If you have been thinking about creating a fire pit under your gazebo, probably to warm things up in the cold, a lot of things must have crossed your mind, including safety and fire accidents.
Before you hurriedly strike it off as impossible to put a fire pit under a gazebo, or before you brush off the possible dangers and go on to do it, you should read this post.
We’ll be exploring all sides of gazebos and fire pits and allow you to make up your mind after you’re well informed enough to make a decision.
Can You Place a Fire Pit Under a Gazebo?
Yes, you can. It is possible to put a fire under a gazebo. However, you’ll need to be careful and implement several measures.
There are a number of considerations associated with setting a fire pit under a gazebo, including the gazebo location, ventilation, material, height, and even the kind of fuel to be used for the fire.
For instance, if your gazebo is very close to your house or garage, it isn’t advised that you put a fire pit there. The reason is that it increases the risk of damage in the case of a fire incident.
Your gazebo should be at least 25 feet away from your building before you set up a fire pit underneath.
Also, if your gazebo is located close to trees, you might have to cut down the trees or the branches that hang close to the gazebo because fire can easily spread if those branches are in the way.
Another important factor is the kind of fuel that will be used in the fire pit. While some are safe, some other fuels might be dangerous for use under a gazebo.
The nature of the material used to make the gazebo is also a determinant. Let’s answer questions relating to all these.
Can You Put a Fire Pit Under a Fabric Gazebo?
No, you can’t.
A fabric gazebo is a type of temporary gazebo, and it is not safe to use a fire pit with this kind of gazebo. It is a major fire risk because the fabric can easily catch fire and lead to a lot of destruction.
Canvas and wood pillars are also risky because they can easily catch fire from the sparks in the fire pit.
Can You Put a Gas Fire Pit Under a Gazebo?
Yes, you can put a gas fire under a gazebo.
Gas fires are easy to light up and also easy to put out. You also have better control of the fire when you use gas fore.
However, the amount of ventilation in your gazebo, as well as the kind of gas (liquid or natural) used as the fuel source also contributes to the level of safety when it comes to using gas.
Can You Use a Propane Fire Pit in A Gazebo?
Yes, you can use a propane fire pit in a gazebo.
Propane fire pits are considered to be safer for gazebos.
Although a propane fire pit produces the smoke like the others, it is easier to control the amount of heat this pit produces, which reduces the chance of heat or fire damage to the gazebo and whatever is inside it.
Can You Put a Wood-Burning Fire Pit Under a Gazebo?
It is risky to use a wood-burning fire pit under a gazebo.
Although it isn’t impossible, it is not advised that you use a wood-burning fire pit because it causes a lot of smoke, which will discolor your gazebo and lead to the accumulation of soot.
Wood burning fire pits require more caution than other kinds of fire pits, they produce sparks that can catch on to other things and lead to a fire outbreak. They also release more heat that is higher to control, and they pose a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you still want to set up a wood-burning fire pit, you will need to get a fire pit mat and a spark screen that will cover the top and bottom of the fire.
How Much Overhead Clearance Do You Need for A Fire Pit?
You’ll need an average head clearance of 6 to 10 feet high to ensure that the heat reaching the ceiling is not too much. 10 feet high is the best measurement for maximum fire safety.
The overhead clearance refers to the distance between the gazebo roof and the top of your fire pit. If your overhead clearance is below six feet high, excessive heat reaching the roof will cause chars and cracks, which isn’t what you want for your gazebo.
Avoid building the roof too high in a bid to avoid charring because if your roof is too high, your gazebo will lose its beauty and ambiance.
It is crucial to ensure that the roof of the gazebo is vented to support the passage and dispersal of smoke and carbon monoxide emissions, as well as the reduction of roof damage.
With a high ceiling and proper ventilation, your gazebo will do well with the fire pit.
It is important to note that different municipalities, counties, and states have recommendations on safe overhead clearance. Follow the requirements when setting up your gazebo and fire pits.
The spacing requirements often depend on region and peculiar features like heat, dryness, and likelihood of fire outbreaks. Ensure to comply with the stipulations particular to your area.
Safety Precautions to Take When You Put a Fire Pit Under A Gazebo
After ensuring that you get it right with the gazebo height, pit type, and location, you must take some precautions whenever you use a fire pit under a gazebo to further ensure safety.
Always have a fire extinguisher close in case of a fire outbreak. You should also have other suppressors close to your gazebo, including sand, water, and detergent. Ensure that you have the number of emergency services in case things get out of hand.
Maintain a distance from your home, trees, or hanging branches.
Ensure that the surface on which you set up the fire pit is steady. The ground on which you are placing the fire pit should be made of stone deck or concrete. Composite decks and wooden vinyl are quite risky and should be used with caution.
The pillars of your gazebo should not be made of wood but metal to avoid fire outbreaks.
Never leave the fire unwatched and keep children 3 feet away from the fire pit while supervising them at all times.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide on using the fire pit to ensure that it can be set up under a gazebo and that it is set up properly.
If you have gazebo screens or curtains, always roll them back when the fire pit is in use because they are fire-prone and can damage the entire gazebo if they get caught in the fire.
If you opt for a wood-burning fire pit, always use a fire screen as it will help to put the sparks and ash in check.
Make sure there is a safe spacing between the fire pit and the perimeter of your gazebo. The pit should always be positioned in the center.
If you have a wood-burning fire pit, the edge of the gazebo should be at least 8 feet away from the fire pit. For natural gas or propane pits, the edge should be at least five feet away.
Ensure that furniture such as sofas and tables within the gazebo is situated at the edge and as far away from the fire as possible (at least 5 feet away for a wood-burning pit and 3 feet away for other pits).
Final Words:
Having considered all angles, a fire pit is a good idea for your gazebo if you can do it right.
If you don’t follow the safety regulations, you could run into accidents and suffer minor or major fire outbreaks.
Now that you know you can have a gazebo with a fire pit inside and the best kinds of fire pits to have in your gazebo, you can take the necessary steps to set yours up.
Remember to always check what the rules in your county say to avoid flaunting them unknowingly and putting yourselves and others in danger.
