Where You Can and Can’t Place A Firepit
Firepits are a great addition to your patio but they may not be an option if you don’t have the appropriate clearances for them. Explore the requirements below to make sure your patio plan is safe!
Gas Firepits
Gas firepits are a great option when you just want some ambiance at the flip of a switch. However, running off gas means you need to make sure you have the right ventilation and clearances to combustibles.
- Ventilation
- Minimum of two sides open for cross ventilation – this removes any combustion smells that may be in the air and ensure there’s eno0ught fresh oxygen in the area to combust. In a worst case scenario, this also helps prevent the pooling of gas in the even of a leak.
- Clearances
- Depending on the manufacturer specifications for each firepit, 5-8ft of open space is required above the burner. This prevents any damage to the ceiling over the firepit.
- If you have a fan over your firepit the clearances may change if the manufacturer allows them at all.
Wood Firepits
Wood firepits add a specific kind of atmosphere that gas can’t provide. Burning wood is going to be dirtier and hotter than burning gas however which will require different clearances.
- Ventilation
- Requires at least 3 sides open for ventilation. The smoke created is an issue, of course, but burning wood also creates a range of particulates that you want to blow away, not stick around in your seating area.
- Also require open, blue sky above them. Since they put off so much heat, they do not have the option of being under cover.
- Clearances
- Should be placed 3 feet away from any combustibles and 5 feet from structures. Since wood fires have the chance to throw off sparks and embers they should be placed away from anything that could catch.
- Heat blockers are recommended under all wood firepits, especially those on wood, composite, of vinyl decking. Just like a wood stove, the body of the firepit will radiate heat that could damage surfaces close to it.
- Maschino’s likes the Deck Protect brand as it uses metal trays with volcanic basalt pads that stop the heat transfer from the bottom of the firepit.
