Chimineas are great outdoor fireplaces that can be placed anywhere, but it's important to know if they will work for your needs. In this article, we'll outline the pros and cons of placing Chimineas on wooden decks.
Chimineas are a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your deck or patio, but they're not always the best choice for wooden decks because of their open flame design. Chimineas are usually built with bricks, stone, metal or clay - all materials that can withstand high heat without warping or burning through. This is a positive when thinking of placing a chiminea on a wooden deck.
Chimineas also typically have an adjustable flue system that lets you control how much smoke is released into the air while still providing enough oxygen for combustion and a pleasant fire experience. Chimineas are very popular in Europe where they're often used on balconies and terraces as well as patios and decks.
Can a chiminea go on decking?
Most decking materials don't provide a good surface for a chiminea, especially if they're made of wood. There are also products available that can be used to cover an area around the pit, but these may need replacement periodically.
That said, there are some decking materials that can be used for chimineas. Metal is the top choice as it doesn't burn and won't warp or rot like wood will.
For building codes for putting a chiminea onto decking materials, you should consult your local building codes.
How do you install a chiminea on a wood deck?
Installing a chiminea on wood decks is possible, but there are some things to take into consideration before doing so. You will want to check with your city's building codes before installation and measure your deck's dimensions to ensure that there is enough space for the chiminea before anything else.
The chiminea must be installed at least 10 feet from any combustible materials or structures. The installation of the pit will require sufficient clearance above its top surface. The chiminea should be installed in a position that will not obstruct the access to any entrances or exits on your deck. It is also important for visibility and safety reasons to install it away from exterior stairs, building walls, and other objects.
You also put a heat shield or heat pad under your chiminea to protect your deck from the heat emitted from the fire.
What do you put under a chiminea?
A firepit pad is an excellent protective material that you can use to protect your wooden deck from the heat of the flame your chiminea produces. A fire pit pad offers a barrier from heat that will stop damage to the wood. There are many firepit pads on the market, you will have to find one that works for your situation.
A fire pit pad is made from a material that is resistant to heat. This can be anything like vinyl or ceramic tiles, bricks, stones and even metal. You just need to ensure you buy the right size for your chiminea depending on how large it will be and what surface area of wood you want to protect.
You can also create your own heat shield by using a layer of bricks or stones under your chiminea. This is good if you just want to protect the part of your deck that is under your chiminea from being damaged from the heat, but doesn't offer as much protection for other parts that might be in contact with the flames .
Is a chiminea safer than a fire pit?
Chimineas are safer because they have a layer of ceramic between the fire and you, whereas with an open pit you are exposed to a lot more of the flames. Chimineas also direct heat and smoke upwards which can be helpful on breezy evenings when the smoke wants to blow back at you and your guest. Chimineas are also a cozy way to enjoy the flames.
You also should use a screen on the opening of your chiminea. Like fire pits, embers can escape from your chiminea and cause other things to catch on fire. Sometimes embers can travel miles and still be able to start a fire.
Fire pits do have a lower cost both in purchase price and maintenance costs which is an added bonus for those who don't need the extra features that chimineas offer.
Do you need a stand for a chiminea?
If you chiminea has built in legs, then you don't need a stand. If your chiminea doesn't have legs, then you can probably use it in the grass without a stand. If you want to use a chiminea without built in legs on a wood deck, you will need a stand.
Can you put a chiminea on a covered porch?
You shouldn't use a chiminea on a covered porch unless you are going to vent the exhaust. If you use a chiminea on a covered porch without venting it, smoke will build up and you will have trouble breathing.
How close can a chiminea be to a house?
A chiminea should be at least 10 feet away from a house. This is to keep any embers from flying out and catching your house on fire.
Do you have to put sand in the bottom of a chiminea?
You should put sand in the bottom of your chiminea. The sand will help protect the bottom from heat and things falling. The sand will also help absorb some of the heat from getting to your deck.
Can you use a chiminea in the winter?
Yes, you can use a chiminea in winter. If your chiminea is made of clay, you may need to put it inside or protect it when the temperature becomes very cold. This will prevent it from cracking.
If your chiminea is made of metal, you can use it in the winter. You also don't need to store it inside at this time. You may want to put a cover over it when there is snow or rain to protect it.
Conclusion
Yes, you can put a chiminea on a wooden deck. However, it's important to make sure that the area around where the chiminea will be placed is large enough to keep fire and heat spreading. If not, then you should consider purchasing or building an additional platform made of concrete or bricks and a screens in order to provide proper safety measures for your family and guests.