This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you have a covered patio, you obviously want to get the most out of it as possible throughout the year.
With the seasons changing and winter close approaching, you may be wondering if u can have your fire pit under your patio?.
In this article, we will look at some dangers and what to do and what not
Can You Have A Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio?
Under a covered patio, fire pits should not be used. Wood emits thick, toxic smoke, which can quickly accumulate if there is insufficient airflow and deplete the oxygen space.
Your patio ceiling height
First, you must determine the height of your covered patio and take it from there. A patio ceiling may look high enough, but there isn’t always enough room underneath for a fire pit.
Fire pits aren’t just for decoration; they’re also meant to keep you warm and safe, and the amount of heat and flames they generate can very quickly damage the ceiling if it’s not high enough.
It may not appear to be a major issue at first, but the heat will undoubtedly cause extensive damage to your patio ceiling over time, and in the worst-case scenario, it may even result in a fire.
Do your homework and find out what the manufacturer’s minimum height is for safely installing a fire pit, as well as your city’s codes and regulations.
The clearance to an air supply inlet must be 6 feet in Canada and 3 feet in the United States.
Kind of flooring your patio have
The type of flooring on your covered patio is also an important consideration when making a decision.
If you have wooden or vinyl flooring, you should exercise extreme caution when selecting a fire pit for the area.
Because composite, wooden, and vinyl floors are extremely flammable, finding and selecting a fire pit to install on top of them can be difficult.
If your wood has wood rot or is in poor condition, you risk having wobbly railings, splintered and/or rotting boards that break at an inconvenient time or that cannot support the weight of a fire pit.
However, if the floor of your patio is concrete, stone, or simple brick, you can easily use a fire pit, because these three are the best flooring options.
Ventilation of your covered patio
Proper patio ventilation is also necessary when considering installing a fire pit, and for good reason.
According to the rules, fire pits should never be used in an enclosed space because poorly ventilated spaces can cause a buildup of harmful gases and smoke.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is no laughing matter, and if your covered patio isn’t properly ventilated, you should think twice about getting a fire pit in the first place.
There should be plenty of open space and plenty of airflows so that you can light a fire without fear of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Even if you are thinking about installing a fire pit that does not use wood, such as a gas fire pit, you should not use it in an enclosed space.
Where is your fire pit going to stand?
Whatever fire pit you choose to buy and install will come with instructions that clearly state the recommended minimum distance required for safe installation.
According to The Fire Department, minimum clearances of at least 60 inches from the center of the burner to any combustible sidewall, ceiling, or material must be maintained.
Your city or town may also have its own regulations that you should become acquainted with before beginning construction on your patio and fire pit, as you don’t want to inadvertently break the law and end up with a hefty fine.
In almost all cases, placing your fire pit in an open and clear area should keep you safe.
Keep in mind that any low-hanging plants and nearby trees with low branches may pose a hazard, so try to find a location where there will not be an issue.
Can you put fire pit under pergola?
You certainly can. You and your family can enjoy the ambiance of a fire pit beneath your pergola safely with proper ventilation, thoughtful placement, and common-sense safety practices.
Many people believe that placing a fire pit beneath a pergola is dangerous; however, this is a myth.
How much overhead clearance do you need for a fire pit?
It is recommended 36 inches of side clearance and 84 inches of overhang clearance for fire pits up to 200,000 BTU.
Larger fire pits require 48 inches of side clearance and 120 inches of overhang clearance. This is in addition to the 12-inch minimum clearance from combustible materials.
To avoid potential fires or inadvertent damage, clearance requirements for overhead structures such as pergolas, roofs, overhangs, screens, arbors, or sidewalls must be met. These specifications will be largely determined by the size of your fire pit.
Are fire pits safe on patio decks?
Yes if the fire pit is protected with non-combustible material such as bricks, concrete, or a fire pad.
Firepit pads, also known as fire pit heat shields, are insulative materials that are ideal for use under a fire pit on grass, a wooden deck, or any other surface and can withstand temperatures of up to 1400 degrees. Typical fire pit temperatures range from 1,000 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some of our favorite fire pads for patios:
1. Fireproof Pros 36″ Fire Pit Mat for Deck, Patio
2. 3M Fire Barrier Moldable Putty Pads MPP+
3. ROLOWAY Fire Pit Mat for Deck, (36 inch) Patio Fire Pit Pad
Conclusion
To summarize, you should definitely wait for a little before installing any type of fire pit under your lovely covered patio because you don’t want to break the law and endanger anyone.
Make sure you do your homework before making a final decision. Check out your city’s codes and regulations, and see if the manufacturer of the fire pit says it’s safe to install under a covered patio…
It will take some time to read and complete paperwork, but it will be worthwhile in the end.
