Can I Build a Fire Pit on My Composite Decking?
One way to improve your garden space and add aesthetic value is by building a fire pit into your composite deck, providing a space that can be utilised by your family and friends. You can build a fire pit on your composite decking if you follow the guidelines set by the decking manufacturer.
You must follow these instructions so that you don’t damage your composite decking.
1 Is composite less flammable than timber?
If you are new to composite decking, you should know its material composition is wood fibre and plastic. These materials are recycled materials but are not completely fire-resistant. When compared with timber decking, composite drastically outperforms it in numerous ways. Timber decking is rapidly combustible, whereas plastic tends to soften at around 176 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat will therefore deform the surface of your composite decking.
A fire pit can also cause erratic sparks, which can mark your decking. Therefore, you must also be cautious of the fact that if you leave your firepit burning for a prolonged period, the temperature may rise to a level that is capable of melting the deck.
2 Can I Install a Firepit on My Composite Decking?
If you are going to build a fire pit on the deck, it is imperative that you use a thermal barrier. This thermal barrier will prevent heat from warping the composite. You can also place the firepit on an aluminium tray that contains flameproof basalt rock-fibre insulation.
The insulation will keep the heat from damaging the decking and will act as a shield.
You must ensure complete precaution is applied as extreme heat will deform the surface of your composite decking. Aside from that, if you use metal to build the fire pit, the metal can produce lots of heat, reaching up to 800°f. This extreme heat will, in turn, melt the plastic composition of your composite decking. Therefore, in order to prevent any form of deck surface distortion, you must ensure the decking is protected from any possible damage.
3 Best Ways to Build a Firepit on Your Composite Decking
To build a fire pit on your composite decking correctly, you must use a thermal barrier. This thermal barrier will prevent heat from reaching and warping your composite decking boards. Also, you can utilise the product DeckProtect thermal barrier. This DeckProtect is an aluminium tray that contains flameproof basalt rock-fibre insulation.
This insulation or protection keeps heat from reaching the composite decking boards. So, you should use insulation instead of placing burning wood directly on your composite decking. Also, it is not an approved practice to use metal and put it inside or on top of your composite decking.
Please don’t place your gas fire pits on your composite decking because it can be dangerous. Always remember to use insulation that will stop the heat from reaching your decking and thereby prevent surface distortion of the decking.
Conclusion
One way you can be creative with composite decking is to build a fire pit for you and your family. However, you must ensure you use insulation when building the fire pit so that the heat will not melt the decking.