5 Best Fire Pits for Wooden Decks [Buyer’s Guide & Reviews]
Fire pits for wood decks are essentially like any other fire pit – other than the fact that they were specially designed to prevent heat from damaging your wooden deck. These types of fire pits have another very common use – they are installed on plastic decks; the design and construction of the fire pits […]
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Fire pits for wood decks are essentially like any other fire pit – other than the fact that they were specially designed to prevent heat from damaging your wooden deck. These types of fire pits have another very common use – they are installed on plastic decks; the design and construction of the fire pits ensure the plastic does not get damaged from all the heat.
If, however, you do have a wooden deck, then this type of fire pit helps prevent your wooden deck from depreciating and remaining brand new. That being said, we have reviewed several best fire pits for wood decks and have compiled 5 of the very best, stay tuned!
Best Fire Pits for Wooden Decks
1. Outland Living Fire Pit 401 – Best Fire Pit for the Wooden Deck
Being around for about less than a decade, Outland Living is the youngest company featured here. During this time, Outland Living has managed to specialize in products like fire tables and fire pits so much so that the company has made it a point to focus all of its efforts and focus on making its products appealing to the niche market.
- Perfect addition of functionality and style for your...
- Product dimensions – 44” L x 32” W x 24” H | Max...
All of their efforts were paid off by introducing the Series 401 to the industry and this product managed to become our editor’s top pick!
Materials
One of the most impressive qualities of this fire pit is the fact that every section and component of this product has been made with very high-quality materials. The burner of this product has been made with stainless steel which means that the product will not be prone to rust while also keeping it safe from permanently scorching.
The frame of this product has been made with very strong aluminum which is also known to be similarly quite resistant to corrosion and rust. This is one reason why the frame of this product also works perfectly as a decent heat sink.
Lastly, the exterior of the Series 401 fire pit has been wrapped with resin-woven polyethylene to create a nice wicker design and bring about an aesthetic touch for your home.
Fuel
As we mentioned before, this particular feature of fire pits is a very important consideration and will remain a consistent topic in all the other reviews for best fire pits for wood decks. This is specifically because each fuel source has its advantages and disadvantages.
In the Outland Lining Series 401, propane has been used for the fuel source and this makes the product both versatile and convenient. This fuel source of the product will make the Outland Living Series 401 fit for a little light cooling while also making it easy for users to refuel. Refueling these products will be more of a simple hookup as opposed to other sources.
- This product produces about 35,000 BTUs
- The fuel source of this product is propane
- It features automatic ignition for a user-friendly experience
- Larger than the usual fire pits
- Glass tabletop rim
- Base of this product has been made with Resin
- Average burn time of about 12 to 16 hours
- Fire pit is slightly heavier than the average product
- The central pit isn’t the largest on the market
2. Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor – Best Propane Fire Pit Table
The Crawford Outdoor fire pit may be a licensed product of Christopher Knight Home, but in reality, they are both completely symbiotic and distinct entities. Both of these organizations, however, have among the oldest histories of outdoor products on our list – which also means they have had plenty of opportunities to perfect their products and services in the fire pit market.
- DIMENSIONS: 32.00"L x 32.00"W x 24.00"H
- One (1) 40,000 BTU Propane Gas fire pit with lava rocks...
It should also be noted that neither of these business entities is known to specialize in fire tables or fire pits – even though they have been successful in launching this high-quality product.
Convenience
The best fire pits for wood decks should be easy to manage and the Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor fire pit does exactly this. One of the most convenient factors about this product is that this is one of the few fire pits in the market that do not require assembly. Even some of the simplest fire pits in the market require mediocre amounts of assembly.
Furthermore, this fire pit is propane burning one – which make the Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoors very easy to refuel and hook up right from the get-go. Both the refueling and installation process can be done without getting help from professional services and facing their added costs.
Flame Options
Even though this is not the only fire pit out there for wooden decks that use propane as a source of fuel – but there is no doubt about the fact that it is one of the best in this category. Why is it the best? Well, the Christopher Knight Home Crawford Outdoor get a 40,000 BTU heat output from its propane source.
On top of this, this fire pit is among those products that will be able to provide you with 3 options for the setting. With these options, you will be able to set the heat levels accordingly. On top of this, the fire pit starts automatically with an electric flame. This means you don’t need any accelerant while lighting the fire or have to go out to collect tinder.
- Larger than the average fire pits in the industry
- Maximum of 40,000 BTUs of heat output
- Comes with a lava rock filler
- No assembly required
- Comes with a cover
- Product features a stone composite top
- Features an automatic electric ignition
- 12 hour burn time and 4 settings for the flame
- Extraordinary weight
- Underwhelming performance in windy conditions
3. Sunnydaze 42 Inch Fire Pit – Best Budget Fire Pit for Wooden Decks
The Sunnydaze fire pit is yet another product on our list that isn’t a company of its own and is manufactured by a larger umbrella of products. Sunnydaze is a brand that has its distinct identity but the brand falls under the umbrella of Home Décor and Serenity Health.
- Perfect for large gatherings: Large 41.5-inch round diameter...
- Long lasting and heavy duty: This deep metal moon and stars...
All of the above means that the manufacturer of this product has not specialized in the production of fire tables and fire pits – even though they have been around for about 2 decades now. They will most definitely have a lot of knowledge about these products because 2 decades is quite a lot of experience, even though they didn’t manage to specialize.
Fuel Source
The Sunnydaze 40-inch fire pit relies on wood as its fuel source which means that this product can bring about more radiant heat as opposed to those products that rely on natural gas and propane to work.
Using wood as your fuel source also means that the user will have the ability to keep their overhead costs quite low. Users will, however, have to go out on their own to collect and chop wood to use this fire pit.
Value
Beyond the fact that this product uses a very convenient source of fuel, the Sunnydaze brings about yet another advantage. This fire pit is the least expensive product on our list and this does not point to the fact that it is a poor quality product. While being the least expensive, this fire pit is also the largest and the lightest in this review! This, on its own, has made the product the best in 3 categories.
- Lightest fire pit on our list
- Least expensive fire pit in our review
- Largest in size
- Easy to assemble on your own
- Comes with a spark screen and a fire poker
- Interesting cutouts in its design
- More prone to rust as opposed to most other fire pads in the market
- Less durable as opposed to some of its competitors
4. Sunnydaze 32-Inch Fire Pit
The Sunnydaze 32-Inch Fire Pit is a portable, wood-burning fire pit designed for use on patios and wooden decks. With a 32-inch diameter and an elegant copper finish, this fire pit offers stylish and functional outdoor heating, perfect for those cool evenings spent with friends and family.
- Perfect size for an evening in the yard: 32.25 inches outer...
- Durable solid construction: Backyard fire bowl is made from...
Construction
This fire pit features durable and solid construction, ensuring it can withstand extended use and harsh outdoor elements. It is constructed from 0.7 mm thick steel metal, which contributes to the stability and sturdiness of the fire pit. The steel metal not only provides strength to the overall structure but also avoids rapid deterioration due to the high temperatures the fire pit is exposed to during operation.
Additionally, the fire pit is coated with a high-temperature copper finish, which enhances its visual appeal while also adding resistance to rust. Rust can significantly affect the lifespan and structural integrity of metal outdoor furniture like fire pits. The high-temperature copper finish helps protect the steel metal from rusting, thus maintaining the fire pit’s aesthetics and prolonging its usability.
As a result of its well-constructed and robust design, the Sunnydaze 32-Inch Fire Pit Bowl offers a high-quality outdoor heating experience that is perfect for both casual backyard relaxation and larger gatherings. Users can expect a long-lasting, dependable, and attractive fire pit that will enhance the overall atmosphere and warmth of their outdoor living spaces.
Safety
The 7-inch clearance provided between the bottom of the fire pit bowl and the ground ensures that heat is kept at a safe distance from wooden decks. This significantly reduces the risk of damaging your wooden surfaces due to high temperatures.
In addition, the fire pit bowl is both deep and wide, allowing for adequate space to add a layer of sand at the bottom. This layer of sand acts as insulation between the burning wood and the deck, further ensuring the safety of your wooden surfaces. The spacious bowl also ensures that it can hold more wood, thus making the fire pit heavier and less likely to tip over. Moreover, the fire pit includes a spark screen to prevent embers and sparks from flying out of the fire pit, which could cause damage to your deck or even cause a fire hazard.
- Elevated clearance safeguards wooden decks from heat
- Accommodates plenty of wood and sand for insulation
- Included spark screen keeps embers contained and minimizes damage
- Durable construction with steady legs
- Comes with a spark screen and a fire poker
- Poker provided for convenient, safe handling of hot wood
- Potential assembly difficulties due to misaligned holes
5. Sunnydaze Cast Iron Round Fire Pit
The Sunnydaze Cast Iron Round Fire Pit is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of durability, visual appeal, and safety in their fire pit. Designed with wooden decks in mind, this 30-inch fire pit sets itself apart from the competition thanks to its large size, stable design, and added safety features. If you’re planning to spruce up your outdoor space with a beautiful and secure fire pit, Sunnydaze Cast Iron Round Fire Pit is worth considering.
- Overall dimensions: 30-inch diameter x 35 inches wide x 24...
- Sturdy durable heavy duty construction: 5mm thick cast iron...
Built-In Log Rack
A distinctive attribute of the Sunnydaze Cast Iron Round Fire Pit is its built-in log rack. This feature not only enhances the overall appearance and functionality of the fire pit but also offers a practical solution for storing and arranging firewood.
Positioned at the base of the fire pit stand, the log rack is ideal for storing kindling close at hand while enjoying a cozy fire in your backyard. It also helps in drying out wet wood, ensuring that you have dry, ready-to-use logs whenever required.
Having a dedicated storage area for firewood near the fire pit can improve your outdoor experience, as it eliminates the need for constant back-and-forth trips to collect logs, allowing you to maintain a consistent fire for extended periods.
Construction
The fire bowl has a broad design that securely holds the burning wood, providing sufficient space for larger logs and creating a cozy atmosphere for your outdoor gatherings. Another feature that stands out is the ample space between the fire bowl and the deck surface. This gap ensures that the heat emanating from the pit is safely dissipated, reducing the risk of damaging your wooden deck and allowing for worry-free enjoyment.
Moving the fire pit has never been easier, thanks to the handles on the fire bowl. This design feature allows you to reposition the fire pit as needed for various gatherings or events. Furthermore, the cast iron construction ensures sturdiness and durability for years of reliable use, giving you peace of mind when investing in this product.
Lastly, the stable four-leg design of the Sunnydaze Cast Iron Round Fire Pit not merely contributes to its visual appeal but also adds a crucial level of safety by preventing the fire pit from tipping over and spilling burning logs.
- Large fire bowl for ample burning space
- Efficient heat dissipation for protecting wooden decks
- Elevated design and additional safety features
- Convenient handles for easy relocation
- Robust cast iron construction for durability
- Added stability through four-leg design
- Spark screen not included and must be purchased separately
Buying Guide For The Best First Pit for Wood Decks
While the above-mentioned 5 products were the best of all the fire pits we reviewed, we still need to learn a thing or two about how to choose the best product for your needs. Our buyer’s guide briefly explains the most important considerations you need to keep in mind while choosing a fire pit.
Who Needs Fire Pits for Wood Decks?
If your home has a deck made out of wood (or any other weaker material for that matter), you may want to look for the best fire pits for wood decks. Naturally, you would like to enjoy the tranquility and warmth of a fire pit with your friends and family. The only problem you face is that the low melting point of your deck or its flammability stops you from doing so.
Don’t worry; all you need to do is make sure that your choice of fire deck has been specifically and specially designed to protect whatever material your deck is made out of. The radiant heat from these fire pits have been tried and tested to be completely harmless.
What Constitutes to the Best Fire Pits for Wood Decks?
There isn’t just one answer to this question. The perfect answer for you will depend completely on what you wish to attain from your fire pit. If you simply want your fire pit to generate some radiant heat, then you don’t necessarily need to buy the same fire pit that can be used for light cooking.
Not all fire pits can be used for grilling and fuel sources of the fire pit are the reason behind this. If the fire pit burns wood, then it will be safe for a little light cooking, but it will require an additional fire pit pad.
How to Look for the Best fire pits for wood decks?
Figuring out which fire pits are perfect for wood decks on your own can turn out to be quite a confusing and difficult task. For this very reason, we have gone forward and compiled some of the very best fire pits for wood decks in the market.
In this guide, you will also find why each fire pit is the best alongside specific features that may be exactly what you were looking for or what your home needs. That said let’s move right onto our list of best fire pits for wood decks.
Material
Analyzing all the materials that are used to form fire pits in terms of their benefits and drawbacks can become daunting. On top of all of this, every specific part of fire pit consists of different material and you will need to understand the specific component to understand the significance of the materials used.
The issue of materials tends to become even trickier if you throw in the additional fire pads into the mix because the materials of the fire pit may be the same as the pads. This is troublesome because both these products have been intended to serve completely different purposes entirely.
Even though considering the materials of fire pits and fire pads is necessary, it is one of the most important considerations while looking for the best fire pits for wood decks.
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Resin
While the resin is technically made from plant materials, the most common among the types of resin is the one that is made of synthetic polymer and is known as polyethylene. This material is a little tricky when it comes to outdoor products because the synthetic material will be in close contact with high levels of heat and direct flames.
Most synthetic materials tend to have low melting points and fail to withstand the stress from these temperatures in the long run. What’s more? Polyethylene is known to have the lowest melting point when it comes to all the materials used in fire pits.
If you purchase a fire pit that uses resin in the different materials it is manufactured from, you should make sure that there is at least one insulating layer between the resin and the flame. When flame will be produced in such a manner, then a great deal of the heat will be warded off the resin material.
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Steel
Steel is a very common material in fire pits for a multitude of reasons, one being that steel has a very high melting point and is among the strongest materials to be used to manufacture fire pits.
The melting point of steel is one of the most important reasons why most fire pits have steel somewhere or the other in their manufacturing process. Steel will usually be seen in the burner, the frame, and the entire body of the fire pit.
What’s even better? Steel tends to be one of the materials that make the overall weight of fire pits lighter. The major issue with this material, however, is that when it is exposed to certain elements, it comes down with corrosion and rust. This problem will become especially troublesome when your home is host to recurrent weather changes.
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Concrete
Concrete, as you may have seen in all the product reviews above, isn’t exactly a common material for fire pits – but this isn’t the case because of its effectiveness. The only reason that concrete is not used for most fire pits is that it makes the fire pit very heavy.
Other than the weight, however, concrete is easily one of the most effective materials to be used in the manufacturing of fire pits. This is because concrete pits tend to remain cooler to touch even in the most scorching temperatures. Concrete will also never melt, even if the entire fire pit was to catch fire.
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Cast Iron
Cast Iron should be considered the ideal material for most purposes, but this doesn’t mean that the material doesn’t have its limitations. Other than these, however, cast iron can be the best material to use if you wish for your fire pit to generate heat and keep you warm.
Cast iron absorbs heat beautifully and once it reaches its capacity, it begins to radiate the heat outwards. Cast iron can also continue to radiate heat even when the fire has been put out!
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Aluminum
Depending on the fire pit you are considering, aluminum tends to work multiple functions. Even though this is the case, aluminum should generally not be used to make the body of fire pits. Instead, aluminum should be used for the frame of the fire pit because it resists the different environmental stresses around while also being a strong material.
Aluminum is also considered a great heat sink while also being the most common material in fire pits because it prevents these products from damaging the wood decks underneath.
Best Fire Pits For Wooden Deck Conclusion
As you may have determined on your own, the best fire pits for wood decks depends completely on what you’re looking for. There are numerous differences between all the fire pit products in the industry. The subtlest difference can mean a huge difference.
If you are looking for a fire pit that is versatile, easy to use, and clean, then you need to consider the Outland Living Fire Pit. This product is highly recommended for people that are looking for the best form of versatility for the most reasonable price.
If, however, you’re looking to keep warm from your choice of a fire pit, then you need a product that uses burning wood as fuel. This means that the best fire pits for wood decks in your home are the ones from Catalina Creations.
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