A canopy in your garden is a great place to meet up with friends or enjoy a family dinner. You can customize it with baby lights or curtains, so it can be used all year long. But can you put a fire pit under a canopy?
Yes, you can as long as you’re following the safety precautions. Choosing the right location and setup for your fire pit will turn your canopy into the best conversational spot. However, there are a few precautions that you need to take into consideration.
In this article, we’ll explain how to set up a fire pit safely and whether it’s the right choice for you. So, keep on reading to learn more about this topic.
Setting Up a Fire Pit Under the Canopy
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A canopy is usually placed on your deck, patio, or in the backyard to create a shaded and private seating or dining area. It can be considered as an extension of your home because you have an outdoor seating area equipped with an entertainment unit and sound system, or an outdoor dining area with a grill and bar setup to enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.
To add more warmth, you’ve probably thought about setting up a fire pit under your canopy. More homeowners are currently setting up fire pits in their backyards for several reasons.
- A fire pit will allow you to enjoy your backyard for a longer period throughout the day and throughout the day. You can enjoy sitting in your outdoor area even when the temperature drops at night and in colder months.
- The fire is considered an indirect source of light to add the perfect ambiance to your backyard.
- The fire pit will be the perfect spot to warm up after enjoying a dip if you have a pool in your backyard. Moreover, it will be a great spot to gather on cold winter nights.
- Although it doesn’t offer a convenient cooking setup, you can roast marshmallows while you’re enjoying a conversation with your friends and family.
- A fire pit creates a focal point in your landscape and highlights the other elements in your backyard.
- Setting up a fire pit in your backyard will improve the market value of your property.
- You can choose between a gas-burning fire pit or a wood-burning one depending on the effect you want to create in your outdoor area.
How to Install a Fire Pit Safely
If you’ve already decided on installing a fire pit in your outdoor space, you need to follow some safety regulations.
- Check with your city or county before installing the fire pit. Some areas prohibit installing fire pits, and in some cases, you might be asked to get a permit.
- Make sure that there’s enough space around the fire pit. If you have a small canopy and the seats are very close to each other, then you might reconsider installing a fire pit.
For warmth, you can go for an outdoor heater because it will be safer. Don’t set up the fire pit very close to hanging branches or tree trunks. There should be enough space for you to walk freely without touching the corners of the fire pit.
- Even without curtains, there should be some sort of ventilation to make sure that the smoke won’t build up in your outdoor area. Due to its low molecular weight, smoke can accumulate around the fire pit in your seating area, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If possible, pick an open-roof canopy to let the smoke out.
- Pick the suitable material for your outdoor furniture. It’s best to pick furniture made of metal or built benches that are made of stone or cement. Fire pits can create sparks that ignite dry wood, so it’s best to avoid wooden furniture.
- Make sure that all the curtains are tied properly or even remove them before using the fire pit. Flowing curtains can accidentally get caught up in the fire and cause a disaster.
- Choose the right flooring material where you want to install your fire pit. The least favorable material is wood or composite because both materials can burn easily. Vinyl is a better option, but it can crack when exposed to heat. The best option to consider is to install stone or concrete flooring because these two materials are durable and heat-resistant.
- If you choose to use a wood-burning fire pit, install a safety screen to protect you and your furniture from flying sparks. However, gas-burning fire pits are typically safer because they produce a cleaner fire.
- Never leave your fire unattended or decide to sleep around it. Always put the fire out before going to bed. You should always keep kids away from the fire.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. You and your family members should learn how to use a fire extinguisher, so you can deal with an emergency.
Should I Put a Fire Pit Under a Canopy
This is a personal decision. A fire pit can add a lot of warmth and elegance to your outdoor space, but it might not be the best decision for you. For example, if you have a small outdoor space or your kids like to spend most of their time playing alone in the backyard, you might want to reconsider this condition.
You should also consult a professional before buying and installing a fire pit. They will assess the situation and tell you about any risks and the other alternatives that you can choose.
Conclusion
You can put a fire pit under a canopy in your backyard to create a cozy and warm outdoor seating area, add more ambiance to your backyard, or make your outdoor dining area look more sophisticated.
However, if you don’t have enough space or your outdoor area is always occupied by active children, you might want to reconsider your decision. Luckily, there are different types of fire pits to choose from, and an expert can help you pick the right one.
