Many people enjoy the ambiance and warmth that a fire pit provides, but is it safe to have one under a gazebo or pergola? It depends on the type of gazebo or pergola you have and how well it was constructed. If you have a combustible roof on your structure, then it’s not safe to have a fire pit under it. However, if your roof is made of non-combustible materials, such as metal or vinyl, then it’s perfectly safe to have a fire pit under your gazebo or pergola.
Here are Some Fire Pit Safety Tips:
- Use a protective fire pit or another heat-resistant surface (like an outdoor stone or cement pad) to place your fire pit on.
- Always use non-combustible materials for the rest of your gazebo or pergola, including your ceiling boards and decorative touches.
- Keep tinder, kindling, and fuel for your fire pit away from combustible parts of the gazebo or pergola.
- Make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear of anything that can burn, including grass, leaves, and shrubs.
- When you’re finished using the fire pit, douse it with water, stir the ashes to expose the hot embers, and soak it again.
- Never leave a fire pit unattended.
- Keep a garden hose or water source nearby just in case the fire does spread.
As for having your fire pit under your gazebo or pergola, this is all up to you! If you have any questions about whether or not having one is safe, contact your local fire department.
Are propane fire pits compatible with Gazebo?
There is no reason you can’t have a propane fire pit under a gazebo. Gazeboes are generally designed with the thought of adding safety features that will keep guests safe from the elements and don’t necessarily think about safety in regards to a fire pit since most people just use them for decoration. As long as your gazebo is constructed out of non-combustible materials you should be fine. One thing you want to make sure of is that your gazebo isn’t close enough to the house where heat may damage it.
The main thing with a fire pit is to always use a protective surface whether it’s a metal pan or stone surface for it to rest on. That should take care of any heat damage to the gazebo roof.
Can I set up a fire pit underneath my existing pergola?
You can, but be sure that you have a pergola made of wood frame and wood cross beams. If you have vinyl or metal on the gazebo, then that’s not safe to place a fire pit underneath it. Make sure you are using non-combustible materials for your ceiling boards as well as all decorative touches inside the structure.
Be sure that the fire pit is placed on a protective surface and that wood tinder, kindling, and fuel are kept away from the combustible parts of the gazebo. Also, make sure that there’s no grass or leaves around that can catch on fire as well as keep any shrubs too close to where you have your fire pit.
When you’re finished using your fire pit, remember to douse it with water, stir the ashes to expose the hot embers, and let it soak for a little bit. And if you have a propane one, be sure to use a protective cover on the propane gas tank at all times.
How close can a fire pit be to a pergola?
Fire pits are usually designed with the thought of adding safety features that will keep guests safe from the elements. As long as your gazebo is constructed out of wood beams and wood planks, it’s perfectly fine to have a fire pit underneath it. Just be sure to use non-combustible materials for all parts inside the structure and follow all safety precautions.
The main thing with wood-burning fire pits is to always use a protective surface whether it’s wood or stone, so that would take care of any heat damage to the wood beams and wood planks. Just make sure you are using non-combustible materials for your ceiling boards as well as all decorative touches inside the structure and that wood tinder, kindling, and fuel are kept away from the combustible parts of the gazebo.
Can I Put a Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio?
A fire pit can be set up safely anywhere as long as it’s on a protective surface, you are using non-combustible decorative touches, and keep any flammable materials away from it.
Most covered patios are constructed of wood beams for the roofing structure and wood planks for the floor. And because most people use them for decoration and to keep guests safe from the elements, you can place a fire pit underneath it.
Is it OK to Have a Fire Pit Table Under a Gazebo?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to have a fire pit table under a gazebo as long as it’s on a sturdy metal or stone surface, you are using non-combustible materials for the gazebo structure, and follow all safety precautions.
Most people use metal or stone surfaces to protect their gazebos from heat damage. And because it’s designed for decoration and keeping guests safe from the elements, you can place a fire pit table underneath it.
Is it OK to Have a Wood-Burning Fire Pit Under a Gazebo?
Yes, you can have a fire pit under your gazebo as long as it’s on a protective surface, you are using non-combustible materials for your decorative touches inside the structure, and keep any flammable materials away from it.
Most covered patios are constructed out of wood for their beams and floorboards. And if you are using them for decoration and safety, there’s no issue having a fire pit underneath them.
What do You Put Under a Fire Pit?
There are many things you can use to put under a fire pit depending on the material of your deck or patio. You can use materials such as stone, brick, metal, and ceramic tiles. And if the surface is combustible, you need to make sure that it’s protected by a layer such as aluminum or stainless steel so that there’s no risk of catching the surface on fire.
Can I Put a Fire Pit Under a Wooden Pergola?
Yes, you can place a wood-burning fire pit under your gazebo as long as it’s on a sturdy metal or stone surface and according to all safety precautions. The advantage is that they usually come with spark screens, fire pits, and shade covers for those hot sunny days.
Check Your Local Regulations
You don’t want to get into trouble with your local law enforcement.
There are many regulations that govern the types of fire pits that can be sold and used in each state, so it’s important to know what is legal where you live. It is also essential to know which products are banned entirely by some states.
In California, for example, it is illegal to use any kind of solid-fueled or wood-burning fire pit within 25 feet of a home without a spark arrestor. Gas-powered outdoor fire pits are also banned. In British Columbia, Canada, you can only burn firewood in your pit if you have a permit from the fire commissioner.
Make certain there is adequate ventilation
Make sure that there is at least a three-foot gap between your fire pit and any combustible material such as leaves or trees, which could catch fire if a stray ember ignites them.
Use a safety screen
Safety screens help prevent flying sparks from getting too close to where people are. Even if your fire pit is far enough away from any flammable objects, you still need to use a spark arrestor if there are people around who could be exposed to injury or death if they do catch on fire.
Consider the Location of the Gazebo
If you have a gazebo near your fire pit, consider that with the gazebo’s roof and walls forming a box, the fire will consume oxygen much more quickly. This makes it important to monitor the fuel level of your fire carefully. If you must have a fire in this sort of enclosure, consider installing a gas-powered fire pit instead.
What fuel to use?
The best fuels are fresh dry seasoned hardwoods or clean untreated softwoods. Avoid burning treated wood scraps – they often contain glues and resins that release toxins into the air when burned. When using charcoal briquettes, make certain to use only 100% hardwood charcoal. Never burn garbage, plastic, rubber, or paint cans in your fire pit. Also, avoid using lumber scraps as they release carbon monoxide fumes when burned.
Chimney Cleaning
Don’t forget the chimney! Once you are done with an outdoor fire for the season, make certain to run the chimney’s flue until it is completely free of ash. Once you close up your home for winter, remove all ashes from the fire pit area and cover it with a metal fire-resistant mesh or spark guard.
Consider the Gazebo Pillars
If you notice, most gazebos have pillars that support the roof. These are usually constructed of wood and may need to be cleaned from the soot left behind by a fire. Thoroughly clean and repaint them with high-quality exterior latex paint before putting your gazebo back together in order to prolong their lifespan.
Through these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort of a fire pit without having to worry about breaking any laws or endangering those around you. Follow all safety precautions and enjoy a safe and wonderful time spent by your outdoor fire pit.
