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Is It Safe To Have a Fire Pit on a Trex Deck?

So you’ve invested in your home and built a beautiful Trex Deck outside to enjoy toasty warm fires and barbecues with your friends and family. Now, the question is, can you even have a fire pit on your deck? The answer to this question isn’t as simple as yes or no; it’s more about how you plan on installing your fire pit. 

 

It is generally safe to have a fire pit on a Trex Deck, provided you follow the necessary safety instructions. The pit needs to be installed away from any adjoining structures, and there needs to be a heat-resistant material between the pit and the deck to prevent warping or burning. 

 

Now that you know you can have a fire pit on your stunning Trex Deck let’s look at what safety precautions you need to be aware of before installing it. This article will cover the basics as well as some more details about how to enjoy your fire pit safely. 

How Trex Is Different From Traditional Wood Decks

Trex is a type of composite wood, meaning it is a man-made combination of wood and synthetic substances. It has become increasingly popular due to it being eco-friendly. It is made with recycled materials, which significantly reduces damage to the environment. 

 

It is composed of wood, plastic (usually recycled), and bonding agents. Heat is applied to this mix, which is then formed into board shapes, embossed with a finish, and then cooled. As a result, the boards require much less maintenance than traditional wood decking while looking like authentic wood. 

 

There are two main types of composite decking: uncapped wood composite and capped wood composite. Trex Decking falls under the capped category. 

 

Capped wood composite boards provide increased protection because they are sealed in a plastic shell. Uncapped wood is exposed; therefore, mildew and mold are more likely to grow. 

How To Safely Install a Fire Pit on Your Trex Deck

As mentioned before, certain safety protocols must be followed before considering placing a fire pit on your Trex Deck. Let’s have a look at how you can safely take on this project. 

Consider What Kind of Fire Pit You Will Be Installing

Wood and gas (propane) are the two main types of portable fire pits. Although you can use either one, using a gas pit on your Trex decking is recommended as it is considered safer. 

 

There are a couple of reasons why propane fire pits are safer than wood. First, they do not spit out sparks as wood-burning fire pits do. Secondly, they can be controlled better, and the temperatures are less likely to rise unusually high.

 

If you do decide to use a wood-burning fire pit on your Trex deck, make sure it is approved by the manufacturer. Many decks are only approved for propane fire pits, or the deck may require treatment before it can be used with a wood-burning fire pit. This is the case even if they are covered with a fire and heat barrier.

 

Whichever option you choose, you should follow all manufacturer instructions and take all necessary precautions such as staying away from buildings, putting down a fire pad and putting up a heat barrier.

 

According to Trex, the materials start to soften at 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) so keep that in mind when choosing your fire pit. 

Wood vs. Gas: Pros and Cons

If you’re finding it difficult to make a decision regarding which type of fire pit to install, have a look at the below pros and cons of each option. Hopefully, the following sections will assist in your decision-making process. 

Wood Fire Pit
Pros
  • Gives you the feeling of being in nature with the sounds and warmth from the flame
  • Adding wood to the fire can be fun and exciting
  • A great way to remove any excess wood from your yard
Cons
  • Open flames are temperamental, hot, and dangerous
  • Embers and sparks can cause damage to your deck
  • The billows of smoke can be annoying 
  • It can be difficult to light and keep the fire going
Gas Fire Pit
Pros
  • No wood needs to be stored in or around the house
  • Very easy to light 
  • Offers a good amount of warmth
  • No annoying smoke and smells
  • No worry of sparks or embers landing on your deck
  • Safe to use
Cons
  • Not as hot as an open flamed pit
  • No “earthy” or “natural” sounds for ambiance and atmosphere
  • Propane gas can be costly

Choose the Best Location for Your Pit

When working with fire, there is always a chance something could catch alight, so keeping the pit away from other structures, trees, or awnings is always a must. 

 

Here are some tips:

 

  • Choose a spot on your Trex deck that is far away from any other structures 
  • Do not place the pit flush against any walls or surfaces. 
  • Ensure the pit is not directly under any trees, branches, or any kind of fabric, as these may catch alight. 
  • It is important that you can see the pit at all times as you don’t want to leave it unattended.
  • Keep seating at least 4 ft (1.22 meters) away from the pit itself. 
  • Choose an area with low foot traffic.

Ensure Your Deck Can Support the Weight

Knowing how much weight your deck can handle along with the fire pit is essential. The weight of a fire pit varies from around 38 pounds (17 kg) up to a whopping 260 pounds (118 kg). 

 

If you expect to host large groups of people, you must ensure your deck has enough structural support to hold the people and your pit. If it doesn’t have enough support, your deck might give way, causing significant and expensive damage. 

 

You should be able to work this out yourself, as Trex claims to hold up to 100 pounds per square foot (488 kg per square meter). It is always best to overestimate your load rather than underestimate, as you don’t want any danger of collapse. If you are uncertain about your calculations, you can always contact an expert to help you out. 

Protect Your Trex Deck From the Heat

Not only do you want to ensure the safety of your home and family members, you also want to ensure the safety and longevity of your gorgeous Trex Deck. To do that, make sure the fire pit is not placed directly onto the deck itself. 

 

A fire-resistant material must be installed underneath the fire pit, acting as a temperature barrier between the pit and the deck. The material is usually made of stone to create a wall, but other fireproof materials such as bricks or fire mats can also be used. These materials also help to keep the pit in place. 

 

Raised fire pits are an excellent option for keeping heat away from the deck. However, even if your fire pit is raised, you will still need some sort of temperature barrier. Printed ceramic tiles are a great option if you want an aesthetically pleasing look. 

 

If you are using a wood fire pit, you should consider placing a fire mat around the sides of the pit to catch any embers that may come from the fire. A spark screen is also an excellent idea for preventing sparks and embers from reaching the floor. 

 

Here are some excellent options for extra protection:

 

Keep a Fire Extinguisher or Water Source Nearby

Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and if you’re considering installing a fire pit on your Trex Deck, you should probably invest in a second one and keep it close by. Another option is to have a source of water near the pit. 

 

If you don’t have a pool or water tank in your yard, then an easier option is to fill a bucket and keep it on your deck. That way, if anything catches fire, you can quickly and easily put it out. 

 

Ensure your family and guests know where the fire extinguisher or water source is. 

 

You can purchase this WDN Home Fire Extinguisher Kit (from Amazon) for extra protection. Not only are the throwable containers very pretty, but they are also incredibly effective when it comes to extinguishing small fires. The extinguisher liquid blocks the oxygen and suffocates the fire within 5 seconds.

Check the Weather

Always check the weather forecast before using your fire pit. Ideal conditions require the weather to be calm. A light breeze is okay and not hazardous when using a fire pit. 

 

It is best not to use your fire pit during unusually windy days, as the wind can make it difficult to light the kindling and easy to blow sparks into nearby brush or structures, possibly starting a fire. Before starting your fire, always check the direction of the wind. 

 

To avoid being affected by smoke, advise guests to sit on the upwind side of the pit. Before lighting a fire, consider moving your portable fire pit to an area with a natural windbreak. 

Clear the Deck Before You Light the Fire Pit

Once you’re ready to use your fire pit, you need to clean up and make sure the deck is clear of any debris. This could include branches, leaves, paper, lighter fluid, or any other flammable materials. If you need a fire lighter, it is best to store it away from the pit after lighting the fire. 

 

Although there is more chance of a wood fire pit throwing out embers which may lead to a spread, there are always dangers involved whenever using fire, whether gas or wood. Having a clean and tidy Trex Deck before you start the fire will eliminate some of the hazards. 

Clean Up After You Are Done

It is imperative to clean up after you’re done using your fire pit. Most importantly, you must ensure all the flames are out, especially if you use a wood fire pit. If you’re using a gas fire pit, this is easily done, and most gas fire pits come with a safety switch to prevent any accidents. 

 

If you’re done for the evening, simply let the wood burn away completely. If it’s windy, cover the pit and ashes with a fire mat or spark screen to prevent the ashes from flying out. If the flames are high but you want to call it a night, you can douse the flames with water or smother them with sand. 

 

After about 24 hours, the ashes should be completely cooled, and you can dispose of them. Do not leave the ashes in the fire pit as doing so can cause corrosion if they get wet, not to mention a huge mess.  

What Trex Says

Let’s have a look at what Trex says about placing Fire pits on their decks. 

 

“Wood-burning fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking unless installed with DeckProtect™, a product designed to temper extreme heat and loose embers.” (Source: Trex FAQs)

 

“Nothing is more important than your safety outdoors. At Trex, we do everything we can to ensure it. Our Transcend and Select decking lines retain a Class B fire rating, while our Enhance decking lines retain a Class C fire rating; however, they are not fireproof. “ (Source: Trex FAQs)

Conclusion

Fire pits create a stunning aesthetic and make for a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Having a fire pit on your Trex Deck is safe as long as you follow the recommended safety precautions. 

 

As mentioned above, propane gas fire pits are the preferred option when it comes to Trex Decks. Still, you can use a wooden fire pit if you are careful and purchase all the necessary accessories to prevent your deck from melting, staining, or catching fire.

Sources

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