April 25, 2025

Can You Put a Gas Fire Pit on a Deck?

Can you put a gas fire pit on your deck? Yes—but only if you play it smart. From fire tables to clearance rules, there’s more to it than just “light and relax.” Avoid turning your decking into kindling—read on for safety tips, style picks, and must-know regulations!

Safety Considerations for Deck Surfaces

Combustibility and Heat Damage

Potential for scorching and warping of wood or composite decking

Picture this: you’ve just had a beautiful timber deck installed, and you’re excited to gather round a flickering fire with friends. But after a few uses, you notice dark scorch marks where your gas fire pit sits. Not exactly the rustic vibe you were going for.

Both timber and composite decking can suffer under high heat. They might warp, crack, or fade when exposed to sustained warmth—even from gas fire pits, which are tidier than their wood-burning cousins.

Embers and sparks

While gas fire pits don’t spit embers like a bonfire, they’re not entirely risk-free. A gust of wind can blow the flame sideways, and a sudden whoosh from the burner might kick up sparks.

Even small, unseen embers can cause discolouration or worse, so it's worth treating your deck with care. Fire doesn’t need much to cause trouble—especially on a dry summer evening.

Weight and Stability

Ensuring the deck can support the weight of the fire pit

You wouldn’t plonk a baby grand piano on a garden shed roof, right? Same goes for fire pits on raised decking.

Some fire tables and built-in gas units are deceptively heavy, especially once you factor in a gas cylinder, decorative stones, and any framing. It's essential to know your deck’s load-bearing limits before installation.

If you're not sure, bring in a structural engineer or qualified tradesperson to assess things. A creaky board today could be a collapsed corner tomorrow.

Protective Measures

Heat-Resistant Mats or Barriers

Concrete pavers, stone slabs, or specialised mats

Before you light anything, think insulation. A proper heat barrier underneath your fire pit is a must, especially on wooden or composite surfaces.

Concrete pavers, patio slabs, or specialist fire-resistant mats can do the job brilliantly. They act like oven gloves for your decking, absorbing and deflecting heat where it matters most.

Proper sizing and placement

And size really does matter. Your protective layer should be bigger than your fire pit by at least 60 cm on all sides.

That’s not just for heat—spills, sparks, and shifting equipment all need buffer space. Get this right, and you’ll protect both your deck and your peace of mind.

Clearance and Ventilation

Maintaining a safe distance from combustible materials

This isn’t the time for “it’ll probably be fine.” Fire pits need breathing room—ideally three feet from railings, walls, and furniture.

It might seem like overkill, but the distance protects against both heat damage and accidental contact. No one wants to explain how their lovely new sofa went up in smoke.

Ensuring adequate ventilation

Ventilation is about more than comfort—it’s a safety essential. Gas fire pits release heat and fumes that need to escape freely.

If you’re placing your fire table under a pergola or awning, double-check that the space above it is open and vented. Avoid creating a hotbox where heat builds up and gases can’t clear.

Fire Pit Design and Features

Low-Profile Fire Pits

Reduced heat transfer to the surface

Not all fire pits are created equal. Low-profile models are often better suited for decking because they distribute heat more evenly and keep the hottest bits away from the floor.

They also tend to be more stable and stylish—think of them as the sleek sports cars of the fire pit world. Less smoke, more show.

Built-in Safety Features

Flame height adjustment and safety shut-off

Modern fire pits are smarter than ever. Many models now include safety features like auto shut-off valves, adjustable flame height, and electronic ignition.

These aren’t just fancy extras—they’re vital tools that let you control the flame safely and quickly. Imagine your fire table with a volume knob: more warmth when you need it, and off in a flash if anything goes wrong.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular Inspections

Checking for damage or wear

Just like your car needs an MOT, your fire pit needs regular check-ups. Make it a habit to inspect for signs of rust, blockages, or wear and tear.

Look at the gas lines, the burner tray, and any seals. If something looks off, don’t gamble—call a professional. A small fault today could be a safety hazard tomorrow.

Fire Safety Precautions

Having a fire extinguisher or water source nearby

Even with the best fire pit in the world, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s non-negotiable to keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or hose within easy reach.

It’s the classic “better safe than sorry” scenario. If a flame jumps, you’ll be ready—not scrambling in your slippers trying to remember where the extinguisher went.

Conclusion

So, can you put a gas fire pit on a deck? Yes, absolutely—but only with the right prep. With smart choices like low-profile fire tables, heat-resistant barriers, and proper clearance, your decking can safely host that flickering centrepiece of your outdoor space.

It’s not just about installing a fire pit—it’s about creating a space where people feel warm, relaxed, and safe. Follow the steps, keep safety front and centre, and your deck could become the heart of your home, season after season.

And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like a quiet evening outside, feet up, fire flickering, and the smell of toasting marshmallows drifting through the air.