5 Best Fire Pits for Decks (Avoid the Deck Burn)

If you want to avoid your deck from getting torched, use a portable, elevated fire pit and a fireproof mat or a layer of metal or brick for heat insulation.

Best fire pits for decks come with a deep bowl design and spark screen and are far raised off the deck.

Top Options

Best Fire Pits For Decks

1. Sunnydaze Copper Raised Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl with Spark Screen

Highlights 

• 7 inches (17.78 cm) clearance provides good buffer from the fire’s heat
• Extra deep fire bowl has room for thick layer of sand for extra insulation
• Spark screen keeps embers from flying out and damaging deck
• Attractive copper finish suits a variety of outdoor decor styles
• Easy to assemble for a quick setup

Why It’s Great for Decks 

This wood burning fire pit is the best fire pit for deck because it will avoid damaging your deck. 

I liked how high it sits above the deck surface, a full 7 inches (17.78 cm) to keep the heat of the fire from singeing the decking. 

It also has an extra-deep fire bowl, so there’s lots of room at the bottom for a layer of sand to cut down on any heat transfer and keep the deck safe. 

I would have preferred it to have handles for ease of emptying the ashes, but the extended rim is easy to grasp.

Material	Steel
Diameter	31 in (78.74 cm)
Height	25.75 in (65.41 cm)
Weight	23 lbs (10.43 kg)
Fuel Source	Wood
Deck Distance	7 in (17.78 cm)
Package Includes	Fire bowl, stand, spark screen, wood grate, poker

2. Sunnydaze Cast Iron Fire Pit with Built-In Log Rack

Highlights

• Fire bowl sits 12 in (30.48 cm) high to keep flames from deck
• Log rack adds convenient storage and a buffer between the fire and deck
• Sturdy cast iron legs provide stability with no risk of tipping over
• Attached handles make it easy to move and clean
• Simple design is easy to assemble

Why It’s Great for Decks 

This wood burning raised fire pit is the best fire pit for composite deck because the fire sits higher above the deck, keeping your deck or porch safe. 

I also like the attached wood rack. Not only does it provide convenient storage for firewood, but it also helps to stabilize the fire pit, and adds an extra buffer between the fire bowl and the deck surface. 

I would have preferred it to come with a spark screen to safely contain burning embers, but it’s such a good deal that I don’t mind spending extra to purchase that safety feature separately.

Material	Cast iron
Diameter	30 in (76.2 cm)
Height	24 in (60.96 cm)
Weight	40.6 lbs (18.42 kg)
Fuel Source	Wood
Deck Distance	12 in (30.48 cm)
Package Includes	Fire bowl, stand

3. Sunnydaze Rope and Barrel Gas Fire Pit Table with Lava Rocks

Highlights 

• Propane flame sits 24 inches (60.96 cm) above the deck for safety
• Heavy, stable construction means it won’t tip over and damage deck
• Electronic ignition for safe and easy fire starting
• Attractive rustic design to complement country decor
• Durable cast stone will last for years, saving you money over time

Why It’s Great for Decks 

This is the best propane fire pit for deck because its sturdy construction and controlled propane flame make it the safest fire pit for a deck. 

I liked that it came fully assembled; all I had to do was hook up the propane tank and pour the lava rocks around the burner. 

The cast stone ceramic construction is tough and will last for years, and there’s also a cover included to protect it from bad weather. 

One issue is that the flame will blow out in strong winds, so it’s best to find a protected location for it on your deck.

Material	Ceramic
Diameter	29 in (73.66 cm)
Height	24 in (60.96 cm)
Weight	74 lbs (33.57 kg)
Fuel Source	Propane
Deck Distance	24 in (60.96 cm)
Package Includes	Fire Pit, Burner, Rocks, Hose, AAA Battery, Cover

Related: 5 Best Fire Pits for Wooden Decks to Avoid the Deck Burn

4. Sunnydaze Faux Stone Fire Pit Ring with Spark Screen

Highlights 

• Outer walls of concrete and fiberglass provide good insulation for the fire’s heat
• Included spark screen keeps embers from flying out and landing on deck
• Fire bowl has room for a layer of sand at the bottom as an added heat buffer
• Classic stone design adapts to different outdoor decor 
• Built in handles make it easy to move

Why It’s Great for Decks 

This is the best fire pit for a wooden deck because the faux stone outer walls keep the wood fire safely away from the deck surface. 

The elevated fire pit sits 5.5 in (13.97 cm) above the decking to provide a buffer between the fire and the deck. 

An added layer of sand poured into the bottom of the fire bowl also keeps the heat from damaging the wooden surface. 

While I found this fire pit a little awkward and heavy to move on my own, the built-in handles made it easy for two people to lift and reposition.

Material	Steel and Concrete
Diameter	35.75 in (90.8 cm)
Height	21.25 in (53.98 cm)
Weight	50.8 lbs (23.04 kg)
Fuel Source	Wood
Deck Distance	5.5 in (13.97 cm)
Package Includes	Fire pit, fire bowl, spark screen, wood grate, poker

5. Sunnydaze Outdoor Cast Stone Propane Gas Fire Pit with Lava Rocks

Highlights 

• Controlled propane flame is kept far from the deck surface for extra safety
• Sturdy, heavy cast stone construction can’t tip over and damage the deck
• Convenient electronic ignition makes starting the flame easy and safe
• Cast stone frame will last for years and save you money on replacements
• Classic stone design will work in a variety of decors

Why It’s Great for Decks 

This is the best gas fire pit for deck because its simple, safe design will keep the propane flame well away from the deck surface. 

I find that the deck safe fire pit table is not only attractive but practical, providing a convenient spot to prop your feet or rest a drink while enjoying the fire. 

The included cover protects your gas fire pit from the elements, giving you more years of use. 

The only downside is finding a way to hide the propane tank, which cannot be placed inside the fire pit. 

However, once you’ve been able to screen it off, you will have a lovely fire pit for your deck.

Material	Ceramic
Diameter	30 in (76.2 cm)
Height	9 in (22.86 cm)
Weight	63 lbs (28.58 kg)
Fuel Source	Propane
Deck Distance	9 in (22.86 cm)
Package Includes	Fire Pit, Burner, Rocks, Hose, AAA Battery, Cover

Wood Burning vs. Gas Fire Pit

The perfect way to finish off your deck is by adding a safe fire pit. When choosing between a wood burning or gas fire pit, there are a few key differences to consider. 

Gas fire pits are definitely safer, because of their controlled flames that throw off less heat. 

However, if you really want the comfy heat of a crackling wood fire, a wood burning model can also be a porch safe fire pit. 

You will just have to take into account the safety requirements of minimum distance from the deck, and the material that the fire pit is made of.

Choosing a Wood Burning Fire Pit for a Deck  

The most important requirement for a wood burning fire pit on a deck is the clearance above the deck surface, which should be at least 5 inches (12.7 cm), ideally 7 inches or more.

Material 

Your wood burning fire pit needs to be made out of metal to be a fire pit that is safe for your deck. Whether it is constructed from cast iron, steel, or even copper, a metal fire bowl on sturdy metal legs is a deck friendly fire pit that will be a lightweight but safe fire pit.

Distance From Deck

The single most important factor in choosing a deck safe fire pit is the distance from the bottom of the fire bowl to the deck surface. As an absolute minimum, look for one that is at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) above the deck, and preferably 7 inches or more. This will keep the deck from getting burnt.

Deep Bowl Design 

A wood burning outdoor fire pit safe for a deck should have a deep fire bowl. When the bowl has that additional depth, you will be able to pour in a few inches of sand to cover the bottom of the bowl. This adds an extra buffer between the heat of the fire and the deck.

Spark Screen 

The crackling of a real wood fire is one of its appeals, but it also adds some risk, as the embers can fly out and land on the deck. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a deck fireplace that comes with a spark screen. This lets you see the fire while still keeping sparks and embers where they belong.

Fire Pit Pad 

A fire pit pad is not an optional accessory when you are putting a wood burning fire pit on a deck. This heat shield, made of metal or stone, will insulate the deck surface from the high temperature of your deck fire pit. It’s best to get a fire pit pad that all the legs of your fire pit can sit on.