How to Safely Use a Fire Pit on a Vinyl Deck

September 18, 2015

There’s nothing nicer than sitting outside in the evening with your friends and family, gathered around a warm, inviting fire. A fire pit is a great way to get the bonfire experience outside your own home. But if you have a vinyl deck, you need to be sure you use your pit safely. Here are our tips for using a fire pit when you have a vinyl deck.

Choosing the Right Fire Pit

There are many types of pits available for you to purchase, but not all of them are suitable for use on a deck, whether it is vinyl or wood. You’ll need to choose the right one  to ensure you and your deck stay safe.

Put Up a Pergola

Pergolas are an increasingly popular outdoor addition to many homes. Their simple looks and clean lines make them perfect for almost any style of home, and they look great in gardens, under trees, or alongside the house itself. They can also be trimmed with lattice for additional sun protection and to promote the growth of vines. These shade structures come in wood or durable vinyl, and there are many sizes and designs available.

Positioning Your Fire Pit

Along with choosing a fire pit that is safe for your deck, you’ll also want to put it in a safe place. Proper positioning for your fire pit can help you avoid accidents and leave you free to enjoy your fire.


First, make sure your fire pit isn’t underneath anything, including umbrellas, awnings, shade structures, or tree branches. This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many fires each year are caused by inattentive placement of outdoor fires.


Second, keep a distance of at least a few feet from any railings or walls. A strong wind can easily blow the heat from your pit sideways. Leaving a healthy buffer zone is the only way to be sure you won’t accidentally damage your deck or home.


If you’re using a wood-burning fire pit, make sure you have enough space to position the pit in the center of the protective mat or tiled area. Embers can travel several feet, especially on a windy day, so don’t take any unnecessary chances.


Finally, don’t sit too close to the fire, even if you’re only burning propane or natural gas. A sudden change in the wind or a simple trip or stumble could lead to a major accident. Back up and ensure you have enough room to move around comfortably.

Stay Aware of Rules and Regulations

If you are considering installing or using a pit on your vinyl deck, make sure you’re also aware of any rules or regulations for your area. For instance, here in Dallas, your township or even neighborhood might have rules about fire placement that differ from what the state of Texas allows. Also, during hot and dry times of the year outdoor fires might be prohibited altogether.


It’s also a good idea to keep safety equipment nearby just in case anything does go wrong. A fire extinguisher or a bucket of water or sand can help extinguish any unexpected fires – always keep them close at hand when using your fire pit.

Got Any Questions?

A fire pit is a great way to get outside and enjoy your vinyl deck from Future Outdoors. Our decks are built with the highest-quality vinyl in the industry, making them ideal for any kind of outdoor activity. Call us today at (972) 576-1600 to learn more about our vinyl deck options, or visit our Facebook page to follow us and get more updates and special offers!

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