Keeping Your Deck Fireproof with a Backyard Fire Pit
Having a fire pit is one of the best ways to extend your enjoyment of your backyard into the evening hours. But without proper precautions, all that dancing flame can spell danger for your wooden deck. Embers popping, logs shifting, and sparks flying create obvious risks that your deck boards could ignite or become damaged from the heat. Fortunately, with smart setup and preventative measures, you can confidently keep your fire pit while also keeping your deck safe.
Follow these fire safety tips, and you can relax next to the fire knowing your deck investment is protected.

Choosing the Right Fire Pit Location
The first key factor in preventing deck damage is proper placement of your fire pit. You'll want to position it a safe distance from any flammable structures or materials. Here are some important guidelines for fire pit placement:
- General rule of thumb - Position your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your deck. This creates a sufficient buffer zone to prevent the deck boards from ignition or heat damage.
- Consider wind patterns - Take note which direction the wind typically blows across your yard, and locate the fire pit where smoke and embers will blow away from your deck.
- Keep away from deck furniture - Errant sparks could easily ignite cushions, umbrellas, and other combustible furniture, so keep the pit well away.
- Watch out for overhangs - Rising heat from the fire can scorch or damage overhanging sections of your deck.
It takes some planning, but a little effort placing the fire pit properly will pay off every time you enjoy your backyard oasis without worrying about damage.
Using a Protective Base or Surface
Once you've situated your fire pit in an ideal location, it's essential to place it on the right type of base. This serves to prevent burning logs, hot coals, and ash from coming into direct contact with your deck boards where they could leave scorch marks or start a fire.
There are several effective options for fire-proof bases:
- Fire pit pad - These are commonly made from concrete, stone, or metal and situated under and around the entire fire pit.
- Gravel - A non-flammable mineral layer like pea gravel at least 3 inches deep.
- Bricks or pavers - These sturdy materials won't burn and make a protective surface.
- Sand - A bed of sand can smother embers but may need replenishing.
The base should extend at least 2 feet beyond the outer edges of the fire pit. This provides insurance if any rolling logs or sparks make their way out of the pit itself. Be sure to check that the ground is level and compacted so the materials lie evenly.
Always Use the Fire Pit Stand
Even with a protective base installed, placing the fire pit directly on top of your deck boards is risky. The extreme heat conducted through the metal can cause scorching or warping damage. Using the stand that comes with your fire pit solves this problem.
A quality stand lifts the fire pit up off the deck surface, promoting airflow underneath and directing the heat away from your deck. Look for sturdy steel stands with venting that allows ashes to fall through. You can also place the stand securely on pavers or bricks to prevent tipping and provide insulation from the heat.
Thanks to the air gap created, a fire pit stand virtually eliminates the chance of your deck being damaged by the heat source right above it.
Control Sparks with Screens and Tools
Sparks straying from a fire can settle on deck boards and ignite them. Using spark control accessories for your fire pit is highly recommended. Here are two must-haves:
- Spark screen - This mesh cover fits over the top opening of your fire pit to contain sparks and prevent them from escaping into the air.
- Fire pit poker - This long metal rod allows you to shift and adjust burning logs in your pit to prevent unpredictable flying sparks. Extinguishing a rogue ember is also easily achieved by sliding the rod under it and dunking it into the ashes.
Having a fire extinguisher rated for common combustibles (Class A, B, C) easily accessible provides extra peace of mind. Avoid burning debris like branches or paper in your fire pit, as they are prone to floating embers. Follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines for your specific fire pit model as well.
Maintain a Safety Zone Around the Fire Pit
In the area immediately surrounding the fire pit, be diligent about removing any combustibles that could ignite if embers escaped the pit. This includes:
- Keeping the deck area near the pit free of portable furniture, cushions, towels, etc.
- Raking away fallen leaves, pine needles, and other flammable yard debris.
- Maintaining clear walkways and access to the fire pit if you need to extinguish it in a hurry.
- Keeping children and pets at a safe distance during fire pit use.
You'll have greater peace of mind knowing there are no hazards waiting to go up in flames nearby. Be sure to replace any furniture or combustibles moved back away once the fire has been completely extinguished and cooled.
Extinguish Properly After Each Use
Never leave a fire pit unattended with coals and embers still burning. Follow proper techniques for complete extinguishment:
- Water method - Dunk unburned logs in a bucket of water, then stir and soak the hot coals until fully cooled.
- Sand method - Shovel mounds of sand or soil over the fire, burying it completely to cut off oxygen.
- Repeat as needed - Check for smoke, use a poker to feel for lingering heat, and re-douse until satisfied no embers remain.
Strong winds can rekindle embers if not fully extinguished. Avoid knocking over the fire ring structure which might bury and insulate hot coals. You'll sleep better knowing without a doubt that your fire is out cold.
Inspecting for Damage and Making Repairs
Over time, it's possible your deck boards may show signs of wear or fire damage such as:
- Scorching
- Charring
- Cracking
- Warping
- Discoloration
Inspecting your deck before each fire pit season, and periodically as needed, allows you to spot any issues early. Catching damage while still minor limits how much of the deck will require replacement boards.
When repairs are needed, bring a sample of your undamaged deck board to the hardware store to get the closest match possible. Whether you tackle the deck restoration yourself or hire a professional, the sooner worn or burned sections are addressed, the less likely the damage will spread.
Having the enjoyment of a backyard fire pit and maintaining the integrity of your deck can absolutely coexist. With smart setup strategies like leaving ample space, using protective bases, controlling sparks, and fully extinguishing, your deck boards will stay safe and undamaged for seasons of relaxing evenings around the fire to come.
Keep these fire pit safety tips in mind, and you can confidently keep your fire pit while also keeping your deck fireproof.