Regulations

CEILING HEIGHT

First, You need to find out if the ceiling on your covered patio is high enough to house a fire pit underneath. Heat from the fire will go straight up and may cause extensive damage to the ceiling over time, and could even result in a fire if it’s too close.

Check the manufacturer’s minimum required height clearance and your city’s codes and regulations to make sure it’s okay to put a fire pit under your covered patio.

VENTILATION

You should never use a fire pit in an enclosed space. Smoke is highly toxic and can build up quickly if a fire is not properly ventilated.

Check the manufacturer and city requirements to determine how much of your structure should be open to allow for proper air flow.

LOCATION

Next, check with your city and the manufacturer instructions to find out the minimum distance required for the fire pit location.

Your space should be clear, open, and free of low-hanging trees, plants, and other material that catches fire easily.

FLOORING

Finally, you need to consider the type of flooring you have on your patio. Wooden, composite, and vinyl flooring are combustible surfaces and you will need to take care when selecting a fire pit to use on top of them.

Stone, brick, metal and concrete flooring are the safest options. Read more about the best surfaces for your fire pit here!