Where Do You Place A Fire Pit?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Fire pits should be placed on

a level surface

, no less than ten feet away from any structure, 20-25 feet or more is best, in a wide-open space, away from trees with low hanging limbs, woodpiles, bushes, and other materials that could ignite if contact with a flame is made.

Where should you not put a fire pit?

Fire Pit Clearance

Before striking the match, never place a pit

closer than 10 feet from anything flammable

, including your house and overhead tree branches. Unless the owner’s manual says it’s okay, don’t put the pit on a grassy surface, wood deck, or enclosed porch.

What is the best surface to put a fire pit on?


Concrete Decks


Poured concrete slabs or stone pavers

make great durable surfaces for decks. Concrete and stone are non-combustible materials and will not catch fire, making them the best deck surface for a fire pit.

Can I put a fire pit under a tree?

Safe Distances

Nearby trees pose a major safety concern when building a fire pit. A fire pit should never be so close to a tree that flames or sparks could reach the leaves or branches. … As a rule,

build fire pits at least 10 to 20 feet from any nearby trees or

shrubs.

Where should a fire pit be placed on a patio?

A fire pit with a wide burning area like this one needs to be used in

a clear, open space

. Wood fires also produce sparks and embers, which can fly out and ignite any combustible materials close by. It’s best to use a wood burning fire pit in an open area with plenty of ventilation, away from combustible materials.

Are backyard fire pits safe?

It’s best to set a portable fire pit

atop a fire-resistant surface

such as metal, pavers or bricks, says HGTV. Putting it directly on a wood deck or grass can be dangerous if embers fly.

Is a fire pit worth it?

Only in downright hot temperatures does the mere look of fire cause discomfort. However, since fire pits are mainly ornamental, if weather is truly frigid or there’s a lot of precipitation, a fire pit doesn’t really do much to combat the weather and may actually get damaged.

Should I put sand in my fire pit?

The

sand absorbs the heat

and distributes the heat throughout the entire base of the pit evenly. Without the sand, the heat can become concentrated in one specific area. When this happens, it can lead to the metal at the bottom of the fire pit deteriorating and burning through.

Do you have to dig a hole for a fire pit?

Answer: Fire-pit depth really depends on what you want and how into your project you’re going to get. For instance, if you just want a basic fire pit, dig

about 6 to 8 inches down

and call it good. You can go deeper if you want, but keep in mind that you don’t want the hole so deep you can’t enjoy watching the fire.

What do you put under a fire pit?

To prevent concrete from being damaged under your fire pit, you can use

a pit mat, a fire ring, or a heat shield

. The good news is concrete won’t catch fire, like a wooden deck might. Concrete is 100% non-flammable.

How high should trees be above a fire pit?

Protect your trees

“That’s really true in the fall and winter, when leaves aren’t green anymore,” he says. Hutchins says tree limbs that hang near or over flames should be trimmed at least 12 feet up on the tree. To be safer, your arborist may recommend going

as high as 20 feet above

the fire pit, he says.

How close can a fire pit be to a house?

Fire safety

First things first, your fire pit should be

at least 10 feet away

from any structure or combustible surface. Before lighting an outdoor fire, check the weather forecast. Avoid windy conditions that can blow embers.

Can you put a fire pit on grass?


Fire pits can be placed directly on top of grass

. However, without proper precaution, there can be major damage to the grass. It is recommended to place a mat or other material underneath to avoid damage.

What is a good diameter for a fire pit?

The optimal size for a fire pit is

between 36 and 44 inches inside diameter

. That will create enough room for a healthy fire but still keep gatherers close enough to chat.

Can you leave a fire pit outside?

The short answer to this question is

yes

. While wood-burning fire pits require constant maintenance, from cleaning out the ashes to covering the pit from the rain, a gas fire pit is the perfect, smokeless solution for convenience and easy care. …

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.