How to Add a Fire Ring in a Deck
Enjoying the sounds and smells of a warm, crackling fire is a relaxing way to entertain family and friends. Since many towns and homeowners associations will not allow even small bonfires in the backyard, fire rings and pits provide a safer, contained fire.
There are various ways to add a fire ring to an existing deck. Although you can have a large one built in by a contractor, a portable ring or bowl can be added in a day with minimal expense, as long as you take the time to ensure a few safety features.
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Things You'll Need
- Fire bowl or pit, available at lawn and garden stores
- 4 to 8 large square stone patio tiles, plain or patterned
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Decide where you plan to put the fire ring or pit. Make sure that there is enough space on all sides to place chairs and that the fire itself will not be next to the house or railing side of the deck.
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2
Measure the area that will hold the pit and write this information down; you will want to take it with you when purchasing a bowl or pit to make sure you do not buy one that is too large for the allotted space.
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3
Research the types of pits and bowls available to choose a style and shape. You can do this online or by going to lawn and garden stores.
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4
Buy the bowl or pit that you wish to use, either at a lawn and garden store or online, making sure the measurements fit within the confines of the planned space. Additionally, purchase the square stone tiles, which will be placed under the fire pit to separate it from the deck. Measure to make sure the combined footage of the tile will encompass the width of the fire pit.
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5
Contact a contractor if you wish to have the bowl permanently installed in the deck, with a gas line attached. This will require some construction by an expert.
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6
Place the tiles face-up on the deck, in a square pattern, where you plan to place the fire pit.
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7
Remove the pit from the packaging and place it on top of the tile, planting the legs securely. The tile should be wide enough to stick out on all sides of the bottom portion of the fire pit.
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8
Read the manufacturer's safety directions before using the fire pit.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure not to stack wood too high when using the fire pit, to avoid flying sparks.
Flying embers can ignite an untreated wood deck, hair or clothing. You should keep a fire extinguisher handy when using the fire ring.
