However, if the temperature gets too high, composite decking can warp or melt.

When temperatures reach 170 degrees, composite decking may begin to buckle. When temperatures reach 200 degrees, they are likely to melt. And temperatures in a fire pit can reach 400 degrees.

It’s safe to have a fire pit on a composite deck. But you need to protect the deck from heat damage first. If you use fire pit dividers and fire pit mats, your composite deck won’t be damaged by fire.

2. Which Fire Pits Are Suitable for Composite Decking?

To keep your composite deck safe, it’s best to use a fire pit powered by propane, gas, or electricity. It is safe to place a wood fire pit on a wood or composite decking, but you should still take additional safety measures.

2.1 Fire Pits Using Propane and Natural Gas

The best fire pits for composite decking are those that use propane or natural gas. They don’t get as hot as wood-burning fire pits. Also, they do not produce embers or sparks that can harm composite decking.

Installing a natural gas or propane fire pit on your deck is easy. If you use a removable propane or gas fire pit, you will still need to use a fire mat to protect your composite decking.

It’s important to note that the support legs of a gas fire pit can get very hot. Make sure your wood or composite deck is protected by a good heat shield and wait until it is cool enough to touch with your hands.

2.2 Wood-burning Fire Pits

Wood fire pits can be used on composite decking. However, you need to take extra care to keep the deck safe. Wooden fire pits can get very hot and coals and sparks may fly away. Never leave a wood fire unattended. Instead of using a built-in fire pit, use a removable fire pit.

Never leave a wood fire pit on a composite deck burning all night. Give the charcoal enough time to cool before removing the fire pit from the deck.

2.3 Electric Fire Pits

Electric fire pits are one of the best options for composite decking and are new on the market. These fire pits have a low fire risk, are easy to use, and can be installed on wood or composite decking. On the other hand, electric fire pits are expensive, require a power source, and do not heat as well as gas or wood fire pits.

3. Safety and Protection of Deck Fire Pits

When using a deck fire pit, certain protections are needed. There are several ways to create a heat shield to keep the heat and embers of the fire pit away from the deck surface.

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3.1 Pavers

Pavers that won’t be damaged by heat can add a layer of safety to your composite deck. The next step is to create a platform large enough for a removable fire pit. As a base for the fire pit, pavers will keep your composite deck safe and secure from the heat.

3.2 Fireproof Mats

Fire mats can withstand very high temperatures. Placing a fire pit on a wood or composite deck can cause serious damage due to high temperatures. When fire mats are placed between high heat sources, such as fire pits, they protect the surface from damage.

Fire mats are made from multiple layers of aluminum or fiberglass fabric. Fireproof mats are very strong and can not only withstand high temperatures, but they also repel water and substances such as hot soot. The mats should be wiped or cleaned each time they are used to fully utilize them.

3.3 Fireproof Bracket

There aren’t many fireproof brackets available in your neighborhood store, so if you find one, buy it. Most fireproof brackets are made of carbon steel or metal that doesn’t melt when heated. This metal is strong and durable and can withstand high temperatures.

Make sure the fire stand fits your portable fire pit. If it doesn’t fit, the slightest tap could cause the fire pit to tip over and spill hot coals all over your composite decking.

3.4 How Close to the House Can I Build My Fire Pit?

In most cases, you should place your firepit approximately three meters away from your house. The most important safety tip is to keep the fire pit away from things that can catch fire on wood and composite decking. Such as plants, wooden fences, and yard sheds. Also make sure that electrical wires, awnings, and tree branches do not touch the fire pit.

4. How to Safely Use a Fire Pit on a Composite Deck

If you take the right safety measures, you won’t have any problems using a fire pit on a composite deck. Here are some tips and precautions for using a deck fire pit safely:

4.1 Stay Vigilant

Although the first rule may seem obvious, it is necessary to emphasize it. If you set up a fire pit on composite decking, never leave it alone! Even if you follow all the safety tips below, there is nothing to stop sudden, unpredictable sparks or wind changes.

4.2 Fire Extinguishers and Water Should Be Nearby

Fire extinguishers and plenty of water are also best kept nearby. Make sure everyone knows where these are. For many homes, this is already done, at least if outdoor water is nearby.

If not, it’s easy to keep a bucket or tub filled with water near the fire pit on the deck. This way, everyone who is enjoying a campfire can quickly and efficiently put out a potentially dangerous fire.

4.3 Build a Barrier Around the Fire Pit

Do not place a fire pit directly on the surface of a composite decking. If you use a fire pit directly on a composite deck, you could end up with a lot of expensive problems. These problems may include total damage from a fire that destroys or weakens the deck and the structure that supports it, or they may include surface damage from high temperatures.

Composite decks usually use plastics such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. For this reason, you should also be aware that polyvinyl chloride can warp and melt in hot areas, such as around fire pits. Polyvinyl chloride begins to melt at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and polypropylene begins to melt at 320 degrees F. Trex has publicly stated that their composite decking will soften at 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

What should you put on your deck around a fire? There is a fire pit mat that can withstand the extremely high temperatures a fire pit can reach. This prevents damage and possible fire disasters. If you want to do it yourself, simply lay pavers or bricks over the area where you want to place the fire pit. When laying bricks on a composite deck, be careful not to scratch the surface.

4.4 Location of Fire Pits

It’s not just wood or composite decks that can be harmed by an ignited fire pit! No matter how big your yard is, your house can catch fire. The heat from a fire can damage your siding, make your exterior look bad, or cost a lot of money to fix.

Never put a fire pit on the side of your house, car, or any other building. This should be self-evident, but people always start fires without thinking about what might happen. They may think that being outside is safe enough.

The fire pit should be at least 20 feet from the house. If you have a very small deck and the fire pit is more than 20 feet away from the deck, then you should not have a fire pit outside at all.

4.5 Clearing the Deck

Before starting a fire, make sure there is nothing around the fire pit that could catch fire. Things like leaves, pine straws, old newspapers, lighter fluid, or anything else should be as far away from the fire pit as possible.

Keep in mind that embers can easily fly sparks from a fire pit. If a spark falls into a pile of dry leaves or other trash, it could start a fire. Always sweep the deck before lighting the fire pit to ensure that there is adequate space around the fire pit.

4.6 Fire Pits Need to Be Cleaned Up After They Have Cooled

As soon as you and your friends at the fire party decide to call it a day, put out the fire with nearby water. Wait until the fire pit and everything in it has cooled completely before putting it out, which should take about 24 hours. Then, scoop the ashes out of the fire pit into a small metal bucket or other container and dispose of the ashes properly.

If you leave wetted ash in the pit, it can cause damage to the metal over time. Ash can also make a mess if it flies out of the fire pit and lands on the deck.

5. Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than sitting by a warm fire on a cool evening. You can put a fire pit on your EVODEK composite deck. As long as you take the right steps to prevent serious damage to your deck from the heat.

Do not place a fire pit directly on top of composite decking boards. To keep your composite decking boards safe, make a heat shield and use fire mats or fire shelves.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 Can I Place a Fireproof Table on Composite Decking?

It is safe to use fireproof tables on composite decking. The principle of a fire table is to move the heat upwards and away from the deck. However, if you want to use a fire pit on composite decking, you should always build a fire barrier or use a fire mat.

6.2 Is It Possible to Install a Fireplace on a Composite Deck?

Chimneys should be elevated off the ground because they give off heat. It is safe to use a fireplace on a composite deck. However, insulation must be used to prevent the surface of the composite deck from melting or warping.

6.3 How Can I Prevent Damage to My Deck?

Because most fireplaces have a high base, they can be used on any surface. Use refractory bricks and steps to lift the fireplace off the deck surface. This will protect the composite deck from damage caused by high temperatures.

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