How to Build a Fire Pit on Your WPC Deck

Fire pits are a great addition to any outdoor space. They add warmth and improve the ambiance, making them a crowd favorite, especially for people with decks. With fire pits, a deck can be an inviting space for relaxation and other activities. 

However, if you want to build a fire pit on a WPC deck, you’ll need to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Even though composite materials can be resistant to heat, improper use may still lead to damage and even fire hazards. 

Understanding WPC Decking 

WPC (wood-plastic composite) decking is a decking type made by combining wood fibers, recycled plastics, and other additives, creating durable, impact-resistant, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance boards.

This cocktail of materials undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process that mimics the natural look and feel of real wood while offering enhanced durability and weather resistance that traditional wood boards don’t have. 

WPC decking is famous, thanks to benefits such as resistance to moisture, rotting, insects, and even prolonged UV exposure—-making them the perfect decking solution for outdoor spaces like patios and decks. What’s more is that its low-maintenance feature appears to attract many homeowners switching from traditional wood decking. 

Apart from weather resistance, WPC also outclasses traditional wood decks when it comes to fire resistance. While not entirely fireproof, WPCs are made with fire-resistant additives to reduce their flammability, making them the better, safer choice for fire pit use. 

Legal Considerations and Safety Regulations 

When installing a deck fire pit, it’s important to know and follow legal and safety regulations to prevent accidents and ensure your project will flow as smoothly as possible. Let’s delve deeper: 

Local Ordinances 

Before you build a fire pit on a WPC deck, it’s a good practice to always check your local area’s building code and regulations. Some areas may be lax when it comes to adding features to your outdoor space, but some areas may be stricter since you’re dealing with a potential fire hazard.

Some local codes involve following a minimum distance from overhanging trees, fences, and windows. Some codes may also just allow you with one type of fire pit, such as a gas-type or a wood-burning type. Always consult your local building code authority to discuss these matters to avoid fines and increased hazards. 

Safety Risks

Fire pits can pose a significant safety risk. Sparks from fire pits may ignite surrounding flammable materials or even the deck surface, while radiant heat can warp and damage your deck.

Ensuring proper precautions, such as the installation of heat-resistant barriers can reduce these risks, and ensuring proper placement of combustibles helps decrease the likelihood of a fire breaking out on your deck. 

Following building codes and addressing safety risks can help protect your property and ensure a safe and enjoyable fire pit-on-deck experience for you and your family. 

Choosing the Right Fire Pit 

Choosing a suitable fire pit for your WPC deck is essential for safety and functionality; the right fire pit can even add an aesthetic touch to your deck! Understanding the different types and their features can help you create a perfect match for your deck. 

Types of Fire Pits Suitable for WPC Decks 

There are two primary types of deck fire pits: gas fire pits and wood-burning fire pits. Gas fire pits are often preferred over wood-burning ones, especially for WPC decks. Gas types have controlled flames, minimal risk of sparks and embers, and minimized heat transfer.

Gas ones are easy to fire up, pose fewer fire hazards, and require less maintenance. On the other hand, wood-burning fire pits offer that traditional fire pit look, but produce higher heat and can send sparks and embers on your deck and surrounding areas.

You can still choose wood-burning ones, but you’ll have to consider flame-resistant bases, a raised design to contain sparks and embers, and heat shields to protect your deck surface and reduce overall fire risk. 

Fire Pit Design Considerations 

Always choose a fire pit designed specifically for deck use. Some fire pits may be rated for outdoor and ground use and may not have the insulation required to contain heat. Ensure your fire pit features insulated bases and materials that resist heat effectively, and make sure to account for fire pit size and height compatible with your deck’s layout and structure.

Building a Fire Pit on Your WPC Deck 

Materials Needed 

Before you build a fire pit on a WPC deck, gather these materials so you can smoothly and safely go over the process:

• Fire-resistant materials: Concrete pavers, fire bricks, or retaining wall blocks. 
• Protective barriers: Fire-resistant deck protectors or heat-resistant pads. 
• Safety accessories: Fire-resistant gloves, spark screen, fire-proof ring. 
• Tools required: Tape measure, level, masonry adhesive, trowel. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Preparation 

First, select a location or a spot on the deck that meets the local safety codes of your area, ensuring sufficient distance and clearance from windows, overhung trees, or combustible items. Verify if the area you’ve chosen can support the weight of the fire pit; if you can’t, we suggest consulting a structural engineer. 

Once everything is done, you’ll now prep the deck surface. Place a fire-resistant pad, paver, or fireproof mat on the deck surface where the fire pit will sit—-this protects the deck from heat damage. 

2. Construction Process 

Once the deck surface is prepped, laying the foundation is the next step. Arrange the fire bricks or concrete pavers over the barrier you’ve laid out to create a solid, heat-resistant base. Use a level to ensure the surface is smooth and even. Secure the base with masonry adhesive using a trowel for added stability. 

After that, stack retaining wall blocks or fire bricks in a square or circular pattern, carefully leaving small gaps for adequate ventilation. Use masonry adhesive between layers to prevent the bricks from shifting and build your way up to a height that contains flames safely.

Finally, add a spark screen or a metal grate to minimize the risk of sparks and embers from flying over. You can also install a fireproof ring inside the structure to safely contain and concentrate heat away from the deck and surrounding areas. 

Safety Precautions 

Creating a Safe Environment 

Aside from creating a safe fire pit on your WPC deck, you can also create a safe environment to minimize risks. You can establish a no-burn zone around your fire pit; this is where all flammable objects are tucked safely away and should extend at least 10 feet in all directions.

You can use gravel or stone to designate this area and create a barrier. Apart from a no-burn zone, always use protective surfaces under the fire pit when using it to prevent radiant heat from damaging the deck and reduce the risk of fires. 

Emergency Preparedness

Always be prepared for emergencies, even if your fire pit is built with the safest materials around. Keep extinguishing tools nearby, such as a bucket of sand and gravel, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, or better yet, a class B fire extinguisher.

Keeping these near the fire pit can help you act fast when containing unexpected flames and accidents.  

Maintenance and Other Important Information 

Regular Maintenance 

Keeping your fire pit maintained regularly is one of the best things to do to ensure overall safety. To keep it safe and functional, perform regular cleaning and inspections. You can remove ash and soot buildup after each use, as these debris can obstruct proper ventilation. 

For gas fire pits, always check gas lines and connections for any leak or damage before and after each use. You can also periodically inspect the fire pit structure for any cracking or damage, and address any issues immediately to maintain your pit’s safety. 

Best Practices for Safety

Always operate the fire pit with utmost care and never leave it unattended. Before leaving the area, always make sure the fire is fully extinguished. Also, make it a habit to create a safe distance between the fire pit and flammable sources, such as furniture, trees, or decorations.

Always supervise pets and children around the fire pit too. By following these best practices, you can enjoy a safe and worry-free fire pit experience! 

Conclusion

A fire pit on a WPC deck can create a warm, cozy space where you can relax and enjoy the presence of others. Combine the warmth of a fire pit with the durability and low-maintenance features of Oakio’s WPC, and you’ve got a great outdoor space.

However, just as with any structure, safety, and compliance to local codes are important to ensure a worry-free experience. By following these guidelines, choosing the right pit, following the correct construction process, and using the right protective materials, you can enjoy your outdoor space to its fullest!

For a fully functional, safe, and aesthetic deck, Oakio offers the best WPC decking in the market. Our durable, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance decking can give you the perfect foundation for your dream deck and fire pit setup!