How Close Can a Fire Pit Be to a Composite Deck in the Oak Hill, TN Area?
You may want to include a fire pit alongside your composite deck at your home in the Oak Hill, TN area, but you may be wondering if it is recommended. Fire safety should always be taken seriously. Composite decks are usually less likely to catch fire than wooden decks, but precautions should always be taken. A general rule of thumb is to have a fire pit built or installed at least 10 to 20 feet away from flammable objects. Here are some considerations you may want to keep in mind when embarking upon this project.
Related: Paver Patio and a Fire Pit: The Perfect Pair for Outdoor Living in the Forest Hill, TN, Area
Local Burning Codes
Backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are generally approved for use in residential areas, although not usually allowed for use in multi-family communities. It’s important to look at specific guidelines if you live in an HOA.
Your fire pit will also need to meet specific conditions. For example, it may need to be constructed out of steel, masonry materials, or non-combustible materials. It will also need to be built following manufacturer recommendations.
Home Insurance Guidelines
Most home insurance providers require that you disclose your fire pit, otherwise, if something happens, it may not be covered. How your insurance is affected generally depends on the type of fire pit that you have and whether or not it’s portable. Before having a fire pit built or installed, it’s a good idea to contact your home insurance provider to receive their specific guidelines.
Fire Pit Fuel Sources
Fire pits are made with a few different fuel source options. Wood-burning fire pits often have more restrictions than gas-fueled or electric fire pits. While the sound of crackling wood and the scent of burning wood may be appealing, a wood-burning fire can produce sparks that can increase the risk of starting a fire, especially if it’s too close to flammable objects such as patio furniture. However, as long as precautions are taken and a responsible person is watching the fire, wood-burning fire pits can be a great source of outdoor entertainment.
Gas-fueled fire pits are either fueled with a propane tank or natural gas from built-in gas lines. Electric fire pits tend to pose less of a fire hazard risk, but the flames are not as hot as a traditional wood-burning fire, either. Local burning codes and home insurance guidelines will likely influence the fuel source you choose.
Fire Safety
Fire pits can lead to many memorable moments of time spent with friends and family, but it’s essential that responsible practices are followed for fire safety. If you have a wood-burning fire pit, a fire pit screen can help prevent flying sparks and embers.
In addition to flying sparks, you also want to keep the thermal barrier in mind so that the surface it is built upon doesn’t get too hot. This is why fire pits are often built with pavers, as they are highly resistant to heat. You can speak with your landscape contractor about having a thermal barrier around your fire pit.
Your fire pit should never be left unattended when a fire is burning. Keep a hose or fire extinguisher close by at all times. Following general fire safety guidelines will allow you to have a cozy backyard space to gather throughout the year.
Related: Composite Deck vs Wood: Advice From a Landscaper in the Belle Meade and Brentwood, TN, Areas
About the Author
Since 2008, we have shared our passion for the great outdoors by creating award-winning landscapes that inspire our customers to spend more time outside. As a first-generation company, we’ve persevered through entrepreneurial challenges, put our strong Midwestern work ethic to good use, and got our hands and boots dirty to become what we are today—a successful business with four locations spanning across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Tennessee.