Outdoor Living & Lifestyles - Outdoor Fire Pit

My sister just gave us a very expensive house warming gift of an outdor fire pit. The problem is we only have a wood deck where we could use it. Does anyone have asuggestion on how to use a fire pit on a wood deck?

What type of fire pit did you receive?

Does the firepit have instructions? Does it provide guidance to where it can be used? I have seen some that may be used on wood decks. It just depends on what you have.

Along with what PD asked...
Is this a wood or gas (propane, NG) pit? If its small enough, you could set it on a piece of durock tile backerboard to protect the deck somewhat.

In many towns/cities/states, these firepits are actually illegal. I know they are in my town/state (not sure if its a state law but do now that it is illegal in many towns). I think if falls under open fire category.

That being said, I have one (not sure how stores get away with being able to sell something that is considered illegal, might fall under the same law as old cable box descramblers which were legal to sell but illegal to use).

Mine is a wood fueled fire pit and I have a wooden deck. I am not suggesting you do the same, but telling you what I do. I use a 2gallon watering can to periodically "water" the deck around the pit and always have the water can full near by. I have never had an incident.

I also believe they make fireproof mats that you can buy, and place around, but technically, the pit may be illegal.